|
Friday, March 11, 2005
Pacquiao watch
By Edwin G. Espejo
BY THE time this column sees print, Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao should have already sparred nearly 130 rounds against an assortment of sparring mates.
Next week, he will taper off with his training and head towards Las Vegas for the mega-showdown with Mexican boxing icon Erik Morales at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
For Manny, this will be it--the chance to prove that he is not the one-dimensional banger his critics are saying.
Morales, too, will also wind up his high-altitude preparation for his Pay-per-view duel with the Filipino southpaw.
The odds are now getting tighter with several sportswriters and boxing aficionados differing in their opinion on the outcome of the awaited bout that has the makings of the Fight of the Year citation.
As this corner said last week, the betting odds could go even come fight night.
Below are just few of the observations of boxing experts, including some reigning and former boxing champions:
"Seeing the way Pacquiao destroyed Marco Antonio Barrera, and dropped Juan Manuel Marquez before fighting him to a draw, I just can't go against the Filipino. Morales is tough enough that he will go the full 12, but Pacquiao should win a comfortable decision." Armando Alvarez, MaxBoxing.com
"I will pick Morales to win by decision--after they blast each other around pretty good. That is if Morales boxes a little more--if he slugs it out completely, I might lean toward the Pac Man--but I will say Morales by decision." Al Bernstein, 1988 BWAA Broadcast Journalist of the Year
"I like Pacquiao by decision. Morales is strong and will do some damage but he still gets hit too much and Pacquiao will be there to hit him." Ron Borges, Boston Globe
"This really is a pick 'em contest. Morales looked strangely lethargic in his rubber match with Barrera, which doesn't bode well against the fast hands and accurate punches of the thrill-a-minute Pacquiao. But I don't believe we are witnessing a decline in the skills of 'El Terrible', Barrera simply has Morales' number. Pacquiao to start fast, but Morales to use his considerable experience to eke out a close, maybe unpopular, decision with a late rally." Mark G. Butcher, SecondsOut.com
"Manny by KO 7." Jeff Lacy, undefeated IBF Super Middleweight Champion.
"I have complete confidence that Pacquiao will win by decision." Pat Putnam, Sports Illustrated Emeritus
"Morales is bigger, stronger, tougher and has a better chin than Pacquiao. Those qualities will carry him through a close, sensational fight. He just better watch out for that left hand. Morales W12." Dan Rafael, USA Today
"Pacquiao by decision." Felix "Tito" Trinidad, Three-Time World Champion
"Morales by decision." Felix Trinidad, Sr., 1995 / 2000 BWAA "Trainer of the Year"
"Pacquiao by late KO." Winky Wright, first undisputed 154 Pound Champion in 29 Years
"Love Pacquiao's vibrant style, but I think he's a bit too one dimensional. Morales's experience, a la his wars with MAB, has taught him much. I'll take Morales via TKO in 8." Tim Struby, ESPN The Magazine
"Morales will win by decision."Gunnar Meinhardt, German Press Agency
"Pacquiao in 11. With each move upward, Pacquiao's power has followed. On the other hand, Morales' power peaked at 126." Franklin McNeil, Star-Ledger (Newark)
"Pacquiao by decision. No way El Terrible can handle Manila Ice." Thom Loverro, The Washington Times
"Morales is probably still spitting feathers after losing to Barrera. No doubt, he will be anxious to reassert himself as one of the best fighters in the world. Pacquiao will find Morales too big and strong for him and I take Erik to win by decision." Colin Hart, The Sun (London)
"While Morales has tremendous boxing skills, the speed, power and rugged aggression of Pacquiao will make the difference. Both men are true warriors, but expect trainer Freddie Roach to have his fighter peaking at the right time. Pacquiao TKO 10." Jeff Haney, Las Vegas Sun
"I like Pacquiao by decision in an all-action fight." Tim Dahlberg, Associated Press & Author of Fight Town
I will reserve my fearless forecast for the March 19 (March 20 Philippine time) mega-duel between our very own Manny and Erik Morales.
The bout is too close to call given the advantages and disadvantages each fighter possesses.
My heart is rooting for Manny but I won't put my money where my mouth is yet.
For Bisaya stories from General Santos. Click here. (This section is updated every Monday)
(March 7, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
|
