IF YOU listen to most discussions in the run-up to the “Grand Finale” between Manny Pacquiao and Erik Morales, you would think that the fight is going to be staged on the weighing scale rather than the boxing ring. The weight issue actually became a cause celebre owing to the history of Morales’ struggles to get to the designated weight of 130 lbs (the super featherweight/junior lightweight limit).
The famed Mexican fighter himself has blamed his recent losses to weight issues and, as a matter of fact, tried to get Pacquiao to fight at lightweight (135 lbs) and when that was thumbed down, suggested a catch weight of 132. What he got instead was a contract clause that slaps a 0K fine for each pound either of them goes over 130. The amount accrues to the fighter who makes the weight, who is also given the option of taking the money and walking away from the fight.
“El Terrible” has since tapped Velocity Performance Sports Center, a group that claims to be able to maximize the potential of an athlete without sacrificing power and speed. Velocity has been working with Morales’ trainers, supervising his diet and physical regimen with the end in view of trimming down without sapping his strength or diminishing his stamina.
Their work was cut out for them. Estimates of Morales’ weight over three months before the fight ranged from 150 to an incredible 180 lbs.! Recent reports have it that it was actually closer to 165. Still, most nutrition and conditiioning experts considered it a tall order to slash it down to 130 without sacrificing body strength. Velocity said: “it can be done, no problem. Just watch”.
And so the weightwatching began. Thirty days before the fight, fighters are mandated to weighin no more than 10 per cent of their designated weight limit. Morales came in at 142, just one pound under the maximum 143.
Pacquiao who, weeks before that weigh-in, was reported to have been at a comfortable 135, was recorded at 138. This came as a shocker to fans, but celebrated Pacman trainer Freddie Roach brushed anxieties off, saying Manny had on shoes and a shirt at the weighin, and would have weighed at 136 had he not. Okay then, but where did that extra pound come from?.
Recent pictures and videos from the picturesque Otomi Mountains in Mexico where Morales trains have provided grist to the mill as pundits scrutinize the Mexican’s face and body for signs that could give a clue as to his actual physical condition.
The more pronounced cheekbones, the loose clothing, the heart-monitoring after every sparring round, even his raspy voice are meticulously broken down as either pluses or minuses, depending on which side of the finale one is observing from.
Pacquiao on the other hand has recently been quoted as saying he will not be lured into thinking that he faces a weakened Morales owing to the weight reduction, but that he expects the other guy to be at his best and is training for that.
This of course is the wiser and more prudent tact since Erik is known to be a thinking and technically sound fighter. He has also personally joined the word war calling Pacquiao “pendejo” which has been translated as “a fool” or “stupid”.
Whatever the actual meaning is, Morales made it clear he was not singing paeans to Pacquiao’s musical talent. The object naturally, is to get under Pacquiao’s skin.
What it all boils down to really is, who will lose his composure or his focus on what needs to be worked on and who will succumb to the pressures and perform less creditably come Nov.18 (Nov. 19, Manila time).
Pacquiao has gotten to where he is with his awesome power and speed. The lessons he has learned from Roach have also transformed him to a more complete fighter in the ring.
Weight woes weigh down on Morales while we will watch as war is waged and hope that Manny works his wonders. Hopefully he brings home another “W”.
Whip it good, Manny!
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The scene around…another week of birthdays…Last Nov.1, throngs turned out all over as Bong Barrameda and Bro. Wayne Enage celebrated their natal days (of course, the multitude was celebrating something else). Today is the Mayor of all season’s special day…Ms. Vilma Santos! Tomorrow, Nov. 4… Bobong Velez of Mezze and the incomparable Vintage Sports; and Papa Jim Paz (Lolo Jim to archer Amaya Paz).
Salute, amici!
