Since 2004, the only man to beat former Flyweight World Champion Eric Morel is another former World Champion, Martin “El Gallito” Castillo. On Friday, April 1, at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California, “Little Hands of Steel” gets his shot at revenge in a Puerto Rico vs. Mexico battle that headlines TeleFutura’s “Sólo Boxeo Tecate.” Also appearing will be undefeated local favorite Randy Caballero of Coachella.
A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Eric Morel (43-2, 21 KO’s) was the lightest man on the top pound for pound list during his years reigning over the flyweight division. A world champion from 2000 to 2003, Morel eventually moved up to 115 pounds and ran into Castillo in 2005, losing a 12 round decision in their world title fight. Morel was out of the ring for three years after the bout, but since returning in 2008, he has been unstoppable, winning eight fights in a row, including a February 2010 victory over Gerry Penalosa that earned him the WBO Bantamweight Interim World Title. In his most recent fight, he decisioned Juan Jose Beltran last December. Now the rematch he has been waiting for will come on April 1.
Mexico City’s Martin Castillo (35-4, 18 KO’s), like Morel, was one of the most dominant fighters in the lower weight classes for years, and from 2004 to 2006, he ruled the junior bantamweight division as a champion with a pair of iron fists. He’s now looking to make another run to the top, this time at 118 pounds. Castillo, who has won two of his last three bouts, knows that a win over the streaking Morel will put him right back in the world title picture.
Coachella’s Randy Caballero (8-0, 4 KO’s) is rapidly becoming a fan favorite at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, home to several of his recent fights. That’s not surprising given his all-around boxing ability and his power which has ended four of his bouts in the first round. On April 1, the 20-year-old junior featherweight is back in action to face an opponent to be named in a six round contest.
This night of world-class professional boxing is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and AT&T. Doors open at 6:00pm PT on fight night and the first bell rings at 7:00pm PT. The TeleFutura broadcast begins at 11:30pm ET / PT (10:30pm CT). Fans at home can also be part of the action by participating in Cinturón Tecate and voting for the fighter in the main event who displayed the most character in the ring by sending a text message to 55333. Voting will be open through the end of the weekend. Tickets, priced at $25, $35 and $45 are on sale now and available for purchase at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.
