LAS VEGAS – Manny Pacquiao finished this trilogy with the flair befitting a movie star, knocking down Erik Morales three times on the way to a third-round KO win last night in the super featherweights’ third meeting in 20 months.
Pacquiao (43-3-2, 33 KOs), the Filipino known for his punching power and courage, might have knocked Morales (48-5) into retirement in a fight that was every bit as thrilling as their first two meetings – if not as long.
The 130-pounders had split their first two meetings in the previous two years, with Morales winning a unanimous decision and Pacquiao replying with a TKO victory over “El Terrible” last March.
Both fighters came out with heedless aggression, and Pacquiao first knocked Morales down against the ropes late in the second round. Morales kept returning shots, but couldn’t keep up with Pacquiao’s pace – and after a knockdown midway through the third, Pacquiao finished him with a devastating left hook with just 3 seconds left.
Morales sat up after the final blows, but disconsolately shook his head at his trainer-father, Jose, in his corner – and Pacquiao celebrated another dynamic victory over the only man to beat him since 1999. Afterward, Morales acknowledged he might be finished after 52 brutal fights, including four losses in his last five.
“For the first time in my career, I actually felt the power of an opponent like I’ve never felt it before,” said Morales. –
