TODD THORPE:
Manny Pacquiao is a hard puncher, but Erik Morales’ size advantage will provide too
many obstacles. After surviving early barrages by Pacquiao early, Morales the boxer will take over in the third or fourth round, utilizing his left jab, foot work and superior power. I like Morales by decision, 8 rounds to 4, 116-112.
KIERAN MULVANEY:
This is one of the hardest picks I have had to make for a major fight in a long time. There are so many variables, and so many unknowns. Mostly, can Morales go to the well one more time after so many hard battles? Is he, as has been rumored, having trouble making weight? Will we see the Pacquiao who flattened Juan Manuel Marquez in the first round of their bout, or the one who was fairly easily outboxed for most of the rest of the fight? Tough, tough fight to pick, but if forced to make a choice, I will just lean toward Pacquiao, possibly by stoppage. But the reverse wouldn’t surprise me, either.
LYLE FITZSIMMONS:
Morales TKO 11.
True, “Pac Man” is on a roll with the rout of Barrera and the early domination of
Marquez, but Morales is still naturally bigger and stronger and, though some see it as a detriment, coming of what I believe will be a motivating rubber-match loss to foe Marco Antonio. I see “El Terrible” withstanding the early pressure with style, then taking
Pacquiao into the deep waters and scoring a late stoppage.
SHAWN KREST:
Morales is fighting the right guy for the wrong reasons. He will be fighting with one eye on Marco Antonio Barrera, and Pacquiao is too dangerous to take on when your attention is elsewhere. As a result, Morales’ strategy will be El Terrible, standing and exchanging as if it were round 13 back on November 27 instead of a new fight against one of the top pound-for-pounders around. Pacquiao in three.
MATTHEW SANDERSON:
Pacquiao comes on strong from the first bell & stings Morales with superior speed, and tries the finish but gets discouraged when Erik doesn’t go anywhere. Manny’s speed & power seem a bit too much at first, but Erik gradually finds his range & catches Manny coming in during the early rounds with a nasty right uppercut that both staggers and takes the fight out of Pacquiao. Plenty of exciting exchanges ensue, with Morales getting the best of it by forcing his shots out & drawing on his reserves. Manny fades, cannot get back into it, & the naturally bigger Erik bangs him up late & stops him as the fight nears the championship rounds. Morales TKO9.
TOM HOGAN (HOGAN PHOTOS):
Pacquiao over Morales 12 round dec.
I see this as a very close fight with Pacquiao’s constant pressure and speed to be the
difference. Pacquiao never seems to slow down but his power will not be what it was at 122.
TOM THOMPSON:
After twelve thrilling rounds in a losing effort against Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales is showing a lot of courage to come right back to fight a top notch competitor like Manny Pacquiao. It almost reminds me of times gone by when fighters were not afraid to fight each other and fight often. Be that as it may, I see Manny Pacquiao being too quick and too strong for Morales. Erik will not back down and will be willing to go toe to toe and because of that, I see Pacman stopping Morales somewhere around the 5th round in a barn-burner.
