By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report
Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report
Photos By: Bob Fisher Pugilpix.com
“What though strength fails? Boldness is certain to win praise. In mighty enterprises, it is enough to have had the determination” -Sextus Aurelius Propertius
Leading up to BAMMA USA event last week, 135 lbs prospect Albert Morales boldly took to social media and called out the champion when his opponent Rob Gooch fell off the card with an injury. Despite already having a fight himself, Morales saw opportunity. Although that matchup never happened the seeds had been sewn. Instead of talking his way into a title fight, Morales was going to have to earn that shot.
In his way a very tough Anthony Paredes, who trains out of Team Quest and possesses some of the best wrestling in the division. His smothering attack can be a nightmare for a striker. Just watch his fight with Alfred Kashakian to see why. Although the fight may not have been a ‘mighty enterprise’, it would however be the ‘determination’ that crowned the victor.
Once the fight started it appeared clear that Morales was the more aggressive fighter. Moving well, and working behind his jab, Morales kept Paredes on his bicycle for most of the fight. Each time Morales would engage, Paredes would retreat. Outside of one take down, which Morales quickly transitioned into a potential armbar; the fight remained standing for 3 rounds.
Consistently moving forward, Morales found a home for his straight punches and wobbled Paredes several times with sharp two and three punch combinations, however he showed excellent maturity by remaining cautious. By doing so he never exposed his legs by getting over aggressive. Instead he maintained distance, reset, and looked to land again. Paredes did his best to fire back, but he just couldn’t keep up with Morales’s athleticism. Although the finish eluded him, Morales cruised to a unanimous decision win.
With the victory the bold 135 lb fighter moves his undefeated record to 5-0, where he finds himself in a prime position. As a top prospect he may soon get swallowed up by a larger promotion (World Series of Fighting was certainly impressed!), and if he doesn’t, at least he can now lay claim to a title shot. Before his words were just bravado, but after his last fight, can you really deny him the opportunity? His mouth may have booked the reservation, but his actions have at least earned him a seat at the table.
THE CLINCH REPORT 