The manager of Erik Morales yesterday said he’ll lay down $100,000 on the table if Manny Pacquiao knocks out his Mexican ward come Saturday (Sunday in Manila) during their pre-fight press conference that elicited routine promises of a win from both protagonists.
Fernando Beltran issued the challenge toward Pacquiao’s promoter Murad Muhammad over the incessant internet reports that the Filipino ringster will make short work of Morales before an expected capacity crowd at the MGM Grand Arena.
?I keep reading on the Internet that Pacquiao is going to knock out Erik Morales in one round, two rounds or three rounds. Let me ask everyone in this room. When was the last time Erik Morales has been knocked out?? Beltran said.
Beltran answered his own question as he said: ?The answer is never. It’s very disrespectful of the Pacquiao camp to say what they’ve been saying the last few weeks. I have $100,000 of my own money that I’ll put on Erik. I want to see if he’ll stand up and take (the bet).?
Pacquiao’s group just shrugged off the wager as lawyers for the group said it was the not the proper thing to do.
Thirty one out of Pacquiao’s 39 win were knockouts aside from his two losses and two draws.
Morales, on the other hand, has 34 of his 47 wins inside the distance aside from two losses, one inflicted by Pacquiao victim Mark Antonio Barrera who took the World Boxing Council (WBC) crown of Morales.
Pacquiao let Barrera kiss the canvas in their November 2003 encounter.
But bettors who know better are still going for Pacquiao, whether or not it is a knockout by the Filipino.
MGM Sportsbook director Robert Walker moved Pacquiao’s price to -$135 while Morales’ price has been bumped up to $115. Morales, who has never been an underdog in any fight, said ?I’m not concerned with anything that happens in that Sportsbook.?
Earlier, Pacquiao was listed a -130 favorite over Morales who is listed at +110. When the windows opened, Pacquiao was a -120 favorite and has been bet up slightly to -125.
Pacquiao will get $1.75 million to fight Morales. He made $750,000 against Juan Manuel Marquez, $500,000 against Barrera and $50,000 against Ledwaba.
?After Saturday, Manny Pacquiao will not only be a winner but a millionaire. After Morales, then Marco Antonio Barrera is the fight. Of course, we will beat him again, then give Juan Manuel Marquez a rematch to clear the air. After that, Pacquaio will be the hottest commodity in boxing,? Muhammad said.
