Manny Pacquiao has become accustomed to receiving congratulatory phone calls from his native country’s highest government official. In fact, Pacquiao soon might find comfort in calling Philippines president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo by first name. The fighter and head of state enjoyed yet another pleasant phone conversation late Saturday. Arroyo was quick to laud Pacquiao for his 10th-round technical knockout victory against Erik Morales in Las Vegas. ”May this serve as an inspiration and constant reminder to all our countrymen that the Filipino can be the best in any endeavor when he puts his heart into it,” Arroyo’s office said in a statement. Pacquiao more than typified the statement’s contents in his convincing victory against Morales, one of Mexico’s best brawlers. Pacquiao withstood the best of Morales’ early-fight shots, wore him down with combinations to the body and head and eventually finished Morales with two knockdowns in the 10th round. ”I’m sure the people in the Philippines will be celebrating tonight,” said Pacquiao, whose following at home has reached rock-star status. Euphoria especially set in after the super-featherweight fight was stopped at 2:33 of the 10th round. Morales’ swollen face portrayed a fighter whose absorption of punches, not only in Saturday’s fight but also in preceding bouts, finally might have paid a painful price. ”Every time I hit him in the body, I saw him hurt,” Pacquiao (41-3-2, 33 KOs) said. “I was happy I went to the body more often.” Pacquiao’s win avenged a loss by unanimous decision to Morales (48-4) last year. ”His punch wasn’t any different than the first fight,” Morales said. “I worked very hard and too long preparing for this fight. Trying to make 130 pounds [the super-featherweight limit] proved to be much work. Time finally caught me.” ETC. • An ankle injury while training forced Pembroke Pines’ Shannon Briggs to withdraw from his regional heavyweight title fight against Chris Koval on Friday night at Miccosukee Indian Gaming. With Briggs-Koval off the seven-bout card, Miami’s Randall Bailey, a former WBO junior-welterweight champion, will fight an opponent, which will be named this week, in a scheduled 10-round welterweight fight. The card also will feature former heavyweight contender Jameel McCline against Dan Ward. • The United States will face Belarus in Olympic style dual matches Sunday at the North Miami Armory. Flyweight and 2004 Olympian Rau’shee Warren will head the 11-member U.S. team. For information, call 305-895-9891. The North Miami Armory is located at 13250 N.E. 8th Ave.
