15.03.05 – By Bradford Scott: March 19th is a day that’s creeping up on us very quickly, and a day that probably will have each and every one of you as nervous as I am about on of the biggest match ups in years. March 19th is judgment day. I’m starting to get that itch and I’m ready to order the pay-per-view.
This is the day that opposing forces collide at 130 pounds. Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao and Eric “El Terrible” Morales will meet for a match that people are already pre-writing into the history books as fight of the year.
I gauge their strengths and weakness are as follows:
Pacquiao:
Strengths – Without a doubt, his move up to 130 pounds will bring power up. He walks around at well above 130 every day so I don’t see this as being a problem for him. Incredible power that knocks opponents out and also breaks sparring partners ribs and jaws. If there’s any doubt he’ll be the hardest puncher at 130, take a look at what he did to both Barerra and JMM at 126 pounds. He also has a good chin, taking some great shots from Barerra and didn’t flinch, basically walking right through everything Barerra had to offer. He also has the stamina to go 12 hard rounds and punch his way through the entire fight.
Weaknesses – Against Juan Manuel Marquez he showed limited adjustments whereas Marquez showed the ability to adapt and box. Fights only one way, straight forward and works those huge punches behind his jabs.
Morales:
Strengths – Very good boxer with a very good chin. Can move well and usually outbox and outwork his opponents. Incredible stamina as proven in his first fight with Barerra.
Weaknesses – Fights only one way, war. If he gets a war, he gives a war. For every punch he takes he feels like he must give one back. Hasn’t looked that great in his last couple of fights including his recent loss to Barerra.
Summary:
Power – Pacquiao
Boxing Ability – Morales
Movement – Morales
Chin – Tie
Stamina – Tie
Overall, I believe that Morales will play right into Pacquiao’s hands, and walk right into shots like he’s never felt before in his whole career. There is no doubt in my mind that Pacman has the power to put Morales down and out. Morales will try to battle toe to toe with Pacman just like Barerra tried with Pacquiao, and this is a huge mistake. I believe Erik Morales will
taste the canvas several times on the way to a loss in this fight. I simply can’t ignore the Barerra/Pacquiao fight.
Pacman will TKO Morales in 9.
Your comments are welcome in my mailbag or in the comments area here as well as your predictions for the fight.
Bradford Scott can be reached at hirebrad@hotmail.com