LOS ANGELES, California, United States of America — Trainer Freddie Roach said Manny Pacquiao’s newly minted right hook, labeled as Manila Ice, will knock out Erik Morales but Pacquiao’s sparmates yesterday disagreed and swore the blazing left hand will do the job.
“If Manny hits him with that big left, it’s gonna be over,” testified Jose Sta. Cruz, a rangy, undefeated (18-0) lightweight who got banged by Pacquiao for three furious rounds before a second sparmate was called in yesterday.
Sta. Cruz, who had tagged Pacquiao with jarring head shots in a previous sparring, said the RP boxing hero has a tremendous chance of winning.
“He’s in great shape really, he has great power, speed, everything,” Sta. Cruz said after Pacquiao flashed his full worth yesterday.
Sta. Cruz, as tall as Morales, fights at 135 pounds but weighed 142 pounds for yesterday’s sparring against Pacquiao who checked in at 129.
“He just keeps getting stronger, he keeps on improving,” said Sugar Ray Beltran, the second Pacquiao sparmate.
“Oh man, he’s a stronger puncher, a terrific left, better than ever, I’m gonna put my money on him,” Beltran added.
Yesterday’s speed and power demonstration by Pacquiao was a big leap from his sluggish session before the Mexican media on Tuesday when he obviously pulled his punches.
After the well-applauded sparring, Roach said Pacquiao is ready to go for a knockout.
Roach said he would appreciate it if Morales comes in at over 140 pounds for the fight, because that would make the Mexican easier to catch.
Pacquiao said he would win but refused to state whether it would be by points or stoppage.
“I have to do my very best for my countrymen who are all praying for me,” Pacquiao told a television reporter.
General Santos City mayor Pedro Acharon witnessed yesterday’s workout and expressed confidence that Pacquiao would win by knockout.
Many other Pacquiao backers, led by First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, are expected at ringside in Las Vegas for the March 19 showdown.
Pacquiao’s wife, Jinkee, is expected to join the world boxing celebrity Sunday at his new quarters at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Vine Street.
Pacquiao drives to Las Vegas in a convoy on Monday, the same day Morales is expected in the gambling capital.
