LAS VEGAS ? Nedal Hussein, who “knocked out” Manny Pacquiao when they squared off in October 2002, and his manager-trainer Jeff Fenech believe Mexican Erik Morales? superior ring generalship might tilt the balance in his favor but on the whole, they said it?s going to be fairly even fight.
“This is an even fight. If Morales wins, it?s probably going to be on points and if Pacquiao wins, it?s going to be by ?kayo,?” said Hussein, who lost on cuts in the tenth round but not after sending Pacquiao cross-eyed in the fourth round.
Fenech, Australia?s three-division world champion, echoed the sentiments of Hussein but was more specific in his assessment of this weekend?s slugfest.
“Morales has the reach and the jab to keep Manny away. He can stop Pacquiao, too,” said Fenech. “But I won?t be surprised if Manny wins this one because Manny has become a much better fighter since the last time he fought Hussein.”
Another renowned boxing figure here to watch the fight, Floyd Mayweather Sr., who used to train Oscar dela Hoya, said the bout “is going to be tough either way.”
“It?s going to be a grueling fight for the two fighters,” said Mayweather, whose son is super-lightweight Floyd Jr., one of boxing?s hottest stars.
