Recently we had the honor to witness Eric “Terrible” Morales and Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao go to war in a thrilling rematch dubbed “The Battle”. For the second time, these little giants spoiled us with unforgettable moments, round after round.
The saga continued. Both fighters in the middle of the ring relentlessly trading, but the outcome was stunningly different.
During the bout, Morales’ legs unexpectedly gave out. After five hard-fought rounds, he visibly tired and slowly walked back to his corner. “I came ready and prepared, but as the fight continued, I suddenly became very tired… But in the other corner was an excellent fighter, I have no excuses.” Up to that point, Morales seemed in control, clearly dominating rounds one, three, four and five.
From that moment on, the once tireless dynamo entered unfamiliar territory –the unthinkable: He wilted, trying to survive on unsteady pins. “My legs… they don’t feel good. They feel really tired,” Morales repeatedly told his corner between rounds. But always the warrior, “El Terrible” never considered surrender. His enormous heart wouldn’t allow it.
He paid a hefty price in round ten, suffering legitimate knockdowns and a TKO stoppage for the first time in his career. Although the referee halted it after the second knockdown, Morales didn’t appear severely hurt. He was able to quickly rise on his own. The knockdowns seemed more from fatigue than punishment. Taking nothing from Pacquiao, he landed solid shots to the head and body.
Unlike their first encounter last March, Manny inflicted heavy damage this time on Morales’s face with his preferred Cleto Reyes gloves. In the first bout, Morales earned a tough, unanimous decision. Immediately afterward, a hue-and-cry came from Team Pacquiao about the gloves. Most of it voiced by Freddie Roach, Pac’s trainer. Manny simply took the loss and focused on the rematch.
Speaking Sunday from his home in Chula Vista, California, “El Terrible” graciously accepted defeat and offered no excuses for the loss. He respectfully gave the Filipino super star well-deserved praise. “They beat us good and fair. The other corner showed great ambition and desire. A solid training camp was the groundwork for their success. We can’t deny that.”
Erik mentioned making weight has become too difficult. It would be reasonable to suppose the numerous ring wars also might have ultimately taken a negative effect on his battered body, especially noticeable during the middle and late rounds when his strength dramatically decreased. “I think I’ve been in some difficult fights throughout my career. Chavez, Hernandez, Barrera and Pacquiao, they were all difficult fighters. But even in defeat, I felt proud of giving the people an interesting fight.”
Bob Arum congratulated his man for never quitting, even when his energy had failed him. “Today, Eric fought hard till the very end. I am proud of him and his effort.” He also applauded Pacquiao, “Eric lost to a great fighter… He has nothing to be ashamed of. Manny is a wonderful person. Today Eric was knocked down for the first time in his career, I’m just glad it was by Manny. If it were someone else, I’d be bothered.”
After the fight, Morales was taken to a hospital for precautionary reasons and could not be present at the post fight conference. While there, Pacquiao personally sent a priest to check up on him, a classy act on his part. “The priest gave me his blessings, wished me happiness and congratulated me for a great fight,” said Morales. “Pacquiao is a great person, and showed us nothing but respect. After the fight we embraced, he wished me good luck and we congratulated each other for giving another entertaining fight.”
During the post-fight conference, Pacquiao repeatedly expressed his concern for Morales. When asked to comment on becoming the first fighter to stop “El Terrible,” Pacquiao explained: “Morales is a great fighter. It was an honor to have defeated one of the greatest fighters ever, a true legend and future hall of fame member, but I just hope he’s OK.”
Morales stated he would take time off for at least six months to be with his pregnant wife and then decide whether to retire or prepare for a comeback. But just a few days ago, Bob Arum announced Erik had chosen to exercise his contractual option for a rubber match.
Manny is enjoying his victory relaxing and spending time with his family in the Philippines, with a variety of alternatives to contemplate. There’s the contractual clause for a third bout with Morales. Rematches against Marco Antonio Barrera, whom “Pac Man” convincingly beat and/or Juan Manuel Marquez, which ended in a draw, are also possibilities. Recently, Oscar Larios was also mentioned.
We’ve witnessed Morales and Pacquiao brutally thump one another in the ring, but outside the ropes they shared mutual admiration. Both remained humble in victory and respectful in defeat. They fought courageously at all times, never giving less than 100%.
Their two unforgettable confrontations are worthy of “Fight of The Year.” They’ll be remembered for generations.
When boxing is most associated with a dark side, and boxers do less than their best, Pacquiao and Morales lend honor to the credo of professional fighting.
