Manny Pacquiao began the promotional tour for his January 21 rematch with Erik Morales on Saturday afternoon at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas. Pacman was then scheduled to head to Los Angeles to play in a Celebrity Poker Tournament for ESPN Radio. Another press appearance is set for Tuesday in LA after which Pacquiao plans to return to the Philippines and train in Cebu until returning to the United States in December. Fightnews.com spent some time with Pacquiao while he was in Las Vegas.
Manny how good did it feel getting a KO victory over Velazquez and getting back on the winning track? It felt good. It was nice to get some rounds against a tough guy like Velazquez.
You’ve had some time off since that fight, what have you been doing with your time? I’m so busy with endorsements, making commercials, and of course, spending time with my kids. I also recorded an album in the Philippines.
Manny how much did you learn from Morales’ fight with Zahir Raheem did you see anything you didnt already know? Morales had a bad night.
At any point after knowing Morales loss did you think about not doing a rematch? No, I lost to him and he gave me a chance, so I have to be a man of my word and give him a chance, also.
Has you game plan for Morales changed since his loss to Zahir? No.
When you first fought Morales he was coming off a loss to Marco Antonio Barrera, now he is again facing you in a must win situation after losing to Zahir Raheem. Do you feel he is more dangerous now that is he again desperate for a win? Of course, he’ll be at his best.
How much will fighting with Cleto Reyes gloves change your gameplan? No change.
Is there anything you saw from Morales that you didnt expect? No, I just had a bad night that night. I had lots of distractions and the cut was bad.
How has training been going? I’ve been jogging lightly, I was going to train in the Philippines this weekend, but since I had to here, I’ll got to WIldCard tomorrow and work lightly before I start heavy training.
Do you feel you can prepare better for this fight by training in the PI? It’s the same, as long as I don’t have the distractions, and I am focused.
Manny is this rematch the most important fight of your career? Yes. I have to and will beat Morales.
You’ve sworn off drinking and have said you are 100% dedicated to this fight. How would you compare your intensiveness for this rematch as to your past fights? I am going to train my hardest. I am going to focus only on my fight.
Marco Antonio Barrera has said that he would fight you if that is what the people wanted to see, but when told that people really do want to see this fight he turns back to saying that if he beat you in a rematch he wouldnt get full credit, noting that Morales beat you first. Do you think Barrera is scared to lose a second time? Do you think he is scared of Manny Pacquiao? I must concentrate on Erik Morales. After I win, then we’ll talk about Barrera.
Last words: I’d like to thank all my countrymen, my fans, the sponsors, and the media for all your support. Please come watch my fight with Erik Morales on January 21, 2005 in Las Vegas, live on HBO PPV.
