NO REASON to doubt what Erik Morales has been boasting. The fellow will make 130 lb for his “Grand Finale” encounter with Manny Pacquiao next month.
The thing to ask is: how much of the sharp, shifty old Mexican warrior will be left in the punished body of El Terrible come fight time?
OK, Morales might struggle a bit.
But he will definitely make the super featherweight limit, swears Rex “Wakee” Salud, Pacquiao’s trusted Cebu-based ally.
Salud returned from Los Angeles Saturday and confided he was amazed at the swiftness Morales had shed excess poundage.
Salud said he saw Morales in California recently and the fellow appeared lean and fresh, with no hint of either dehydration or tiredness.
* * *
So, forget what the handlers of Oscar Larios, whom Pacquiao manhandled last July, had swore that Morales would have to cut off both legs in order to make 130 lb.
As far as making the weight, it’s no longer a promise, but more of a certainty on Morales’ part.
Well, from the look of things, Pacquiao himself cannot afford to be less than super fit for his Nov. 18 clash against the three-time world champ.
However, as the third encounter between these two great warriors won’t be decided on the weighing scales, Morales must, this early, device escape routes.
No doubt, Pacquiao will dig in and press hard to seek an early stoppage.
And, mind you, Morales won’t find it easy to run away from one of the sharpest, strongest stars in the prizefight world today.
* * *
For a fact, Morales is not known to avoid furious skirmishes.
He cannot be classified as a stand-up fighter like Pacquiao, but Morales is just too proud to step out of hot, blazing action.
Which only means that the Nov. 18 rubber match between Pacquiao and Morales at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas should help rouse prizefighting from an unscheduled slumber.
Ho-hum. Hardly had fans awaken from the slow drag between Marco Antonio Barrera and Rocky Juarez than another lullaby was again inflicted on them yesterday by Diego Corrales and Joel Casamayor at the Mandalay in Las Vegas.
* * *
You see, this piece is being rushed a couple of days after this reporter had a glimpse of the young Roberto Duran, in the early ’70s, in a fight against Esteban de Jesus in New York.
It was indeed a pleasure to note that Pacquiao has a lot of resemblance to the young Duran.
No, not exactly a clone, but the similarities in the moves — the way he bobs his brave head, the footwork and pressure pushes — were quite amusing.
Duran, by the way, was at the fight scene rooting for Corrales yesterday.
No need for Pacquiao to borrow that old film to confirm what we had observed.
But if Morales would need some technical tips on how to use the ring to win, without exactly running away, that victorious display by De Jesus could be of help.
* * *
This suggestion comes on the heels of the Morales camp claim that they have devised a sure-fire way to beat Pacquiao.
The Mexican camp vowed it would parade the old Morales against Pacquiao next month.
That was rather vague. Truth is that, after all that’s been said and done, Morales need not say a word to generate a sellout of the Grand Finale card.
You bet the boxing world, after those sleepers, would come running to Thomas & Mack come Nov. 18.
Not exactly because of Morales — because of Pacquiao who, just like the old Duran, is known to glow, growl and explode each time he enters the ring.
No reason to doubt. Pacquiao will set the rubber match on fire.
* * *
(FONDLY: Tony Bulatao, childhood friend, bids goodbye to a kabayan, Jesus Natanauan. He writes: “Jess was a Filipino who was noble in thought, words, and deeds; a civil servant in the true sense of the term. Even after retirement, he continued to care about his country in his own simple ways. He contributed profound commentaries for publication. He avoided pomposity among people. He associated with very few friends, but was admired by those who knew him. His style was so simple yet difficult to follow, ironically because of its clear sincerity. If more Filipinos could only conduct themselves like him. . . Jess would drink to that.”)
