Las Vegas . – Despite suffering a painful defeat Saturday night, Erik "Terrible" Morales vowed that he won't retire from the boxing ring.

"I don't believe I lost that fight and I want a rematch," said the legendary Tijuana-born fighter after losing the WBA's light welterweight title.

Morales, 34, waged an epic battle in the 12-round stellar fight the MGM Hotel but in the end the judges gave the edge to his Argentinean opponent, Marcos Maidana.

If he had won, Morales would have been the first Mexican fighter to earn four titles in four different weight categories.

"This was the toughest fight of my career," said Maidana, 27.

After the second round, Morales's face reflected his opponent's pushing blows.

"One of my eyes was closed the entire fight," Morales said. "But I fought with heart. I deserve a rematch."

He rejected the judges' unanimous decision.

"I landed better punches, I should have won."

Óscar de la Hoya, the fight's promoter, agreed with that view and said he would work to arrange a rematch.