“El Güerito de Tepito” struggles to preserve his unbeaten record but wins unanimous decision over “Terrible” Morales

Juan Pérez kept his unbeaten record, but the crowd at Mexico City’s Juan de la Barrera Gymnasium made clear that the victory did not come easily. Known as “El Güerito de Tepito,” Pérez entered as the clear favorite, yet Osvaldo Morales steadily won over supporters during their six-round fight.

Pérez arrived dressed as a mariachi, accompanied by his full team while a live mariachi band played “México Lindo y Querido.” The theatrical entrance belonged to the young Tepito prospect. The fight itself quickly erased the difference between the two entrances.

Morales, from Campeche, walked into the venue alone and showed no fear against the local favorite. After a cautious opening round, the featherweight co-main event became a sustained exchange between two 16-year-olds. Morales absorbed Pérez’s body shots, answered with counterpunches and gradually persuaded the audience that the spectacle surrounding his opponent would not decide the fight.

The tension peaked in the final round. The fighters traded taunts and challenges, while Pérez raised his hands during the action to call for support. By then, Morales had already taken part of the crowd. When the judges awarded Pérez the bout, their 58-56, 58-56 and 59-55 scorecards were met by a mixture of cheers and boos.

Pérez left with his record at 3-0 and was carried from the arena, but the reaction also delivered a warning. The young prospect still has much to improve, and Morales gave him a demanding test.