MANNY’S NEW CD AIRED ON “RING TALK RADIO”
Millbrae, Ca-Following the footsteps of Oscar De La Hoya, Philippine Icon, Manny Pacquiao, has recorded an album that will be released just prior to his January 21st battle against Erik Morales. Recorded during the summer, Pacquiao takes the opposite approach on the microphone compared to the ring. His single, “Para Sa ’Yo Ang Laban Na ’To” (This Fight is For You), is a ballad pop song, dedicating his rematch to all his countrymen in the Philippines and around the world. The purpose of the album was to relay his message to the millions of loyal fans who view Pacquiao as their hero. Basically, the admirations and love affair that fans have for Pacquiao, he feels the same about his fans and his music is a way for everyone to hear it. Part of the song was aired on the Sunday night edition of “Ring Talk Radio.”
BAYLESS THIRD MAN IN REMATCH!
One of the best referees in the business, Kenny Bayless, gets the nod to be the third man in the ring for Morales-Pacquiao 2. Bayless’ last big fight was Erik Morales’ loss to Marco Antonio Barrera in November of 2004, and he has never called a Pacquiao fight. Some Pacquiao fans may breath a sigh of relief learning that Joe Cortez will not be the referee in the rematch. In all three of Pacquiao’s fights (Lehlo Ledwaba in 2001, Juan Manuel Marquez in 2004, and Erik Morales in 2005) in Las Vegas, Joe Cortez has been a referee with Pacquiao going 1-1-1. He called a clearly accidental clash of heads that caused an “L” shaped gash over Pacquiao’s eye, a wound that resulted from a punch. That meant if Pacquiao couldn’t see, the bout would have been ruled a TKO win for Morales. “El Terrible” did go on to win the first bout 115-113 across the board.
LET THE MIND GAMES BEGIN
Since the initial press conference for the rematch, handlers of Pacquiao have assured the boxing public that there will be no excuses this time. Pacquiao will wear the Reyes boxing gloves unlike the Winning brand he wore against Morales. Although Pacquiao had worn Everlast gloves in his first U.S fight against Ledwaba, and wears Philippine brand gloves when fighting the Philippines, the Reyes gloves are his preferred choice. It may not give Pacquiao a real advantage over Morales, but it does give Manny a mental edge because the glove issue was significantly talked about before and after the first fight. In response, reports from Mexico stated that Morales might wear the Reyes gloves himself. The last time Morales wore Reyes gloves was against Jesus Chavez in a fight where Morales knocked the iron chinned Chavez down twice, but hurt his right hand in the fight. Many boxing experts, like HBO commentator Emanuel Steward, were quoted that had Morales wore the Reyes gloves, he may have knocked Pacquiao out.
WHEN A FAN SHOULD STAY A FAN
Since exploding on the scene after stopping Marco Antonio Barrera in 2003, Manny Pacquiao has risen to superstar celebrity status not only in the Philippines, but also amongst Filipinos in Los Angeles. This type fan base and popularity hasn’t been seen before in Philippine boxing. Even during Luisito Espinosa’s featherweight heyday from 1996-2000 he didn’t have hordes of fans trailing his every move. The popularity had risen to its highest level when during Pacquiao’s training camp for the first Morales bout; hundreds of Filipinos stormed the Wild Card Gym just to see their champion. What Espinosa lacked, and Pacquiao is full of, is charisma, and the willingness to interact with his loyal fans. Even though Pacquiao’s personality out of the ring attributed to his popularity, it also opened up an opportunity for fans to take advantage of Pacquiao’s kindness. Certain individuals wanted to get involved in Manny’s personal affairs and abused their friendship. One fan in particular crossed over the line this past year, and was phased out permanently.
“THE PINOY” ALL OVER THE BATTLE
In the upcoming days leading to the fight, stay tuned to www.RingTalk.com as the Pinoy will break down the rematch, and more importantly the impacts each fighter will face should they lose.
Jason Aniel
