A Golden Boy press release today has made it official: Lucas Matthysse and Erik Morales will fight on the Mayweather vs Ortiz undercard on September 17.
Both fighters are excited for the opportunity, with Morales looking forward to taking a second crack at becoming the first Mexican fighter in history to win major title belts in four weight classes.
"This fight is the chance of a lifetime," said Morales. "I have waited for this moment my entire career. To have the opportunity to win world titles in four weight divisions on Mexican Independence Day and on a night like this is a dream come true. I am going to train harder than ever to make the Mexican people proud and to be victorious on September 17."
Morales, 34, came up just barely shy of winning a title at lightweight in 2007 when he was narrowly defeated by David Diaz. That was for a title at lightweight, while this fight could make him a titleholder at junior welterweight. Morales (51-7, 35 KO) has won titles at super bantamweight, featherweight, and super featherweight already.
But to win the title, he'll have to go through the 28-year-old Matthysse (28-2, 26 KO), which will be no easy task. Despite Morales putting in a great performance in April against Marcos Maidana, Matthysse will likely be considered a solid favorite by most for this fight, and as he feels he's been robbed in his last two fights in the United States, he's appreciative of the opportunity.
"I cannot wait to get in the ring and fight Erik Morales," said Matthysse. "I will do anything and everything I can to walk away from this fight as a world champion. I will work harder because I don't want to pass up this magnificent opportunity."
Matthysse lost a debated split decision last August to Zab Judah in Newark, and was recently given the short end in Missouri against Devon Alexander in a fight many felt he clearly won.
Also in the press release, PPV openers Jessie Vargas (16-0, 9 KO) and Josesito Lopez (29-3, 17 KO) expressed their excitement over fighting on the big event.
"On September 17, I know I will be ready to show the world that all of my hard work and preparation has led to this opportunity," said Vargas. "I am so excited to be a part of this event and I look forward to beating Lopez and keeping my undefeated record."
"I am very excited to be a part of this event and to show the world that I am a force to be reckoned with in the ring," said Lopez. "I haven't lost a fight in over three years and I don't plan on losing this one. Jessie Vargas might be undefeated now, but he won't be after September 17."