Pinoy boxing champ Manny Pacquiao is primed and pumped for his third and possibly last superfeatherweight showdown against Mexican pug Erik Morales on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).
In an interview over DZMM, Pacquiao downplayed news that Morales is going for an early knockout after choosing to use Cleto Reyes gloves instead of his usual Winning brand. “That’s right. He is using Cleto Reyes but I don’t care,” he said.
Cleto Reyes, made in Mexico, is known as “a puncher?s gloves” because of its thinner cushion on the knuckle area. Pacquiao, a knockout artist, prefers this brand.
On the other hand, Winning gloves have thicker cushion on the knuckle area for added protection to the hands. Morales has used this brand in his many fights, including the first two with Pacquiao.
Pacquiao said he underwent a more strenuous training program for his third fight with Morales. Aside from his usual sparring bouts, he said he also jogs more to build up his stamina and keep his weight at the required 130 pounds.
“I don’t have a problem when it comes to resistence. I can last up to 15 rounds,” he said.
While Pacquiao has kept his weight in check, Morales had to undergo a two-month reduction program at the high-tech Velocity Training Center in Los Angeles, California before he began serious training last September.
Morales dropped to 136 pounds last week and, according to his promoter Bob Arum, was at 132 the other night.
