Limond finds Mexican legend Morales too hot to handle

Willie Limond's bid to defeat faded legend Erik Morales in front of 55,000 Mexicans in an open-air bullring ended in failure after the Scot was dropped three times and stopped in round six in Mexico City last night.

Limond began brightly and displayed good movement behind a stiff jab to sweep the first three rounds on my card. A sweeping left hook and a right hand to the temple momentarily knocked Morales off balance in the opening session as Willie made a confident start.

The Scot had to ship an uppercut in round three but responded with successive rights of his own as he was prepared to stand and trade with the Mexican veteran. Morales, whilst clearly past his best and looking fleshy around the mid-section, isn't a former three-weight world champion for nothing.

Gradually, the Mexican cut off the large ring and took charge from the fourth as Limond began to struggle for air in the high altitude arena. Willie was getting increasingly backed up and had to ship some body shots against the ropes in the fifth as he rapidly became a static target.

Limond attempted to stand his ground and got through with a good right in round six but Morales responded with a barrage of punches culminating in an uppercut through the middle which sank the Scot to his knees. Willie rose at eight but was quickly down again courtesy of a thumping left hook to the body. Limond bravely battled on but an overhand right which dropped him for a third time prompted referee Jay Nady to immediately signal the end as Limond pounded his glove on the canvas in frustration.

Willie slips to 28-3 whilst Morales' comeback extends to at least another fight as the Mexican advances to 50-6. The meaningless and ridiculous WBC silver light-welterweight title was on the line.

Limond-Morales was televised live in the UK on fledgling cable channel Premier Sports.