Ring Magazine featherweight champion Manny ?The Destroyer? Pacquiao describes his forthcoming clash with Mexican superstar Erik ?El Terible? Morales as the most defining moment of his career, even as the Filipino ring icon wishes his Latino rival the best of luck.
?Good luck Erik. See you on March 19th,? said the 27-year-old Pacquiao during his visit to Mexico to promote their hotly-anticipated superfight on HBO Pay-Per-View at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Pacquiao has fanned a scathing Filipino-Mexican rivalry when he brutally dismantled Marco Antonio Barrera into 11th round submission and then ferociously knocked down Juan Manuel Marquez three times in the first round.
With another Mexican legend up next for him, Pacquiao considers his showdown with Morales as the most defining bout of his career.
?This is so very important for me, because it?s for the honor of my country, my family, and I know Erik Morales is a very good boxer,? said Pacquiao, who is set to receive $1.75 million plus a percentage of Pay-Per-View sales.
Pacquiao isn?t worried fighting for the first time in the super featherweight division noting that a victory over Morales will galvanize his road towards boxing greatness.
?Winning this fight is my way to be known as a great warrior throughout the world, especially with the Mexican people and the people in the United States,? added the General Santos City-native punisher.
Pacquiao though treat Morales with utmost sense of respect, saying that he cannot say whether he would knock Morales down like what he did to Barrera and Marquez.
?I?m not going to say I?m going to knock Erik out. But I?m going to try my very best, show the benefits of my homework and good skill up in the ring. I want everybody to love this fight,? said Pacquiao.
Pacquiao is confident he could handle Morales well.
?My analysis of Erik Morales is that he?s a good boxer, but not like before. He?s a little bit slower, but he?s got power too. I?ve studied his style, and I know what I?m going to do,? said Pacquiao.
Morales, on the other hand, said he?s going to prepare for a great fight and he isn?t scared of the devastating power of Pacman.
?I know who I am, and what I can do in the ring and I?m going to prepare well for a truly great fight. I?m starting my altitude training at the Otomi Center on Monday. I?m not scared, I?m going to be ready and I?m going to win!? said Morales.
