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Finally got to see this fight last night.
Now, I admit (with all due respect to the source) I perhaps didn't get to see it pristine as it was a WMV file. But even so... I thought it was competitive. Seriously.
I have no bias on either side, and although Eric was playing catch-up for most of the bout - Zahir certainly beat Morales more convincingly than the only other man to best him, Barrera - he was still in the mix all the way.
The way you'd read it on here (or hear it on HBO - more later) you'd think it was a total one-sided shut-out. Even Julie Lederman had it 118-110. Take that on board - one of the judges had it a virtual shut-out. Then add this to the pile of logic - she's the daughter of a total prick who's living in life is to shout "Okay, Jim!!!" like a complete arse.
Morales's power was playing a factor all throughout the night - sure, Zahir's a slick, slick boxer but the way it's been told you'd think he dropped the moves and was just using Erik as a punching bag. Instead he was so aware of Morales's power, even at Lightweight, that was overreliant on the art of escapology, especially in the last two rounds.
Who hit who? To listen to the commentators you'd think Zahir was landing bomb after bomb. Sure, he did register with Erik, though his big assault seemed to have more to do with Erik's "off night" bad balance than a real telling shot. As far as I could see there was only ONE genuine knock down in all the many stumbles during the fight... and when Raheem got hit by Morales and had his glove make contact the ref didn't even notice. Lucky man.
But what about those commentators? I have never - NEVER - heard so much bias in my life. What had Erik done, screwed their wives the night before or something? Every time Zahir connected they'd make out like it was a flush uppercut. Every time Morales was backing him up (which was a LOT more frequent then they allowed) it was "Raheem is dominating". At certain during the fight I honestly thought I had a sound/video synch problem, as I could see Erik manning up and landing, and getting no credit, but Jim Lampley pulling off Raheem's ****. Even Larry Merchant kept getting in the ring to give it a tug.
Don't get wrong, Morales LOST. And he was behind most of the way - in terms of it being a FIGHT, then Raheem seemed to get the best of it. But in terms of it being a round-by-round boxing match, I had it 116-112 Raheem, and that's not including the KD that wasn't scored.
Morales lost? Yes. He was schooled? In my opinion, no.
Ah, what do I care? He's a bad loser anyway. Barrera's the "Baby Faced Assassin", but it's Erik who throws his teddy out of the pram.
Now, I admit (with all due respect to the source) I perhaps didn't get to see it pristine as it was a WMV file. But even so... I thought it was competitive. Seriously.
I have no bias on either side, and although Eric was playing catch-up for most of the bout - Zahir certainly beat Morales more convincingly than the only other man to best him, Barrera - he was still in the mix all the way.
The way you'd read it on here (or hear it on HBO - more later) you'd think it was a total one-sided shut-out. Even Julie Lederman had it 118-110. Take that on board - one of the judges had it a virtual shut-out. Then add this to the pile of logic - she's the daughter of a total prick who's living in life is to shout "Okay, Jim!!!" like a complete arse.
Morales's power was playing a factor all throughout the night - sure, Zahir's a slick, slick boxer but the way it's been told you'd think he dropped the moves and was just using Erik as a punching bag. Instead he was so aware of Morales's power, even at Lightweight, that was overreliant on the art of escapology, especially in the last two rounds.
Who hit who? To listen to the commentators you'd think Zahir was landing bomb after bomb. Sure, he did register with Erik, though his big assault seemed to have more to do with Erik's "off night" bad balance than a real telling shot. As far as I could see there was only ONE genuine knock down in all the many stumbles during the fight... and when Raheem got hit by Morales and had his glove make contact the ref didn't even notice. Lucky man.
But what about those commentators? I have never - NEVER - heard so much bias in my life. What had Erik done, screwed their wives the night before or something? Every time Zahir connected they'd make out like it was a flush uppercut. Every time Morales was backing him up (which was a LOT more frequent then they allowed) it was "Raheem is dominating". At certain during the fight I honestly thought I had a sound/video synch problem, as I could see Erik manning up and landing, and getting no credit, but Jim Lampley pulling off Raheem's ****. Even Larry Merchant kept getting in the ring to give it a tug.
Don't get wrong, Morales LOST. And he was behind most of the way - in terms of it being a FIGHT, then Raheem seemed to get the best of it. But in terms of it being a round-by-round boxing match, I had it 116-112 Raheem, and that's not including the KD that wasn't scored.
Morales lost? Yes. He was schooled? In my opinion, no.
Ah, what do I care? He's a bad loser anyway. Barrera's the "Baby Faced Assassin", but it's Erik who throws his teddy out of the pram.
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