Morales bows to the inevitable

Erik Morales has accepted what most people in boxing were all too aware of - thousands of punches to the head have taken their toll on a great warrior.

The 30-year-old Mexican put up more of a fight in his unsuccessful WBC lightweight title challenge this weekend than in his previous outing but after losing a close decision to champion David Diaz, finally called it a day.

Morales, who was aiming to become the first Mexican to win belts in four weight classes, said: "You are not going to see me in the ring again. This is it, I'm not going to fight anymore. I've taken too many punches, particularly to the head area."

Chicago native Diaz (33-1-1, 17 KOs) said afterwards: "I just want to thank everybody here in Chicago for their support, even to the people who booed me.

"I love you, and you guys are making me work even harder for my next fight."

Throughout the bout, referee Benji Estevez separated the fighters and warned Diaz for punches that bordered on illegal.

Afterwards, Jose Morales - Erik's father and trainer - accused Diaz of dirty tactics.

But Diaz defended his methods, saying: "This was a fight, not a chess match, and I did what I had to do to win - thank God we came out with a victory.

"There is not an ounce of dirtiness in me. I go out there and fight and try to give the fans everything they want to see."