Manny Pacquiao battered Eric Morales in their third historic encounter Saturday night, annihilating the Mexican legend in three rounds under the bright lights of Las Vegas Nevada. And with his second victory over Morales (both by stoppage) in three fights, Manny Pacquiao has now put the Eric Morales chapter of his career to rest and looks to move forward as one of boxing?s elite fighters.
Ever since he narrowly dropped a decision to Morales in their first encounter in 2005, Pacquiao was on a mission to get Morales back in the ring and set the record straight. Their rematch earlier this year saw the Pinoy sensation break down and stop an exhausted Morales late in the fight. But claims from Morales that it was merely his conditioning (and not Pacquiao?s punching power) that lead to his demise left a bad taste in Pacquiao?s mouth, and set the stage for the rubber match Nov. 18th.
Morales had the boxing world buzzing with the ease he showed in making the weight that had troubled him so badly in his last few fights. With one of the longest and best training camps he?d ever had, he was said to be ready for the final encounter with Pacquiao and looked to recapture some of the former glory that has him set in stone as one of the greatest fighters of his generation.
But when the bell sounded to begin the first round, it was became clear rather quickly that was not in the plans for the way the fight would unfold. Pacquiao mixed in a crisp right hook often and early and Morales had no answer for it. Pacquiao showed tremendous improvements as a fighter, mixing in angles while darting in and out of range with hurried and deceiving footwork.
Morales looked compelled to go out on his shield, and rather than back away more often than not, he looked to engage the determined Pacquiao. Morales got in some good shots, but they only seemed to provoke Manny. Pacquiao?s speed proved to be the difference, as he dropped Morales in the second round with a well placed left hand along the ropes.
In the third round Pacquiao hurt Morales with another right hook and pounced on him. Eric made it interesting showing great heart and resolve trying to fire back, but it was to no avail. Pacquiao punished him and sent him crashing to the deck with just over a minute to go in the round. Morales was clearly hurt, but rose to his feet. The referee allowed him to continue, and it was only 40 seconds until a lethal left hand crushed his chin and sent him back to the canvass in a heap.
Eric Morales sat up, his back against the bottom rope, and stared blankly forward in absolute awe. The quintessential warrior sat humbled, a beaten man, reflecting on the wonderment of the man standing across the ring who had sent him to that spot. As the count neared eight and nine, Morales winked and shook his head no. He wanted no more and later acknowledged he stayed down because he knew on this night he was a beaten man.
Freddie Roach told me weeks ago that Manny Pacquiao?s right hand was going to be the difference in this fight. Post fight, he followed up on that notion.
?I?ve always said there would come a day when Manny?s right hand becomes as dangerous as his left, and I think that day has arrived?. Roach said as he stood at the podium addressing the press. He acknowledged the key to beating Morales was using the newly improved footwork to get in and out of range, not allowing Morales to plant his feet to set an attack.
While Morales all but confirmed he will walk away from boxing, the sky is the limit for Pacquiao. He can now put his epic trilogy with Eric Morales behind him, and look to move forward as one of boxing elite pound for pound fighters, and the kingpin of the 130lb division.
Marco Antonio Barrera is the logical choice for Manny?s next fight, and Barrera made his interest clear post fight, saying he feels he needs to stand up and take the Pacquiao rematch ?for Mexico?. But a promotional dispute between Top Rank (Bob Arum announced the signing of Pacquiao to a four year deal) and Oscar Delahoya?s Golden Boy Promotions could put that fight in serious jeopardy.
Knock out artist Edwin Valero, and the Dominican Republic?s Joan Guzman are both very attractive and exciting options, but for now Pacquiao will take a well deserved rest and return home to the Philippines to celebrate his victory. This time he will return home to his country as not only a local hero, but as one of boxing?s brightest stars.
