By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Filipino ring idol and national treasure Manny Pacquiao has been in many memorable ring wars but when he engages Erik “El Terrible” Morales of Mexico in their second encounter, “The Battle” simply has to be won for over 80 million adoring countrymen who are primed for a joyous victory celebration Sunday and simply refuse to even consider the anguish that may come with possible defeat.
Almost to the day eleven months ago, the taller and bigger, not necessarily stronger Morales, won a unanimous decision over a gallant Pacquiao who fought through the handicap of blood that oozed from a nasty cut suffered in an accidental clash of heads in the fifth round. Pacquiao says he is confident of avenging that loss while Morales has indicated he was “prepared for this fight” adding “I feel ready and even better than last time.”
Celebrated trainer Freddie Roach and Pacquiao himself have realized what they did wrong and have dedicated some two months behind closed doors at the Wild Card Gym to right the wrongs and to develop a game plan which Roach is confident will see Pacquiao through. The huge Thomas and Mack Center is bound to be filled to the rafters with wildly cheering Filipinos and Mexicans waving flags and banners proclaiming their loyalty and their love for two boxing legends.
The giant Philippine television network ABS-CBN, known for its consummate use of power, is said to have given rights holders Solar Sports no choice but to move the blockbuster fight and its multi-million peso income stream out of the government sequestered network RPN 9 to the far more dominant Channel 2. The result has been reflected in unprecedented hype which is bound to see millions glued to their TV sets as life virtually comes to a halt tomorrow.
RPN 9 which has a substantial agreement with Solar will produce its own 90 minute "live" show titled "The Battle: The Aftermath" which is expected to even further boost interest in the blockbuster fight card that will also feature another Filipino, Jimrex Jaca in the undercard. Jaca (24-1-1-,11 KO's)is expected to prevail over Mexican lightweight Geronimo Hernandez (12-15-1, 4 KO's). Competitive sportsmen and Pacquiao fans PBA Commissioner Noli Eala and Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao will serve as panelists on the show which will have reports from Rockwell and SM Megamall as well as the home of Pacquiao in General Santos City.
Training video, fight highlights and other insights during the show will provide an additional dimension to Pacquiao "fever" and insights into a battle that may well be the "Fight of the Year."
The SM chain of theaters and the plush Rockwell site will be the venue for “live” pay per view coverage beginning at 8:00 a.m. with tickets priced at P300-P500 while people who are hooked up to Dream Satellite TV can enjoy the same privilege in the comfort of their homes for P300.
A Pacquiao victory predicted by Roach and promoter Gary Shaw who replaced Murad Muhammad but has retained the propensity to talk a lot and stretch the imagination by facetiously claiming he was “one hundred percent Filipino” and along with Pacquiao “carries the weight of the country on his shoulders”, may well see another remarkable trilogy. On the other hand a win by Morales who has exuded confidence he would repeat his March 19 victory may raise serious questions about Pacquiao’s future.
Roach who also appears to have been caught up in the excitement and hype now says “I am confident Manny will win and don’t be surprised if Manny wins by a big knockout” although he admits it’s a tough task. Roach’s game-plan is clear-cut. Head movement, feint, box and use hand speed… a page from how Zahir Raheem bewildered Morales last September 11 and inflicted an embarrassing defeat on the legendary Mexican.
At their pre-fight press conference Pacquiao and Morales looked in great shape both physically and mentally. Fight News reported that Morales “appeared more relaxed and clear-headed than at any previous final press conference in recent years” and indicated he had no problems making the 130 pound limit.
Pacquiao promised a “great fight” but in an overseas telephone conversation with Viva Sports/Manila Standard today said he didn’t wish to talk anymore but was eager to get into the ring and do his best. Earlier, in a moment of exuberance Pacquiao said he was prepared to bet his life, he’d win.
