MANILA – Filipino boxing experts believe Manny Pacquiao will win over Erik Morales in their 12-round rematch dubbed “The Battle” tomorrow at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Laura Elorde, former manager of Pacquiao and promoter, said the Filipino boxing superstar will win against Morales because he is much more focused than the during first time they fought, when the Mexican icon won by split decision at the MGM Grand Garden on March 19 last year also in Las Vegas.
Less distracted
“Pacquiao will definitely win. He is less distracted now than during the first meeting,” said Elorde, widow of Filipino boxing legend Gabriel “Flash” Elorde at the weekly Scoop Forum yesterday at the Kamayan Restaurant in Padre Faura, Malate.
Bebot Elorde, son of Laura, likewise give a thumbs-up sign for the General Santos City-native Pacquiao, saying he has to win because that’s what the country needs.
“I want him to win because our country needs the honor and a hero,” said Bebot Elorde.
Former World Boxing Association super-bantamweight champion Gerry Pe?alosa, however, said that if Morales is not in tip-top shape, the 27-year-old Pacquiao will win by knockout before the 10th round.
“Manny is very much in good condition. If Morales is not (in good condition), then the fight won’t last 10 rounds,” said Pe?alosa.
In a separate interview, Manny Pacquiao’s corner also expressed confidence of a win. So confident that Pacquiao’s trainer told reporters during a press conference that the Filipino boxing superstar will knock out Erik “El Terible” Morales.
“I’m confident Manny will win – and don’t be surprised if Manny wins by a big knockout,” Freddie Roach was quoted by a boxing website.
The American trainer added that Pacquiao, who got cut in the fifth round and lost via unanimous decision in their first fight, had his best training camp ever and has done all of his homework.
The two fighters also engaged in a word-war going into the fight, with Morales belittling Pacquiao’s skills.
“Pacquiao relies too much on his power and is not really technically sound. If I were to rate his skills, it’s five (on a scale of 10),” said Morales.
Preparation
Sports broadcaster Ed Pecson said that with the way Pacquiao prepared himself for the fight, the country can hope for a big win.
“I’m not saying this just because he is Filipino. Pacquiao’s chances to win is really much better this time than in their first encounter,” he said.
Solar Sports vice president for marketing Jude Torcuato also assured that commercials during the telecast of the fight will be reduced.
He said Solar Sports aims to reach a high 38 percent rating, which is about a 47 percent viewership share during the expected more than two-hour telecast.
