EXPECT a tactical but nonetheless electrifying match as boxing icons Erik Morales and Manny Pacquiao taper off their seemingly strategic training routine for their Jan. 22 (Manila time) return slugfest in Las Vegas.
Both have been unfathomable regarding their probable fight method for their 12-round battle at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.
But the quality of sparring partners the two combatants have employed in preparation for their rematch showed that both Morales and Pacquiao plan dramatic changes in their lines of attack.
The 29-year-old Morales has lined-up an all-southpaw sparring partners, most of whom were already part of his retinue during the Mexican’s initial clash with Pacquiao.
Morales scored a close but deserving 12-round verdict over Pacquiao in their first encounter last March 2005 in Las Vegas.
Reports from Mexico revealed that Morales has added former world champion Freddie Norwood among his seven-man sparring assemblage.
The 36-year-old Norwood once reigned as World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight king from 1998 to 2000, and is known as a technically sound fighter.
A chink in Morales’ supposed indomitable armor was undraped after he tasted a resounding setback at the hands of American stylist Zahir Raheem September of last year.
In that fight, Morales (48-3, 34 KO’s) was creamed by the crafty Raheem whose speed successfully impeded the Mexican’s vaunted offense.
Norwood’s exceptional footwork and hand speed is expected to help Morales improve in cutting the angle of Pacquiao should the Filipino warrior adopt and execute Raheem’s boxing fluency.
Morales’ two other defeats were at the hands of Mexican rival Marco Antonio Barrera but both losses were deemed controversial by fight experts.
On the other hand, Pacquiao has utilized several lanky and sneaky fighters, anticipating that Morales may again exploit his excellent boxing talent that is at its best when facing sluggers like the Filipino southpaw.
Comprising Pacquiao’s sparring team which has an average height of 5’10″ are Russian Rustam Nugaev, Jose Armando Cruz, undefeated Swede Shadi Hamsho, Jose Armando Sta. Cruz and amateur standout Richard Baltazar.
