Erik Morales said he would rather let his punches do the talking when he meets Manny Pacquiao on Jan. 21 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Mexican three-world champion told fightnews.com the other day he is extremely confident of beating the Filipino southpaw in a rematch of their classic fight last March at the MGM Grand.
Then he took a shot at Team Pacquiao.
“Pacquiao?s people are talking too much. They talk and talk. Lets see if they can execute all those things they talk about,” said the tall, crafty and good-looking Mexican.
A couple of days ago, Pacquiao?s American trainer, Freddie Roach, said he “woudn?t be susprised” if his ward knocks out Morales by sticking to their fight plan.
Morales said that?s easier said than done.
“They say they?re going to be more aggressive. Well good luck to them. The problem is they have me in the front of them and I don?t back down,” said Morales.
The former world super featherweight champion defeated Pacquiao in their initial encounter. He posted a unanimous decision despite the fact that the fight was described the “most dramatic” in 2005.
“After having fought him I don?t think he can knock me out. I?m going to take risks and improvise a little bit depending on how the fight develops,” said the Mexican.
Morales is close to wrapping up his training in Mexico and is scheduled to fly straight to Sin City on board his private jet four days before the fight which will be watched by millions worldwide.
Pacquiao is still in Los Angeles where he?s been training since Dec. 3. He moves to Vegas on the 16th and will stay at the newly-built Wynn resort and casino along the famous Vegas strip.
Morales said the issue on the choice of gloves for the coming fight should be laid to rest.
“The gloves are not an issue. It?s something the Pacquiao camp is using to hype themselves up psychologically. I think your training and physical state of mind is what?s most important. It?s not an issue I want to talk about anymore. The most important thing is to let the leather (chingazos) fly.
In their first meeting, both fighters were told to use Winning gloves, which is Morales? brand, instead of Cleto, which is Pacquaio?s preference. This time, it?s their choice.
“They want to justify their last loss. Now since the gloves are not an issue in Las Vegas there can be no excuses. We worked really hard during this camp and were going to do whatever we can to win,” Morales said.
