MANNY PACQUIAO w rsf 10 ERIK MORALES
January 21, 2006; Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV
ERIK MORALES blamed making weight and too many ‘tough fights’ for why he lost to Manny Pacquiao in their rematch. Such is the mindset of the boxer, particularly one as ferocious and proud as Morales, giving praise where it’s due is often the hardest thing in the world. But there was no doubt what the biggest factor in the result was: “Pacman” – approaching his peak years – was brilliant from start to finish. The Filipino had been outpointed by Morales 10 months before but in the sequel he was more calculating and accurate as he hailstormed the Mexican, who was visibly tiring from the fifth. “He’s all gone,” said Freddie Roach to Pacquiao before the 10th. Manny duly finished the job.
DID YOU KNOW? Between 2005 and 2008, Pacquiao won six of seven fights where the WBC’s lightly-regarded International super-featherweight belt was on the line as Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez held the real WBC strap until the latter lost it to Manny in 2008. What the WBC would have done for the Franchise championship in those days, eh.
WATCH OUT FOR: Morales’ mind deteriorate during the fight. Early in the fight he is complaining about sore legs. By the end of the ninth, he is using them to run away from his tormentor.
