World Boxing Council president Jose Sulaiman Chagnon has expressed his unequivocal support to his countryman Erik “El Terrible” Morales when the latter steps into the ring on March 19 opposite the fire-breathing Filipino Manny Pacquiao.
Boxing observers, however, are quick to point out that the scenario is but “a natural,” and that the Mexican Sulaiman should support his compatriot, although it does not necessarily mean that the WBC top honcho was speaking in behalf of the organization.
Morales, Sulaiman said, is a fighter with much pride and if he fights with intelligence, should be able to beat the Filipino icon.
It is widely believed that the winner of this bout will move on to challenge WBC super-featherweight ruler Marco Antonio Barrera next.
?Erik tiene que hacer una pelea a distancia, y si logra cuidarse, tendr? muchas posibilidades de vencer a Pacquiao, sin duda un gran rival que ya fue monarca del Consejo y que ha demostrado en sus ?ltimas peleas su gran capacidad?, (Erik must fight at a distance, and if he manages to take care of himself, he will have a great chance of defeating Pacquiao, who is without a doubt a great rival who was once a WBC champ and has shown his tremendous capacity), said the well-respected head of the WBC.
Sulaiman, who will be at ringside for the fight, further stated that he foresees an explosive battle between Morales and Pacquiao for the “the fans who will attend the fight in Vegas and those who will watch it by television. “They will be witnesses to one of the best fights of the year and I hope that Erik demonstrates the greatness that took him to conquer three championships of the world.”
Pacquiao, however, will not go into the war like a lonely gladiator as his compatriots from the Philippines, led by First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and GAB chairman Eric Buhain, will also be at ringside to cheer for his victory.
General Santos City Mayor Pedro Acharon Jr. and other Mindanao officials and sports leaders as well as North Cotabato Governor Manny Pi?ol and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, are also booked to watch the fight.
Reports coming out of Mindanao reveal that Mayor Acharon’s delegation will include lawyer Franklin Gacal Jr., city sports consultant Clement Asencio and his wife Yvonne, and Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines-GSC president Rey Golingan.
The Filipino group will also include Senator Lito Lapid, Governors Chavit Singson and Lito Y?ares and movie stars Robin Padilla and Cesar Montano.
Pacquiao’s former managers Marty Elorde and Polding Correa as well as former world champ Lusito Espinosa will also be present at ringside during the bout.
