DETROIT -- Unbeaten Erik Morales held off Wayne McCullough to retain his WBC super bantamweight title in a 12-round unanimous decision Friday night at Joe Louis Arena.

The fight preceded a 12-round unification match between WBO featherweight champion Prince Naseem Hamed and WBC titleholder Cesar Soto.

It was only third loss in the 11-year career of McCullough (23-3), from Belfast, North Ireland. Morales, from Tijuana, Mexico, improved to 35-0.

McCullough, a 20-1 underdog giving away a 6-inch reach, had perhaps his best shot at pulling an upset in the 10th round. He got Morales on the ropes and looked as though he was landing some telling blows as the champion staggered away after the bell.

But Morales came out stronger than ever in the 11th. He landed a big right early, then hurt McCullough when they went toe-to-toe in the middle of the ring for most of the rest of the final two minutes.

There was more good action in the 12th round, although McCullough clearly was hurt and tired. Both landed combinations, but Morales landed more and held on to win the fight and hold onto his crown.