Marco Barrera Edges Erik Morales in Classic Encounter

Marco Antonio Barrera has claimed the WBC super-featherweight title with a majority points win over Erik Morales at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Barrera prevailed by scores of 115-113 and 115-114 on two of the judges' scorecards, while the third had it as a draw at 114-114.

The win puts Barrera 2-1 ahead in his magnificent trilogy with fellow Mexican legend Morales. It was a classic encounter that matched their first thrilling battle of four years ago.

Barrera's strategy to fight aggresively, but in measured bursts, clearly worked on the night.

“Our plan was to be aggressive and jump on top of him because we know from the distance he is very dangerous,” said Barrera.

Morales was unable to get off early and was clearly hampered by breathing problems after damage to his nose early in the fight.

My body didn't respond to what I wanted it to do,” Morales said. “I don't know why.”

Punch stats showed Barrera landing 290 of 765 punches to 231 of 808 for Morales.