LAS VEGAS–After absorbing his worst defeat in a storybook 13-year career, Erik Morales is rethinking his future plans on whether or not to continue fighting.
Morales’ reputation of durability was turned into a myth by Manny Pacquiao in a devastating 10th round knockout that made “El Terrible” look like a tired, old man at the Thomas and Mack Center here Saturday night.
Pacquiao’s show of force was so dominant that Morales’ publicist Ricardo Jimenez admitted the Mexican fighter may not be back in the ring again, at least as a superfeatherweight.
The beating that Morales took was so decisive that he had to be rushed to the hospital for “precautionary” reasons. Top Rank promoter Bob Arum assured fans there was nothing alarming in the procedure which is now mandatory under the Nevada State Athletic Commission rules for knockout victims.
“The fight was very competitive but Erik lost too much weight for the fight,” said Jimenez. “It took a lot from him. He got really tired as the fight went on. Remember that the last time Erik fought as a superfeatherweight was when he beat Pacquiao last March, almost a year ago. And when he fought (Zahir) Raheem, he weighed in at 134 pounds.”
Jimenez said it’s premature to talk about a possible rubber match although the prospect of a trilogy is exciting.
“Before anything else, Erik must determine if he can still go down to 130,” said Jimenez. “Right now, he’d like to get a lot of rest, be with his family and think about what to do next.”
One thing’s for sure, Morales will be in Cancun for the “Night of Champions” card where two of his fighters Lorenzo Trejo and Jackie Nava are seeing action. Trejo faces Filipino Rodel Mayol in a 12-round minimumweight title eliminator. Morales has a stable of about 30 fighters and makes it a point to watch as many of their bouts as possible even in small towns and remote villages in Mexico.
It was Morales’ first loss by knockout and third defeat in his last four fights, triggering speculation he may be over the hill. He suffered a fluke knockdown and took a mandatory eight-count in his first of three matches against Marco Antonio Barrera in 2000 but went on to win a split decision. That was the only other fight where he was floored.
Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach confirmed that in the fight contract, it was stipulated that Morales could demand a rematch if he lost.
“I’m not sure if after that beating, he’d like a rematch,” said Roach. “But if he does, we’re open to it. A third fight against Morales is fine with us. From what I know, Morales outsells Barrera, three to one, so Morales is still a bigger payday for Manny.”
Roach said fighting Barrera in a rematch with the World Boxing Council superfeatherweight title on the line would be an option, too. Barrera is due to battle International Boxing Federation lightweight titlist Jesus Chavez next month and the winner could be a candidate as Pacquiao’s next opponent. Chavez was the fighter who knocked out Leavander Johnson and sent him to his death.
Roach, who treats Pacquiao like his son, said the gloves made a difference in the rematch. Pacquiao used Mexican-made Cleto Reyes gloves to dispose of Morales but used Japanese-made Winning gloves when he lost.
The day before the fight, Roach revealed his fightplan of working to the body and wearing down Morales. He predicted a late round stoppage. That’s exactly what happened.
“The keys to victory were Manny’s right hand, the body shots and something we worked on in the gym, moving away at an angle from Morales’ right after coming in with a combination,” said Roach.
Although Pacquiao’s defense was much-improved, Roach said it could’ve been better.
“Manny got hit with some solid counter-shots in the early rounds and didn’t do what we practiced in the gym until the sixth round when he began to take control,” said Roach. “The sixth round was the turning point. That was when I knew it was just a matter of time. Manny was in superb physical condition and that, too, made a difference.”
