Mexican great Erik Morales bids to erase the memory of his recent shock defeat to Zahir Raheem in an eagerly-awaited rematch with Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas this weekend.
The Tijuana 29-year-old moved up to lightweight for the first time in his career last September and was beaten by Raheem in what was supposed to be a tune-up for his second clash with the Filipino.
Morales’ first meeting with Pacquiao last March was one of the best fights of the year with the Mexican emerging the winner by unanimous decision.
No world title belt is necessary to ensure an equally action-packed super-featherweight showdown tomorrow night at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Morales said: “I still can’t believe I lost that fight to Raheem – it was one of those nights that you just never believe is going to happen.
“I’m in great shape mentally and physically. I will fight a different fight and I will fight better.
“They would be making a mistake if they based their hopes and plans on what happened last time when I lost to Raheem.”
Former flyweight and super-bantamweight champion Pacquiao shot to fame by stopping Morales’ great rival Marco Antonio Barrera three years ago.
Pacquiao will boast huge Filipino support in Las Vegas and insisted: “I was not 100% last time, I took him lightly and I need to change some things. I will bet my life that I will win.”
