But he says Pacquiao is a dangerous man
IGNACIO BERISTAIN, considered as Mexico’s top cornerman, predicted that Erik Morales will repeat over Manny Pacquiao but said it’s not going to be easy.
“Erik won the first fight and I am convinced that he will win the second (fight),” Beristain told a Mexican media outfit recently. “It will not be easy because the Filipino is a great fighter, but Morales’ boxing skills should help him win.”
Beristain, the bemoustached strategist was the one who called the shots when Pacquiao slugged with Juan Manuel Marquez in March 2004. Marquez was knocked down three times in the first round, but quickly adjusted his gameplan en route to battling Pacquiao to a draw in their 12-round duel.
“Erik already saw which is the road to defeat Pacquiao. I do not doubt that he will do it again. But it’s going to be dangerous because Pacquiao hits hard and has a chance.
Beristain, who also used to train strawweight Ricardo Lopez, the Mexican hitter whose list of title defense victims included four tough Filipinos, points to the 29-year-old Morales’s vast experience as crucial in their grudge rematch slated Jan. 21 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.
Despite the pugnacious nature of the two combatants and the bad blood between Morales and Pacquiao, Beristain believes the fight will go to the scorecards.
“The two are tough and are excellent boxers. I think that it’s going to be decided on a decision,” added Beristain.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao is conducting an open media workout on Thursday noon (Friday morning in Manila) at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California. Also on hand are trainer Freddie Roach, promoter Gary Shaw and American lawyers Nick Khan and Keith Davidson.
Team Pacquiao will motor to Las Vegas late Monday afternoon, while Morales will fly to Sin City the following day on board a private jet from his training camp in Queretaro, some 200 kilometers northwest of Mexico City.
A press conference is scheduled on Jan. 18 at the fabulous Wynn Resort and Casino, the newest attraction on the renowned Strip. The official weighin will take place on Jan. 20, also at the Wynn.
Meanwhile, Jimrex Jaca, a super-featherweight hotshot from Cebu, was granted a visa by the US Embassy yesterday morning. He was set to fly to the US late last night via Philippine Airlines.
Jaca, handled by Wakee Salud, is booked to battle Mexican knockout artist Ivan Valle underneath the Pacuiao-Morales superfight.
