In front of the biggest press turnout Top Rank has ever had in Los Angeles, superstars Erik Morales and Manny Pacquiao met for the first time today prior to their March 19 superfight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Morales said, “I had three great fights last year. It didn’t finialize the way I had hoped it to, but I’m very satisfied with my performances. I didn’t want to take anyone easy coming back. I think this will be a great, explosive fight.” Pacquiao promised Morales, “I’m going to give you a real good fight.” Pacquiao’s promoter Murad Muhammad stirred things up a bit when he stated that Pacquiao destroyed a legend in Barrera, knocked down Marquez three times and now “he going after the top Mexican.” Promoter Bob Arum later told Fightnews.com, “This smells like it’s going to do tremendous business because Morales Barrera did big, but it was two Mexicans. I think a Filipino and a Mexican brings another element to it, because energizes over two million Filipinos [in the U.S.]” Ticket prices are $75-$400 and seats go on sale Friday at noon. Only the main event was announced.
