Staff Picks, Compiled by Steve D’Amato
Marc Abrams
The Raheem fight may have been more than aberration for Morales. He may have fought one too many wars and it’s just very possible that it could have finally caught up with him. Manny Pacquiao KO 6.
Kenneth Bouhairie
Both Morales and Pacquiao may have slowed down a tad which should make this fight very interesting. Pacquiao will try to be more aggressive but I can’t imagine him being any more successful than he was the first time-unless he does have a secret trick this time (right uppercut?). Morales should be able to outbox him again from the outside and pick up the pace when necessary. Morales SD 12.
Steve D’Amato
I thought the most noticeable thing in the first fight was the size difference. Morales looked like he was about two to three weight classes above Pacquiao, who could still easily be fighting at 122 or 126. Morales has grown into a natural junior lightweight where Manny is fighting out of his element. I see the same thing happening this time around, Pacquaio will land with his blazing speed while not effecting Morales. Morales will walk him down again and win another close but comfortable decision. Morales UD 12.
Tony Kalaj
Manny Pacquiao by a tough-earned unanimous decision.
Teddy Molina
I’m going to make a u-turn, and choose Erik Morales this time around. Manny’s inability to backdown Morales in there first meeting is not something that can be corrected easily. Pacquiao will do a much better job this time around, but I believe that so will Morales. Morales will surprise Pacquiao at about the seventh round with some power shots, and take him out soon after. Erik Morales by TKO 7!!
Arben Paloka
I continuously tell myself to never pick against a great, but I must admit, I’m drawn to the Pacquiao hype. There are two arguments I have been using when debating my pick. 1) If anyone is able to morph Barrera and Raheem’s strategies which I discussed on “The Boxing Show”, it’s the Pac-man. 2) I feel Morales was at his best against Pacquiao and only won by a 115-113 margin. Pacquiao could definitely do better and succeed on the scorecards without having to score a knockout, like many feel. That is why I’m going with Manny Pacquiao by unanimous decision to set up the rubber match. Once again I go against my own rule.
