For the very first time over the weekend we had a chance to view a tape of the epic battle between Manny Pacquiao and Erik ?El Terrible? Morales last March 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Despite having watched the fight ?live? from a choice ringside seat where we had the pleasure of joining the extremely talented actor/director Cesar Montano in getting the security to eject an unruly, drunken Mexican, which was, alas, our only victory that night, the TV coverage provided fresh insights and a slightly different perspective. Cesar and I both agreed that Pacquiao was beaten fair and square although the nasty cut above his right eyebrow did have a crucial effect on Pacquiao?s vision and his corner?s composure, since they appeared to have almost completely lost control of the situation. In our minds, Morales fought the more intelligent fight, was clearly better prepared and on that night, whatever the reasons, was the superior boxer and deserved to win.
At ringside, we were amazed by the courage and the gallantry of Pacquiao and many Mexicans, who congratulated us after the fight, commended Pacquiao for being a genuine warrior which is something Mexicans admire. While they booed Pacquiao before, they now applauded him. It was the right thing to do and demonstrated the sporting spirit of the genuine Mexican boxing fans.
We watched Pacquiao?s claim that he thought he won the fight. That was the line fed him by some members in his corner and the coterie of hangers-on, which he apparently swallowed. It didn?t hurt Pacquiao?s pride to concede victory to a great champion and a decent individual like Morales but, we guess, it was a defeat difficult to accept since an entire nation was riding on his shoulders. For his incredible courage and unequalled gallantry, Pacquiao had a right perhaps to think he had won.
While he lost the fight he did win the hearts of a nation and the respect of millions of Mexicans and other fight fans around the world. As we watched the tape, we couldn?t help but be pained by what happened. For we are convinced that if Pacquiao had trained the way he did for the fight against Marco Antonio Barrera or even Juan Manuel Marquez, with the same quiet, committed lifestyle… away from the fancy trappings that tend to erode both mind and body, he could have beaten Morales. Our fervent prayer is that he will learn from his mistakes and that those who are obviously close to him such as trainer Freddie Roach would realize their own shortcomings and flaws.
Pacquiao must return to be the simple, God-fearing young man he was for years, proud of his roots and the poverty that served as a challenge and while he may rightfully enjoy the comforts that success in the ring have earned him, his endeavors… whether they be cockfighting or pool… must be guided by moderation. He must show the courage to turn things around just like he demonstrated in the ring to make his adversaries applaud him. Pacquiao ? in defeat ? is perhaps even bigger than he was in victory because we all adore and respect men of courage and gallantry unsurpassed and Pacquiao belongs to that rare breed.
