Golden Boy Promotions prospects Diego De La Hoya and Carlos Morales won as anticipated tonight at the sold-out Belasco Theater in Los Angeles, with Nick Arce, Oscar Duarte, and Francisco Esparza Jr also scoring victories.
De La Hoya (14-0, 8 KO) knockedout veteran Arturo Badillo (21-10, 19 KO) in the fourth round on a wicked body shot, which put the 28-year-old fighter from Tijuana on the mat and out of the fight. De La Hoya, 21, continues to impress at the level he's at, and has certainly earned legitimate attention as a prospect, not just because his name is De La Hoya.
"At first, the excitement got the best of me and I was trying to look for a knockout but in the second round I realized I was going to play into his game," De La Hoya said. "I decided to change the pace and take my time and just play to safe. By the third round, I realized he was getting tired and that's when I decided to take advantage and dedicate the third round to knocking him out."
Super featherweight Morales (13-1-3, 6 KO) made it 13 straight wins after an 0-1-3 career start, virtually shutting out Omar Tienda (14-3, 8 KO) over the 10-round distance. Both fighters were cut due to accidental headbutts in the fight. Scores were 99-91, 100-90, and 100-90 for Morales.
"I was hoping to knock him out in the 5th round but he proved to be a tough fighter and I had to outbox him," said Morales. "Even though he cut me up, I knew he was being affected by my punches and I was breaking him down slowly. I know 2016 will bring opportunities for me in the ring."
Undercard results:
- Nick Arce UD-6 Luis Lizarraga Jr (60-54, 59-55, 59-55)
- Oscar Duarte UD-4 Archie Weah (40-35, 40-35, 39-36)
- Francisco Esparza Jr UD-4 Antonio Martinez (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)