Moments ago at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California Erik ‘El Terrible’ Morales ran into a brick wall in the form of Zahir Raheem, losing a unanimous decision by scores of 118-110, 116-112, and 115-113. Whether it was a case of all his wars catching up with him or the possibility of overlooking his foe for bigger bounty down the line, Morales seemed lethargic from the outset and wasn’t able to amount a sustained attack against the Philadelphia native. Raheem showed his trademark flash and quickness, but also showed plenty of heart, poise, and enough willpower to leave no doubt as to whom was the better man. With the win Raheem can expect same major playing time at either 130 or 135 lbs. while Morales may be closer to the end of his great career than we originally had thought.
In the co-feature, Manny Pacquiao got back to his destructive ways with an action packed 6th round TKO over game journeyman Hector Velazquez. Pacquiao seemed to have trouble with Velazquez’ size and raw attitude early on, as the Tijuana native walked through Pacquiao’s best punches while taunting him as well. In the third round Pacquiao picked up the pace and landed his trademark left hands while also mixing up his attack with right hooks and a decent body attack as well. In round six Pacquiao jarred his man with a crunching hook and unloaded on him against the ropes. A knockdown followed moments later and the ref called a halt to things.
This was a big night for both Morales and Pacquiao but only one man came through. Pacquiao again looks to be riding a new high while Morales will have many questions to answer after being thoroughly out boxed and even outclassed over twelve rounds. Much credit must be given to Zahir Raheem, who came away with a great win against one of the generation’s great fighters in Morales.
