Manny Pacquiao, the newly-crowned World Boxing Council superfeatherweight champion, attributed the win Saturday (Sunday in Manila) against Erik Morales to solid left and right hooks that saw the Mexican falling on his knees to the canvas.
“Sabi ko tingnan n’yo lang panoorin n’yo lang sa fight ang kanan ko at saka may technique ako na bagong nadiskubre na mga punches na malalakas (I have a technique and discovered punches that are hard-hitting),” said the Filipino boxing icon Monday with regard to his “secret weapon” against Morales.
The champion said that his camp was wary at first to reveal the tactic. The Mexican defeated Pacquiao during their March 2005 meeting but this time, the Filipino pug used left and right hooks and body punches to attack the “El Terrible.”
Pacquiao also said he outsmarted Morales this time. “Ang advantage siguro mas matalino lang ako ng konti sa kanya (My advantage was I was a bit smarter than him),” said Pacquiao.
According to Pacquiao, he remained confident of beating Morales and thought of bringing the Mexican down after the fifth round.
Pacquiao eventually brought down Morales twice in the 10th round of the 12-rounder. The fight was stopped by referee Kenny Baylesswith 2:33 into the round after Morales staggered and went down after being hit with a combination of punches.
Pacquiao’s triumph Saturday was witnessed by a jampacked crown at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.
The Filipino boxer pocketed $2 million for the fight while the Mexican got $3 million. Both fighters will get a cut of the pay-per-view revenue.
Pacquiao improved his record to 41 wins, 3 losses and 2 draws, while Morales suffered his third loss against 48 wins.
