Mexican star Erik Morales, the former three-division champion, who was schedule to fight Argentinian contender Lucas Matthysse for the vacant WBC super lightweight title on September 17 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on the Mayweather-Ortiz undercard has been cancelled. A viral infection forced the knockout-minded Matthysse (28-2, 26KOs) to withdraw from the fight.
Morales (51-7, 35 KOs) was originally supposed to face Anthony Crolla, but Golden Boy suddenly dropped him without explanation and replaced him with faded former junior Jorge Barrios, also of Argentina.
However, Barrios, who has had a slew of legal issues, was denied a visa and that’s when he was replaced by Matthysse, Morales would remain on the card, but there is no word who his opponent will be.
Opening the fights will be undefeated rising star Jessie Vargas against top contender Josesito Lopez. Then Guadalajara’s Canelo Alvarez, the undefeated super welterweight sensation who’ll be headlining STAPLES Center portion of the event against Mexican-American veteran Alfonso Gomez will be the co-main event.
Here is the Fight Week Schedule:
Sunday, Sept. 11 @ 2:00 p.m.
Oscar de la Hoya, Victor Ortiz & Canelo Alvarez Appearances at
Fiestas Patrias – Open to the public!
Location: Plaza Olvera, 125 Paseo De La Plaza; Los Angeles, CA 90012
Monday, Sept. 12 @ 5:00 p.m.
Photo-Op With All Pay-Per-View Fighters – Open to the public!
Location: “5 Towers” Outdoor Concert Venue at Universal Studios CityWalk (located near the Cinemas) at 100 Universal City Plaza; Universal City, CA 91608
Parking: Enter Universal Studios Hollywood off the 101 Freeway or Universal
Hollywood Drive off of Lankershim Blvd., follow signs to media parking & press check-in.
Note: This will be the only photo-op with all pay-per-view fighters together.
Tuesday, Sept. 13 @ 12:00 p.m.
Los Angeles Final Press Conference (Canelo Alvarez vs. Alfonso Gomez) – Open to the public!
Location: ESPN Zone at L.A. LIVE – Screening Room; 1011 S Figueroa St. Ste 101;
Los Angeles,CA 90015 / 1:00 p.m. – Press Conference Begins
Las Vegas Fighter Grand Arrivals – Open to the public!
Location: MGM Grand Hotel Lobby
1:00 p.m. – Jessie Vargas
1:10 p.m. – Erik Morales
1:25 p.m. – Victor Ortiz
2:00 p.m. – Floyd Mayweather
Friday, Sept. 16 @ 9:00 a.m.
Las Vegas Media Center Opens
Location: Studios A & B; MGM Grand
12:00 p.m. Los Angeles Official Weigh-In – Open to the public!
Location: ESPN Zone at L.A. Live – Screening Room; 1011 S. Figueroa St. Suite 101;
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Parking: Validation will be provided for media for the Olympic West Parking Garage/LOT W located off of L.A. LIVE Road & West Road.
2:45 p.m. Las Vegas Official Weigh-In – Open to the public!
Location: MGM Grand Garden Arena