THE much-awaited rematch between Filipino sensation Manny Pacquiao and Mexican hombre Erik Morales is only 13 days away. That’s January 21 (January 22 in Manila) to be exact at the Thomas & Mack Center in the glittering and gambling capital Las Vegas.
Newspapers have been running stories and televisions have been airing commercials about the coming bout on a daily basis.
Even radio commentators are constantly announcing the grudge rematch, the fight Pacquiao has been waiting for to complete his journey towards redemption.
In March of 2005, the crafty Morales beat Pacquiao through a unanimous decision in an epic and bloody encounter also in Las Vegas.
In that fight, Pacquiao suffered a nasty cut above his right eye in the fifth round due to an accidental headbutt and fought the remainder of the bout with one good eye.
With both Pacquiao and Morales declaring they are in great shape for the second encounter, boxing fans are expecting another slambang affair right from the opening round up to the final bell.
Sun.Star Davao aasked some journalists, sport officials and other boxing observers in Davao City as to what they think will be the outcome of the bout.
While most of them say Pacquiao is going to prevail, there are others who believe Morales is just too good for the Filipino warrior.
Here’s what they have to say
“Erik does not have Manny’s power as shown when he lost to Barrera. He can’t knock Pacquiao out. The bout will be a defining episode in Pacquiao’s career. He wants to win this one more than anybody else. Erik will try to reopen Pac’s old wound because that’s how he won he first fight. If Pac avoids the cut he will beat Erik by KO, TKO or on points. Erik can only win on points.” — Ram Maxey, a veteran sportswriter and Sun.Star Davao columnist
“It’s going to be Morales by knockout in the 10th round. My heart belongs to Pacquiao, but Morales will prevail again.” — Jon Develos, Mindanao Times sports editor
“Pacquiao is going to win. I have so much faith in him. Go Pacman.” — Jay-Jay, 15-year-old high school student from Panabo City
“Manny is my idol. I’m not going to watch the fight because I don’t want to see him getting hurt. I hope Manny wins.” — Angeline, 18, of Calinan
“Of course, Pacquiao by KO inside nine rounds.” — Christopher “Bong” Go, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte’s executive assistant and city sports division chief
“It’s Pacquiao by KO. But if it goes the distance, it’s Morales by split decision.” — Ferdie Lintuan, radio commentator and former president of the Davao Sportswriters Association
