While most found Erik Morales? victory over Carlos Hernandez impressive and convincing, one man had a different view of the fight that saw the classy Mexican fighter unify the WBC and IBF super featherweight titles via a unanimous decision win in Las Vegas over the weekend.
“Hindi ako masyadong impressed,” said Manny Pacquiao, who was actually set to take on Morales had he won his match with Juan Manuel Marquez last May.
Pacquiao, who had previously eyed Morales as his next opponent in a bid to add the 130-lb (super featherweight) crown to his victories in the flyweight, super bantamweight (122-lb) and featherweight (126-lb) divisions, said he watched the fight intently and noted that Morales was a little bit slow.
“Medyo mabagal at sumusuntok siya minsan na hindi tumitingin (sa kalaban),” said Pacquiao. “Sa tingin ko nga, mas magaling pa si (Marco Antonio) Barrera.”
That was short of saying he can also beat Morales, who, in a post-fight interview, had voiced his desire to take on the Filipino champion before moving up to the lightweight (135-lb) division.
But if ever the Pacquiao-Morales fight would materialize, the blockbuster event would be staged only next year since Morales is also scheduled to fight again this November.
Pacquiao is also set to climb the ring again in November although his opponent remains unknown despite a long list of possible rivals, including a keenly-awaited rematch with Barrera.
However, negotiations between Pacquiao?s New Jersey-based promoter Murad Muhammad and Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schafer have not produced tangible results.
“We are considering the best options for Barrera. But definitely, he will fight on Nov. 27,” said Marylyn Aceves, chief of public relations for Golden Boy Promotions.
Barrera is raring to get back at Pacquiao after the Filipino southpaw demolished him in 11 rounds with TKO win at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas last year that catapulted the General Santos native to the world boxing stage.
Barrera has recently won his comeback match by knocking out Texas? pride Paulie Ayala in 10 rounds then said he?s ready to face Pacquiao again.
Pacquiao took on Mexican double champ Juan Manuel Marquez last May and settled for a controversial draw. At press time, Pacquiao is still waiting for his next opponent as Marquez and his promoters decided to fight untested Orlando Salido in September in the undercard of the Bernard Hopkins-Oscar De La Hoya clash.
High on Pacquiao?s list of alternative opponents include WBC champ In Jin Chi of South Korea and WBO kingpin Scott Harrison of England. Pacquiao and his local managers are mulling to stage a fight in the Philippines if Muhammad fails to come up with a fight contract soon.
