Mexican superstar Erik Morales has asked his legions of fans to believe in him one more time ahead of his November 18 rubber match with Manny Pacquiao at the Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas (HBO PPV).
Mexican superstar Erik Morales has asked his legions of fans to believe in him one more time ahead of his November 18 rubber match with Manny Pacquiao at the Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas (HBO PPV).
Speaking at a Saturday press conference in Las Vegas, the three-division world champion, who turns 30 in two weeks, said that he will return to his top form despite winning only one of his last four fights (Morales was stopped – for the first time in his career – by the Pac-Man in January, was outboxed Zahir Raheem last summer, outpointed Pacquiao before than and, going back to November 2004, was outpointed by bitter rival Marco Antonio Barrera).
“As everyone knows, the last few times I’ve been in the ring, it hasn’t been that good for me,” Morales began. “But give me an opportunity to reverse everything and go back to where I belong. I have more time now to prepare; especially at the High Velocity gym (the new conditioning team who will help Morales make 130lbs correctly).
“I’m asking you to believe in me one more time to show you what I can do. I’m not doing this for the entertainment of the people. I’m doing this for myself. I know I can get back to where I used to be.”
Pacquiao, who did look vulnerable against Oscar Larios last time out, said that he is preparing for the Morales of the first fight, not the second.
“It’s going to be a good fight on November 18,” Pacquiao said. “Both of us are trying to give you a good fight. I’m just praying no one gets hurt on November 18.”
Pac-Man trainer Freddie Roach added: “We know Erik Morales will bring his ‘A’ game. But you’ll see the best Manny Pacquiao ever, I’m sure.”
