115 Afficionados pick between Pac and Terrible

[fist-of-fury]

Among those polled were Tito Trinidad, Winky Wright and Jeff Lacy and it is interesting to note that the 3 predicted a win by Pacman over Morales. Lacy even predicted a Pacman win by KO7.

LIke Tito, Winky and Lacy (surely they know very well whereof they speak!), I'm going for Pacman on this fight!

[ProBox1]

That wasnt their poll, it was sent to every single website on the net.

[DLT]

Morales by 10th round TKO. Pac is just too one dementional and Morales fights his best when he thinks his back is against the wall

[JOM'S]

you guys know i am a PACMAN FAN so you know who i'll root for ...

18 days to go ...

[Verbl_Kint]

115 Afficionados pick between Pac and Terrible

http://www.********boxing.com/chee/chee022805.htm

It would also be interesting to look at what Felix and his dad predict.

[fist-of-fury]

That wasnt their poll, it was sent to every single website on the net.

Thanks for the info, Rick.

[Kornhusker]

Your link doesn't work

[ProBox1]

LAS VEGAS, NV (February 28, 2005) – Two months into 2005, and already a “Fight of the Year” candidate has emerged – at least on paper. Can ERIK MORALES, a world champion in three different weight divisions, return to the winner’s circle for the 48th time in his 50-fight professional career or will he be stopped cold by the secret weapon MANNY PACQUIAO and trainer Freddie Roach have devised for “El Terrible” – the dreaded “Manila Ice?” One thing is for sure, the winner of this mega fight will see his stock soar to the top of the mythical Pound-for-Pound list. Promoted by Top Rank and M&M Sports, this super featherweight debate gets settled, Saturday, March 19 at the MGM Grand, The City of Entertainment, in Las Vegas, NV. HBO PPV will televise it live beginning at 9 P.M. ET / 6 P.M. PT. Tickets for this exciting evening of boxing are priced at $400, $300, $200, $125 and $75, and are on sale at the MGM Grand Box Office and all TicketMaster outlets. To order tickets by phone, call (702) 632-7580. But until then, let the chads fall where they may. Here are the results of the media exit poll:

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“Seeing the way Pacquiao destroyed Marco Antonio Barrera, and dropped Juan Manuel Marquez before fighting him to a draw, I just can't go against the Filipino. Morales is tough enough that he will go the full 12, but Pacquiao should win a comfortable decision.” Armando Alvarez, MaxBoxing.com

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"I'm taking Morales by decision. You can't count out Pacquiao's chances because of his big punch, but I think Morales can outbox him."
Carlos Arias, Orange County Register

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"If Morales would box, I would pick him. But I think Erik is too head-strong and stubborn to change his style at all for the Pacquiao fight, and in doing so might miss some opportunities against Manny. Morales fights too upright to avoid the left hand, and doesn't work the body enough to make the weight a factor. His tendency to go to war will play right into Pacquiao's gameplan. Unless he finds a home for the right hand early, I see this one slipping away late. Pacquiao by decision.” Kevin Beck, **********.us

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“I will pick Morales to win by decision -- after they blast each other around pretty good. That is if Morales boxes a little more -- if he slugs it out completely, I might lean toward the Pac Man -- but I will say Morales by decision.” Al Bernstein, 1988 BWAA Broadcast Journalist of the Year

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“I like Morales. He is a good boxer with a great right hand and I believe he is better on the inside than Pacquiao.” Dan Birmingham, 2004 BWAA “Trainer of the Year”

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“The Pac Man by TKO 9. He is hungrier, and has Freddie Roach in his corner.” Teddy Blackburn, The Fist (Australia)

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“Five years ago, this would have been a different story. But in 2005, Manny puts Erik on his fanny. Pacquiao in seven." Ted Bodenrader, The Ring

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“I like Pacquiao by decision. Morales is strong and will do some damage but he still gets hit too much and Pacquiao will be there to hit him.” Ron Borges, Boston Globe

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“Erik Morales has been a very good fighter. However, his last three-four fights have been very hard, therefore, he's been wearing out. Now it's Pacquiao’s time and because of his speed and punching power, he should knockout Morales in no more than eight rounds.” Oscar Borras, 20 de Mayo

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“Morales...I was in a minority of one ...thought he shaded Barrera last time up. Only worry is that he has not allowed himself enough recuperation, accepting this job at least a month too early. Still take him to confirm his worth.” Freddie Burcombe, News of the World (London)

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“This really is a pick 'em contest. Morales looked strangely lethargic in his rubber match with Barrera, which doesn't bode well against the fast hands and accurate punches of the thrill-a-minute Pacquiao. But I don't believe we are witnessing a decline in the skills of 'El Terrible', Barrera simply has Morales' number. Pacquiao to start fast, but Morales to use his considerable experience to eke out a close, maybe unpopular, decision with a late rally.” Mark G. Butcher, SecondsOut.com

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“If Erik Morales doesn’t let his “machismo” take over and get into a slugfest with Manny Pacquiao early on … I think he has the skills to beat the Filipino champion. Morales definitely has something to prove and will come into the bout knowing he can’t afford another loss if he wants yet –another—shot at Marco Antonio Barrera. And,of course … Pacquiao will come out aggressive and gunning. But, I think at this point in his career, Morales has more to lose with a loss than Pacquiao. Morales realizes that, so …. He will be prepared, and prevail … in 12 rounds.” Paul Cicala, KTNV-TV (ABC Las Vegas)

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“Morales has been performing at world class level for so long it's hard to believe he's only 28, but sooner or later all those wars have to catch up to you. Pacquiao will need to show a little more variety in his attack than he did in his disputed draw against Juan Manuel Marquez, something I'm sure his astute trainer Freddie Roach has been working on with him in the gym. The Mexican warrior and three division champion will try to draw the Filipino firebrand into a brawl, and at times this strategy will work, but over the course of the fight, Pacquiao's hand speed, power, southpaw stance and in-and-out attack will frustrate Morales en route to a unanimous decision win or possible late round KO.” Anthony ****s, ********Boxing.com

[ProBox1]

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“Pick 'em all the way. At even money, a threadbare edge to Morales. If there's a flood of money either way on fight night, take the value with whomever becomes the underdog and root along with the house. The only shock here is if this one doesn't have the fans jumping out of their seats from bell to bell.” Dave “The Thermometer” Cokin, ESPN Radio-Las Vegas

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“Morales withstands a load of punishment and wears Pac-Man down, putting him on the canvas in the 10th and eking out a split decision victory
rife with controversy.” John Cotey, St. Petersburg Times

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“I like Pacquiao by decision in an all-action fight.” Tim Dahlberg, Associated Press & Author of Fight Town

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“Pacquiao makes Marco Antonio Barrera look as though he's punching under water, and we saw how Barrera handled Morales last time. Pacman's too fast and too sharp a hitter for Morales, and he'll win by clear decision, if not late stoppage. Pacquiao by W 12.” Bill Dettloff, The Ring

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“Pacquiao, TKO 10, in what should be one of the most exciting bouts of the year!” George Diaz, Orlando Sentinel

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“Pacquiao by unanimous decision." Jake Donovan, **********.us

“Morales by decision, unless he catches Pacquiao with a left hook followed by a straight right, which will result in a “good night” for Pacquiao. However, if Pacquiao puts a lot of pressure on Morales, Pacquiao could be the winner. Nonetheless, I see a different Morales coming to the fight after the loss to Barrera. Morales by decision.” José Duarte, PuroBoxeo.com

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“I can’t see Pacquiao stopping Morales but I think his speed of attack may very well earn him a close decision after 12 entertaining rounds.” Ant Evans, SecondsOut.com

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“Talk about a hard fight to call! Morales brings so much poise and big fight experience as well as the heart and skill of a champion. Pacquiao, on the other hand, is just non-stop energy and is relentless with his assault. If Morales doesn’t find a way to stop him early, Pacquiao will wear him down and maybe even knock him out in the ninth or tenth round. Either way, I’m going with Pac Man. Dennis Evans, KTNV-TV (ABC Las Vegas)

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“I like Morales because he's bigger and there's no reason to think he can't take Manny's monster shots. Remember, after a disastrous start, JM Marquez did very well against Pacquiao. Morales is as tough as anybody in the game. Mexico on points.” Steve Farhood, 2002 BWAA Broadcast Journalist of the Year

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“Pacquiao TKO 10 in another great two-way slugfest.” Bernard Fernandez, Daily News (Philadelphia)

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“Pacquiao could have an advantage with his hand speed and his southpaw style, which might bother Morales. So why is there a strange whispering in my ear telling me Morales wins? He's taller than Pacquiao and he's been fighting at a heavier weight than Pacquiao, though only by a few pounds. This is a tough pick and I don't see either fighter quitting, but I'm picking Morales by close decision.” Rick Folstad, SweetScience

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“Pacquiao wins by sixth-round TKO. Morales' lack of quickness got him beat
against Barrera. If he doesn’t land a KO blow within the first two rounds,
it'll destroy him against Pacquiao.” Norm Frauenheim, The Arizona Republic

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“Pacquiao (10th Round Stoppage) - The ring battles he's been in may have finally caught up with Morales. If they have, Pacquiao is the man to take full advantage, but it will be a thriller while it lasts.” Scott Fyfe, Sunday Post (Scotland)

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“The fact that Morales has decided to go straight back in there with one of the game’s elite, so soon after his close but crushing defeat to his arch rival, Marco Antonio Barrera, says to me that he means business. I believe Morales will win this fight and quite possibly by a late stoppage. Pacquiao is a dangerous fighter and I believe the champion’s hand speed will trouble Morales early on, and even gain the lead by the second half of the fight. But I feel the mid to late rounds will be when we see the best of Morales. I'm with Morales on this one.” Sean Gadd, ********Boxing.com

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“I continue to resist the temptation to jump on the band wagon and will go with "El Terrible" Erik Morales. He has displayed a willingness to fight the difficult fighters throughout his career and will be up to the challenge of facing the ever aggressive Pac-Man. Morales by a split decision.” Ron “G-man” Gerrard, American Urban Radio Networks

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“Two devastating punchers often go the distance against each other. So why make it complicated? They're both devastating punchers and terrific fighters,so the edge goes to the bigger terrific fighter. Morales by decision.” Ivan Goldman, The Ring / KO Magazines

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[ProBox1]

“Regardless of his last bout with Marco Antonio Barrera, where he lost by decision, I believe Erik Morales still has the strengths to win against Manny Pacquiao. The only doubt that I have is if it will be by KO. Morales has not knocked out a ‘big name’ since he was a featherweight.”
Ramiro González, La Opinión

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“Pacquiao by late KO. Manny throws many many punches and Morales catches too many punches. I think Morales, although one of the best that have ever fought, might have seen his best days.” Butch Gottlieb, BoxinginLasVegas.com

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“I think Morales will prevail in a very close fight that will be a lot more circumspect than people think. Both guys carry dynamite, but Pacquiao is jumping up in weight too soon, and El Terrible will be desperate for redemption from Barrera loss.” Tom Gray, ********Boxing.com

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“While Morales has tremendous boxing skills, the speed, power and rugged aggression of Pacquiao will make the difference. Both men are true warriors, but expect trainer Freddie Roach to have his fighter peaking at the right time. Pacquiao TKO 10.” Jeff Haney, Las Vegas Sun

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“Morales is probably still spitting feathers after losing to Barrera.No doubt, he will be anxious to reassert himself as one of the best fighters in the world. Pacquiao will find Morales too big and strong for him and I take Erik to win by decision.” Colin Hart, The Sun (London)

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“I will have to go with Morales weathering the early storm and winning by decision in a terrific fight. I think Morales' chin gets him through. I also could see Pacqiao getting frustrated in this fight.” Jay Heater, Contra Costa Times

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“Manny is skillful and in my opinion one of the hardest hitters in the featherweight division. Erik is no push over, but I'll give the slight edge to Manny for the simple fact of his power along with his speed. He can hit you fast and hit you hard, and I think that will add up against Morales. I'll go out on a limb and say Pac Man by 10th round TKO.” Benny Henderson, Jr., ********Boxing.com

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“Pacquiao KOs Morales in a stunner. Morales has been in one too many battles. Manny will do the same to Morales as he did to Barrera.” JD Hernandez, World Wide Boxing

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“Pacquiao is the faster man and the more explosive puncher, but Morales is the steadier of the two. He will be able to withstand Pacquiao's bursts of punches and outwork him to win a close decision.” Jack Hirsch, Ring Sports Magazine

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“I think Pacquiao has the combination of speed and power that will give Morales problems similar to those of Barrera vs. Pacquiao. Morales' chances improve if he gets Pacquiao deep into the fight, but I think most scenarios favor Pacquiao. My pick is Pacquiao TKO 9.” Michael Hirsley, Chicago Tribune

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“Morales, who is too tough for a one-dimensional lefty, by decision.”
Richard Hoffer, Sports Illustrated

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“Unlike Barrera, Morales won't be taken by surprise by the Pac-Man's hell-bent-for-leather southpaw attack and will most likely watch tape on how Juan Manuel Marquez was able to eventually expose Pacquiao as a mostly one-dimensional slugger. No doubt about it, Pacquiao will force the fight and he is dangerous. But, as a natural flyweight, Pacquiao carries most of his weight in his legs and the more versatile Morales will have a size and height advantage to go with a flexible game plan. If Morales lets machismo overrule prudence, there will be a mushroom cloud in the ring. But I expect 'El Terrible' to turn into "El Inteligente" and take a smart, pretty exciting 12-round win over Pacquiao.” Mike Houser, Nevada Appeal

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“Morales will be a junior welter by the time the two men step into the ring but despite this major weight advantage over a natural featherweight I think Pacquiao's speed and athleticism will make the difference ... Pacquiao by decision.” Graham Houston, Boxing Monthly

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“Pacquiao by unanimous decision. Morales has a huge heart and a great chin, but Pacquiao's pressure should help him overcome Morales' size advantage at 130 pounds. Plus, Pacquiao and Barrera back-to-back, within a four-month span no less, might make Morales wear down late in what should be a close fight.” Keith Idec, Herald News (New Jersey)

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“Morales by decision. I've really struggled with the decision and consulted with experts such as world famous sports writer Jack Welsh. In the end, it's just a guess.” Kevin Iole, Las Vegas Review-Journal

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“Pacquiao by decision.” Jim Jenkins, Sacramento Bee

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