LAS VEGAS -- Challenger Marco Antonio Barrera scored a unanimous points victory over champion Erik Morales in their World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight title rematch on Saturday.

The previously unbeaten Morales outboxed his fellow Mexican in the first half of the 12-round fight and seemed to have a sizeable advantage in points, but Barrera turned the contest on its head by dominating the later stages.

Judge Chuck Giampa scored the bout 116-112 while Duane Ford and Mike Glienna both made it 115-113. All three judges gave Barrera five of the last six rounds.

"I wanted to outbox him and I did," Barrera said through an interpreter. "It was a close fight and I did my job." "I came in well prepared," Morales said. "He came on strong at the end but I still believe I won the fight." Twenty-eight months after they staged an epic battle won by Morales on a split decision, the two men failed to provide the same intensity at the MGM Garden Arena, Reuters reported.

However, the close margin will almost undoubtedly result in a third encounter.

"We'll see what the public says," Barrera said.

"We'll see what the critics say." As the final bell sounded, both Barrera and Morales raised their hands in victory.

"In the first fight, I pressured him and I did the same in this fight," said Morales.

Barrera took his career record to 55 wins and three defeats.

Morales has won 41 of his 42 fights.