LAS VEGAS, NV — The better fighter simply threw the better punches.
Erik Morales turned Manny Pacquiao’s face into a bloody mess Saturday night and went on to get the better end of the fight — a unanimous decision before a sellout crowd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Whether it was a head-butt or a good punch that opened up a nasty cut in Pacquiao’s right eyebrow in the fifth round, what was certain was that Morales was the better fighter tonight.
Morales’ advantage in size, he said during the post-fight press conference, was the key to victory, which is a sort of vindication for a guy who just lost his WBC and WBA super-featherweight crowns last November.
"I was too big for him. And I really believe that," said Morales through an interpreter. He improved his ring record to 48 wins and only two losses with 34 knockouts. Pacquiao fell to 39-3-2 with 30 knockouts.
Despite a bruised ego and a nasty cut, Pacquiao managed his customary big smile when he graced the post-fight interview.
Wearing dark sun glasses, the Team Pacquiao training uniform and holding a small Philippine flag, Pacquiao climbed the stage as Morales was fielding some questions.
And since he had to leave for the hospital to have his cut stitched, the Filipino fighter, who was received well by those around, was given a chance to speak.
"Hello everybody. I hope you enjoyed the fight. I hope you enjoyed this fight," was his opening line.
Pacquiao, standing between his promoter Murad Muhammad and trainer Freddie Roach, added that if not for the cut, things would have been different.
"The problem is the cut. I cannot see with my right eye anymore," he said, at times during his short speech trying to get a glimpse of Morales.
"But I gave my best and I accept the decision. That’s part of the game," he added.
The victory pushes Morales back into the swing of things and leaves him with a couple of options — one is to face fellow Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera, now holder of the two titles he once owned.
Another option is to give Pacquiao a rematch, one that could even top this first encounter between two of the greatest fighters in the world today. Bob Arum of Top Rank Promotions said it’s a big possibility.
"Erik is not inclined to fight Barrera next,so anything is possible." said Arum.
Pacquiao said he intended to stay in the super-featherweight (130 lbs.) division where he hoped to earn a rematch with Morales.
Roach was also optimistic about their chances in a rematch, indicating that the fight was very close and both fighters showed that they were in top form.
"It was a close fight with a lot of close rounds," Roach said. "Morales landed the bigger punches but Manny landed more combinations."
And judging by the numbers in attendance, a rematch would make sense.
A total of 14,626 boxing fans bought tickets to the venue which has a seating capacity of 14,300. The arena was literally filled to the rafters with only the stairways left unoccupied.
"I just hope that the people start believing in me again. I thought I was really controlling the fight. In the 12th and final round, I stood in front of him just to give the people what they wanted," Morales said.
"But he’s very tough, very strong and very fast," he said of his foe.
Pacquiao and Morales fought evenly in the first four rounds, standing toe to toe in the middle of the ring. They traded perfect combinations and both looked confident as they went to their respective corners between rounds.
Pacquiao, however, was seen breathing heavily as he returned to his corner at the end of the third round. The two fighters closed out that round with combinations of their own.
The pugilistic drama took a turn in the fifth round when Pacquiao and Morales collided head-on, opening up a one-inch cut above Pacquaio’s right eye. It was a bad head-butt that was erroneously ruled as a good punch by Referee Joe Cortez.
Things were never the same again as Morales — the taller, and physically bigger boxer — often connected with his left long left jab. Often, he faked throwing a big right only to follow it up with another left — either a hook or an uppercut.
Though he looked in trouble, with blood streaming down his face, Pacquiao managed to hold his ground, in a couple of times rocking the Mexican and threatening to finish him off.
But again, Morales came back with punches of his own, forcing Pacquiao to back off hard against the ropes.
By the ninth round, Morales pressed his attack, taking some punches but giving out more. By this time, Pacquiao was gamely holding on.
A good left jab by Morales sent Pacquiao’s mouthpiece, which carried the colors of the Philippine flag, flying. It took referee Joe Cortez almost 30 seconds before calling a break and putting it back on because of the intense action.
The last two rounds seemed to have gone Pacquiao’s way as he scored with powerful hits to the face that had Morales on the verge of a knockdown.
But the fighter who has never been knocked out in 50 fights, was in no mood to break the streak. He finished the fight standing and throwing punches of his own.
In the end, Morales received the nod from all three judges by scores of 115-113 in his favor.
The win if anything proved that Morales is ready to focus on a run at a title, something he has accomplished twice before.
"I want to thank everyone who believed in me," Morales said. "Now I'm going to take a break and think about my next step."
Several Filipino dignitaries and lawmakers were seated ringside, including the President Gloria Arroyo's husband, Jose Miguel.
Phil Banerjee
Contributing Editor
Information from other publications and wire services was used in the compilation of this report.
