Ant Evans (Editor) “I expect a wonderful rematch of a terrific fight and expect it to be close once again. However, I feel a lot of people are ‘doing an Arum’ and are pretending the Raheem fight never happened. Well, happen it did and Morales looked a shot fighter. I don’t think Morales is actually shot but I do expect Morales to be slightly worse in this fight and Pac-Man to be slightly better now he has had two fights at super-feather. I tip Pac-Man to get revenge.”
Paul Upham (Contributing Editor) “A very tough fight to pick. Do you go with the boxer in form who lost their first fight, or the boxer out of form who won their first fight? The old saying of ‘styles makes fights’ might seem more appropriate than ever for the Morales-Pacqauio rematch. The Mexican was out of his depth against Zahir Raheem, but in this rematch I am going to pick Morales to win again on points over Pacquiao. Morales W12.”
Evan Korn (US East Coast correspondent) “I am disregarding any and all excuses Pac-Man had after the first bout, since Morales’ style, which forced Manny into retreat mode the first time around, will win out again. It doesn’t matter if they use twelve or twenty-two ounce gloves. Morales by close decision.”
Neil Abramson (New York Photographer) “I like Manny in a brutal slugout.”
Matt Wells (North American Correspondent) This is a tough fight to call. Morales’ shocking loss to Zahir Raheem is tought to forget. However, the deciding factor I think will be the ability to adjust mid-fight. It took Morales less than one round last time to figure out how to handle Pacquiao, and I don’t think Manny will have anything new to offer this time around. So Morales by UD. Matt Wells (Canadian Correspondent)
Patrick Kehoe (Contributing Editor) “Erik Morales’ size allows him counter hitting possibilities. His ability to absorb the big shot keeps him in rallies when others have to run or cover and that separates Morales from Pacquiao’s other opponents. If “Erik the Great” keeps his punches straight, high-lighting his left jab and counter hitting, arrow straight, right hand, he’s got the formula to out hit even an aggressive and retooled Pacquiao. Danger stalks both of these brave warriors, thus, the magic of the match-up.”
Ben Cohen (West Coast Correspondent) I think the fight really is too close to call. Pacquiao is the fresher fighter, but Morales the better fighter. Pacquiao has the edge in speed and power, but Morales the edge in ring smarts. It’s a tough fight for both, and one that could go either way. If I had to make a choice, I’d say that the Pac Man has the advantage. I think he has prepared very well for this fight, and he has more left in the tank.
Clive Bernath (Editor in Chief) “I’m gonna go for Manny Pacquiao this time round. Erik Morales is a great fighter but maybe he’s just had too many tough fights. It will be tough and I expect Morales to go the distance but Pacquiao I feel will have the edge this time.”
