Barrera victorious in Morales rematch

LAS VEGAS — Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera put on another battle for the ages Saturday night, with Barrera coming out on top in a wild slugfest that was every bit the equal of the classic battle the two fought four years ago.

Barrera won a majority decision by the slimmest of margins to take the WBC 130-pound title from Morales in the rubber match between the two Mexican warriors.

Barrera held two fingers in the air to signify his second win in a row over Morales, who stared in disbelief as the decision was read.

Barrera was favored 115-113 on one card and 115-114 on a second. The third judge had it 114-114.

The Associated Press also had the fight even, 114-114.

Before a loud crowd that filled the MGM Grand hotel-casino arena and seemed split between the two, Morales and Barrera gave them all something to cheer for in a fight that began at a furious pace and rarely slackened.