LOS ANGELES?Two-time world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao?s business manager Rod Nazario said the other day Erik Morales is no pushover and he expects a tough fight in Las Vegas on March 19.
But Nazario, who flew in Sunday night and will stay in the US until the much-awaited bout, described Morales as an easier opponent for Pacquiao than Juan Manuel Marquez.
“Morales is an easier opponent but that doesn?t mean it will be an easy fight for Manny,” said Nazario. “Marquez is a counterpuncher while Morales initiates. Manny would rather fight someone who is steady on his feet, doesn?t move much and comes to slug it out.”
Nazario said Morales usually leans back to avoid punches and doesn?t duck or slip away, meaning he shows little footwork. That could be fatal because if Morales isn?t inclined to retreat under fire, he?ll be a standing target for Pacquiao?s bombs.
Nazario, however, is wary of Morales? staying power.
Stamina is a Morales trademark. He?s durable and his chin appears to be made of granite. In 49 fights, the Tijuana fighter has never been floored. He has lost only twice, both on points and both to Marco Antonio Barrera. Morales is a survivor and Pacquiao can?t afford to be impatient in their fight.
“Morales has lots of stamina,” said Nazario. “Manny must be in his top physical condition to win. The only way Manny will lose to Morales is if he beats himself, meaning he won?t be in top shape.”
Another advantage that Morales?whose full name is Esdrick Isaac Elvira Morales?has is the Mexican throng expected to jam the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
“I think Morales is more popular than Barrera,” continued Nazario. “So I hope a lot of Filipinos come to watch the fight and cheer for Manny.”
Ticket sales are brisk, said Nazario?s son Boying. Excluding service charges and taxes, tickets are selling for $400, $300, $200, $125 and $75. They went on sale last Jan. 14. Outlets are the Ticketmaster locations in Las Vegas and the MGM Grand Garden Arena box office.
Among those expected to witness the fight are Sen. Lito Lapid, Rizal Gov. Ito Ynares, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Cavite Gov. Ayong Malixi, Games and Amusements Board chairman Eric Buhain and former Solicitor General Aniano Desierto. The Solar TV network has reserved 30 top-price tickets.
Seeing action in the undercard is superflyweight sensation Z Gorres who is now training under Buddy McGirt in Orlando, Florida, with World Boxing Foundation superflyweight champion Gerry Pe?alosa.
Nazario?s son Boying said he is in contact with Pacquiao?s new manager Shelly Finkel.
“Shelly is reaching out,” said Boying. “We?ve been talking on the phone and I found out we have something in common. He has two daughters like me who are 21 and 24.”
Boying said he?s not worried about Pacquiao fighting a heavier opponent. “I think Manny has the power of a junior welterweight,” he said. “He?ll weigh in at about 128 1/2 pounds for the fight while Morales will hit 130. When the fight starts, Manny will probably be 136 and Morales, 139. There?s not much difference.”
Nazario pointed out that when Pacquiao made the jump from flyweight to superbantamweight, his power did not diminish.
“Manny went up 10 pounds from 112 to 122 but continued to knock out his opponents,” said Nazario. “I remember when he was the world flyweight champion, he once sparred with the Oriental junior middleweight champion at the L&M gym. The Oriental champion was from Japan and he went to Manila to train. The Japanese was told to stay away from Manny in the gym but he didn?t listen. After all, he was 154 pounds and Manny, 112. A lot of people saw what happened. Manny knocked him out. When it was over, the Japanese begged me not to tell anyone. I suppose I can tell the story now since that was a few years ago.”
Nazario was at the Wild Card gym to watch Pacquiao limber up last Monday. At the end of the workout, Nazario reminded Pacquiao to sleep early and get lots of rest. Nazario, no doubt, had Morales? staying power in mind.
“Don?t worry about me,” said Pacquiao, winking.
Nazario walked away with a smile on his face.
