Friday, April 14, 2007 Fortune declares: Manny's 'Manila Ice' to stop Solis cold By Charles Raymond A. Maxey
WHEN Jorge Solis climbs the ring Saturday (Sunday in Manila) to fight Manny Pacquiao, he better watch out for the Filipino boxer's dreaded punch called "Manila Ice."
Justin Fortune, who trained Pacquiao for this fight, issued the warning to the Mexican and reminded everyone of this weapon designed by Freddie Roach, the famed American trainer, for the Filipino southpaw.
Although the straight left remains to be Pacquiao's most lethal weapon, the "Manila Ice" is a right hook, which the General Santos City bomber has perfected and used to decimate the great Erik Morales.
"One of Manny's best weapons is his punch we call Manila Ice. When Solis gets hit by it, it will be "buenos noches, Jorge." You saw how quickly the Titanic sank when it hit that iceberg"? Fortune told Fightnews.com.
Pacquiao and Solis square off in a super featherweight showdown dubbed "Blaze of Glory" on April 14 (April 15 in Manila) at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
Incidentally, it was near midnight on April 14, 1912 when Titatic struck an iceberg during its maiden voyage and sank more than two hours later.
Solis, sporting a record of 32-0 with 23 KOs, has vowed to stun the world though the moment he steps into the ring against Pacquiao.
The Gauadalajara, Mexico-native said in a press conference that he is excited to face Pacquiao, conqueror of several Mexican fighters.
Fortune, although saying they are not taking Solis for granted, is not entertaining of an upset here. Not with Pacquiao in the best of condition and not with Pacquiao still brandishing that speed and power that have blown away many opponents in the past.
"Manny is back at peak condition and he is throwing punches with more explosive power than I have ever seen from him in all the years I have worked with him," Fortune said.
