Saturday, November 18, 2006 Morales belittles Pacquiao By Charles Raymond A. Maxey
MANNY Pacquiao and Erik Morales are all set to slug it out in what is brewing to be a candidate for Fight of the Year honors.
The Filipino ring gladiator and the Mexican warrior appeared in the final press conference Thursday for their super featherweight clash this Saturday (Sunday in Manila), and both vowed to come out victorious in the 12-round bout scheduled at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Morales said he trained not just to make the weight but also to win the fight, the third installment of their boxing trilogy.
Morales, 30, won the first fight on points in March 2005, but Pacquiao came back to rule the second fight via a 10th round TKO victory.
"Three months ago, they didn't believe I could make the weight, specially Freddie Roach. Now, I'm here," Morales, who came in white shirt, said.
Added his manager Fernando Beltran: "Morales has done so much for the sport that he need not ask for this opportunity. Now he's here. There will be no excuses, no nothing. On Saturday he will win the fight."
Pacquiao, who arrived in flaming red jacket and red bonnet, was respectful to his opponent despite the verbal jab he got from the Mexican days earlier.
"I am not going to say anything bad about my opponent Morales. I knew he can make weight. I respect him. I come to make a good fight, to entertain people. Thank you to all the sponsors, the media. Have a good day," Pacquiao said.
Morales, in an interview with reporters inside the Top Rank gym on Wednesday, had belittled Pacquiao, saying the Filipino fighter has no defense and technique at all.
Morales also said he won't be fighting Pacquiao again after the November 18 fight.
