WHILE Manny Pacquiao trained before a large crowd and under the preying eyes of journalists in Los Angeles, Erik Morales practiced in seclusion in the Otomi mountains of Mexico City, away from the public and media scrutiny.
But when Morales concluded his Spartan-like training and held his own Media Day Monday in Mexico, he issued a stern warning loud and clear enough to be heard across the Pacquiao camp.
“I am going into the most important fight of my boxing career,” Morales told Fightnews.com. “I am ready to fight, go to war.”
Morales made the declaration as he sparred for six rounds before 200 fans, seven TV cameras and a throng of journalists at the Nuevo Jordan gym in Mexico City.
The well-attended Media Day took place just four days before Morales trades punches with the hard-hitting Pacquiao on March 19 in Las Vegas.
“I know what Pacquiao will bring-speed and power. I am prepared to dig in and fight the fight of my life,” Morales said as reported by Fightnews.com.
Morales, who lost the super featherweight title to Marco Antonio Barrera last November, will be coming into the fight the slight underdog, although he won an initial battle outside the ring of sorts when the Nevada State Athletic Commission ruled that both he and Pacquiao wore the Winning-brand gloves come fight night.
Pacquiao had initially rejected the use of Winning and preferred to use his trusted Mexican-made Cleto Reyes brand.
Morales is expected to arrive at the lobby of the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Tuesday, which a day after Pacquiao hits Las Vegas to complete his date with the Mexican warrior.
