LAS VEGAS — Mexican legend Erik Morales, who battled Manny Pacquiao in a thrilling trilogy in the mid-2000s, feels the two protagonists on Saturday night — Manny Pacquiao and Yordenis Ugas — is a great pairing that could produce an even greater outcome.
“This is going to be an emotional fight, an interesting fight. Maybe both fighters are a little tired and worn out but it is still a good fight,” Morales told Daily Tribune on Wednesday.
Now 44, Morales beat Pacquiao via a unanimous decision in March 2005 but lost the second meeting and the rubber match in 2006 both by stoppage.
Reminded that Pacquiao will be coming off a long layoff, Morales, who officially called it quits in 2014, swears the 25-month inactivity could play a crucial role.
“It could definitely have an effect, it could,” said Morales, who is here as part of a Mexican TV coverage team.
“It might or it might not, but the important thing is not so much of the fact that they are older or their bodies are older but it’s all in the mind, too. If the body doesn’t respond, things are not going to go well for Manny or for Ugas either.”
Take it from Morales, whose last two fights in 2012, came against Danny Garcia.
