Mexican star Erik ?El Terible? Morales left yesterday for the cold mountains in Northern Mexico – known as The Otomi – and will commence his high-altitude training today as part of his massive build-up for his March 19 superbout with Filipino ring icon Manny ?The Destroyer? Pacquiao.
The hotly-anticipated war for the ages on HBO Pay-Per-View will be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
?I?ve been running and doing conditioning work in Tijuana, but now it?s time to step it up. I?ll be in the mountains for six weeks,? the former three-time world champion Morales told Fightnews.com.
Morales said he won?t underestimate Pacquiao even just for one second in their blockbuster showdown because he is cognizant of the devastating power and exceptional speed of the General Santos City-native punching machine.
?Pacquiao is dangerous because of his power,? said Morales said. ?I will not under-estimate him for one second during our fight,? added Morales, who will run on mountain paths in the morning, spar in the afternoon and will rest early each evening.
Aside from personal glory, Morales will be fighting to mend the wounded pride of the Mexicans. On November 16, 2003 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, Pacquiao somewhat stoked the Mexican-Filipino animosity when he mercilessly punished the revered Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera into 11th round submission.
Coincidentally, Barrera is responsible for inflicting the only two career defeats of Morales.
Hence, a victory over Pacquiao will surely be a sweet redemption for Morales. On the other hand, a win by Pacquiao will definitely set him up to a dream rematch with Barrera in a fight that will ultimately decide who is the greatest featherweight warrior this planet has ever had.
