Newly-installed Games and Amusements Board chairman Eric Buhain yesterday was of the opinion that Filipino boxing idol Manny Pacquiao has what it takes to be the first man to stop Mexican legend Erik Morales off his track, and inflict the latter of his first knockout loss in a 12-year career.
Buhain, who is himself a former topnotch athlete, indicated that as GAB chair, he should be the first to believe in Pacquiao’s chances to win over the Mexican when asked of his prediction for the outcome of the fight.
Pacquiao and Morales will slug it out in a 12-round showdown on March 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Pacquiao will be moving up in weight for his first bout at the bigger 130-lb category, while Morales will be fighting in his comfortable weight.
GAB boxing division chief Emmanuel Flores, considered an expert in the fight game, also indicated his prediction for the fight, pointing out that Pacquiao will come out victorious after the fight.
“Pacquiao will stop Morales. This fight will not go beyond eight (rounds),” Flores stressed.
At almost the same time yesterday, an online poll conducted by HBO among its readers revealed that a majority of fight fans also believes that the Filipino puncher has what it takes to kayo the Mexican superstar.
HBO, which will broadcast the fight live on pay-per-view, asked the question “What do you think will be the outcome of Morales vs. Pacquiao?” and revealed that 64 percent of those surveyed believes that Pacquiao will win by knockout. Only a paltry 16 percent thinks Morales will do the trick.
Only 6 percent of the respondents thinks Pacquiao will win by decision, while 13 percent say Morales will win in a stretched out war.
One percent thinks the outcome will be a draw.
Pacquiao is currently in the United States in preparation for the fight under world-renowned trainer Freddie Roach, while Morales is in Mexico’s Otomi Mountains gearing up for the Pacquiao encounter.
