FOR MANNY PACQUIAO, the feeling is mutual. After hearing Erik Morales say in a television interview he wants a piece of the Filipino lefty, Pacquiao was quick to say he was ready anytime.
After besting Carlos “Famoso” Hernandez of El Salvador on Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Morales declared in an interview that he fancies a clash with Pacquiao at 130 lbs, before he campaigns in the lightweight division.
Morales, the World Boxing Council super-featherweight titlist, annexed the International Boxing Federation crown by outpointing Hernandez after 12 rounds.
When interviewed by a Spanish commentator on top of the ring, Morales said he doesn?t mind facing Pacquiao “at 130 lbs”.
Reacting to this statement, Pacquiao did not think twice and told The Bulletin he drools every time he thinks about the long-armed Morales.
“Lalabanan ko siya kahit saan pa gawin ang laban,” boasted Pacquiao from his residence in General Santos City.
Pacquiao, who is scheduled for a pay-per-view performance in November against a still unidentified boxer, said he wasn?t very impressed with Morales? latest performance.
“Medyo mabagal si Morales. At minsan ay hindi tumitingin kung saan siya sumusuntok,” said Pacquiao, who begins training under Freddie Roach in Hollywood in September.
Marco Antonio Barrera is being eyed as Pacquiao?s opponent, although everything is still up in the air as far as finality is concerned.
Promoter Bob Arum revealed that Morales will return to the ring in the month of November. Arum did not name an opponent. But if Pacquiao is also scheduled to fight on the same month, there?s a chance the two might meet.
But this is all in the realm of speculation.
If only Pacquiao stopped Juan Manuel Marquez on May 8, he would have been the one, not Hernandez, who challenged Morales.
But since Pacquiao struggled against Marquez even though he decked the Mexican thrice in the first round, Arum decided to pit Morales against the rugged Hernandez, preventing Pacquiao from figuring in a mega-buck match.
