After losing three of his last fights, Mexican legend Erik “El Terrible” Morales is hoping his second rematch against Pinoy boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao will usher his return to boxing’s elite.
“As everyone knows, the last few times that I’ve been in the ring, it hasn’t been that good for me,” Fightnews.com quoted Morales as saying during their press conference in Las Vegas last Saturday.
According Bob Arum in an interview over national TV, both fighters are guaranteed to earn at least $3 million.
“With the share of the (PPV) proceeds, both are guaranteed to make more than that,” Arum said.
Rights
The same report also said that Philippine rights for the fight was awarded to Manny Pacquiao promotions and that the fight will again be aired live on ABS-CBN.
“This gives me an opportunity to reverse everything and go back to where I belong. I’m asking you to believe in me one more time to show you what I can do,” Morales said.
The two will duke it out again on Nov. 18, with Morales, who appeared overweight at the press conference, facing stiff penalties if he appears over the 130-pound limit.
The 29-year-old Tijuana Mexico native’s record of never been knocked down was blemished when Pacquiao stopped him in the 10th round of their rematch last March for his second straight loss.
Last year, the unheralded Zahir Raheem won a unanimous decision over Morales after 12 rounds. The same night Pacquiao knocked out Hector Velasquez in six rounds.
Groomed
Morales, who holds a 48-4 record with 34 KOs, also lost twice to fellow Mexican legend and Pacquiao-victim, Marco Antonio Barrera.
On the other hand, Pacquiao, who is reportedly being groomed to be a politician, started acting like one during the press conference.
In a report posted at Philboxing.com, Pacquiao thanked the Lord, his fellow fighters, the media and the Filipino people—who sometimes drop everything they are doing to watch his fights—for inspiring him.
“It’s going to be a good fight on Nov. 18th. Both of us are trying to give you a good fight. I’m praying no one gets hurt on the 18th,” Pacquiao said.
