19.11.06 – By Onur Tezucar: In a fight similiar to Hearns vs. Hagler’s three round war, Manny Pacquiao (43-3-2, 34 KO’s) registered a spectacular third round knock out of Erik Morales (48-5, 34 KO’s) on Saturday night at the Thomas & Mack Center, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao, dare I say, looked bigger, faster, stronger, and more technically sound than ever before. Coming into the fight weighing 144 Lbs, I repeat 144 Lbs! To weigh 144 lbs. the day of 130 lbs Junior Lightweight Bout, typically is a sign of sluggish hand speed decline; obviously, not the case here. Pacquiao exhibited faster hands, while looking and banging like a true Welterweight.
Pacquiao’s freakish physical skills were not the only attribute that stood out that night. The much anticipated right hand showed up last night making for more complex combination punching. Sprinkle in some counter punching and utilization of a jab. Add it all up and you have the perfect typhoon of sorts. Tip your caps to trainer Freddie Roach, he has created a monster in his Hollywood lab.
As for Morales, well, it all made sense. This was his farewell tour. The smiles at the pre-fight press conference, the promotion of the punchers Reye gloves, everything he did fed right into the Pacquiao monster. Strategy went right out the waist side. Unfortunately, his love handles were not so hasty. He knew in his heart of hearts, he was not going 12 rounds with this freak. This was a knock or get knocked fight. On that premise, he stood no chance against Pacquiao. Constantly exchanging, while forgoing his jab and boxing abilities. For all intents and purposes, Morales is done, and he has nothing to be ashamed of. He gave boxing fans countless moments, many that we will cherish forever.
There are no more opponents that make sense for him. He should humbly step down from boxing and pursue the various out of the ring endeavors he currently has lined up before he gets seriously injured. Pacquiao’s future is equally as difficult to quantify. Putting him up against Barrera or Marquez is a scary thought. At this conjuncture of his career, I’m not sure they
stand a chance.
Joan Guzman is someone that can come close to matching Pacman’s intensity and power, but he’s still raw. If he does plan on fighting Pacquiao, here’s a suggestion: hire Manny Steward.
In reality, it may be time for Pacman to move up a weight class and challenge for belts at Lightweight or even in the some what near future for Junior Welterweight.