LAS VEGAS?The fight stats told it all.
Manny Pacquiao threw a total of 175 punches in the match, landing 94 for 54-percent accuracy. Erik Morales punched 171 times, connecting only on 44, or 26 percent.
Morales tried to use the jab to fight from a distance, but managed to land only 14 for 20 percent. Pacquiao, who loves mixing it up from close range, threw just 44 jabs, 11 finding their range for 25 percent.
The power punches proved to be the decisive factor. Pacquiao launched 131 zingers, connecting on 83 for a 63-percent accuracy. He landed 51 of 71 power shots in the fight-ending third round for a 72-percent clip.
Morales? He fired 101 power punches, hitting 30 for 30 percent.
A lot of the power punches came from the right hand that Pacquiao and American trainer Freddie Roach had been working on some time.
Small wonder that Roach credited Pacquiao?s use of his right hand as the big difference in Saturday night?s bout.
?I knew one day that his right would be better than the left,? Roach told reporters in the post-fight press conference.
?That day has come,? he added.
