LAS VEGAS – Erik Morales let it known during Wednesday’s press conference how he intends to beat Manny Pacquiao in their rematch on Saturday at the Thomas and Mack Center here.
“I will lead him on. Then what I want to happen on the ring will happen,” said Morales, surrounded by mediamen who tried to squeeze every bit of information from him.
Morales said he plans to use his stiff left jab to keep Pacquiao at bay just as he did in carving out a unanimous victory the first time they met last March at the MGM Grand.
The classy Mexican fighter even warned Pacquiao of this.
“He’s got to be careful because it’s really quicker this time,” he said at the end of the press conference, as Pacquiao sat just two meters away in a huddle with his American handlers.
What he noticed in their first fight, according to Morales, is Pacquiao’s inability to defend himself or make the adjustments when he is pressed by his opponent.
Pacquiao has always been known as the aggressor.
“Everytime he is pushed back it seems to be that he doesn’t know what to do. I’m completely ready for Saturday,” said Morales, who admitted that he’s still a pound and a half heavier than the 130 lb limit.
The official weigh-in is scheduled Friday at the Margaux Ballroom of Wynn Las Vegas. Under the contract, any fighter that goes above the limit will be fined $250,000 per pound.
Morales’ promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, said he expects one hell of a fight.
“This is not going to be a chess match. These two boxers will not look at each other for eleven rounds and go at it on the 12th,” said the Top Rank president.
“Erik will bring his A-game. When he gets into that ring he brings with him everything. He’s a true, true warrior.”
Pacquiao hardly talked about his plans for the fight when he spoke during the press conference. Instead, he just thanked those supporting him.
He even thanked the media and all the Filipino politicians coming over for the fight.
“I also thank our President (Gloria Arroyo) for her support,” said Pacquiao.
Unlike Morales, he was in no mood to lay his plans on the table.
