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Morales-Pacquiao Presser!
January 19, 2006
By Victor Perea
Photos: Rick Guzman
You could almost breathe in the anticipation felt inside the Mouton Room at the magnificent Wynn Las Vegas Resort, where the final press conference for Morales vs. Pacquiao II was held earlier today. “THE BATTLE” as the rematch is being dubbed looks to live up to its given name as both fighters came into today’s press conference looking physically and mentally ready to wage war on each other come Saturday.
“I’m prepared for this fight, I feel ready, I feel even better than last time,” stated Morales who appeared more relaxed and clear headed than at any previous final press conference we’ve seen him at in recent years.
As Morales smiled and laughed with his manager, Fernando Beltran, during the press conference, his demeanor gave the impression that he wanted to jump out of his collared shirt and sweater, put on some sweats and hit the bags right then and there. “We’ve done great work, great preparation both mental and physical” said the three time world champion. “I’ve had no problem with my weight; I’m probably a pound or pound and half over right now.”
Morales’ words and body language gave the impression that he knew this fight is his to win; as if he already learned what cards Pacquiao is holding during their first fight. It seemed that Morales genuinely felt that there is nothing Pacquiao has that can hurt him.
“I never felt his power; from the first round I never felt his power." Said Morales “In the twelfth round it was more because I’m not used to fighting left handed. If it really would have hurt me I would have turned around and fought right handed.”
Morales said he is ready for Pacquiao whether his gameplane is trying for a knockout or decision victory, “I don’t think he’s a techniquely sound fighter I think he depends on his power. If I had to rate his defenses I’d would think he’s a 5 out of 10.”
Morales, who split his long time trainer and father in preparation for this bout, said that there’s no love loss between the two. “I’ve spoken with him and he’s said it's fine, we have a good relationship, but once in a while I’ll read paper in Mexico that he’s saying stuff, but he’s never told me anything.”
Morales kept that relaxed look about him until Pacquiao’s promoter Gary Shaw took the podium and began speaking. After giving his usual public service announcement for people over 40 to get a blood test to check for prostate cancer; Shaw went on to reply to an earlier comment from Bob Arum. The comment was that it seems like Gary Shaw is always the other promoter. Shaw agreed and added that when it’s an exciting to watch Hispanic fighter, it seems like it’s always Fernando Beltran there. This drew a loud and unprovoked disruption from an unidentified Morales supporter in the back of the room who yelled at Shaw to “Shut Up” in Spanish, followed by a couple “Viva Mexicos” for good measure.
Shaw ignored the interference and continued to hype the fight. “I guarantee everything will be different, Manny has no distractions, he’s in a beautiful suite, provided by the Wynn hotel. He is happy he’s eating well, he’s not distracted, he’ll have the gloves of his choice and there will be NO EXCUSES,” said Shaw, as Morales’ facial expression went from a smile to an annoyed look.
Shaw now irritatingly responded to more cries of “Viva Mexico” and “Viva Morales” that continued to interrupt him, with his own, “Viva the Philippines and I guarantee you when you go to the Thomas & Mack, we will outnumber you Mexicanos.”
Outside of Shaw neither camp seemed to mind the showing of patriotism, until the same gentlemen became so disruptive and out of line that some in attendance, including myself, could not hear those on the podium. After Gary Shaw introduced Manny as the “only fighter to speak English at this microphone,” Pacquiao took the mic and wished all a good day.
While at the podium making a valiant effort to speak only in English, in order to accommodate the mostly English speaking press in attendance; Pacquiao was again interrupted by the same gentleman who obscenely cried for Pacquiao to “Speak English,” As to insult the Filipino icon’s accent and broken English. This very distasteful comment drew a resounding hush from most in attendance both Mexicans and Filipino alike. However it was received with a friendly, “Viva Mexico” reply from Pacquiao. Who with a smile was amazingly tolerant of the disruptions, and seemed to only want to please all in attendance, jackass included.
Pacquiao continued to add, “It’s going to be a good fight. Both of us worked real hard and we’re going to give you a good fight on Saturday,” as he left the podium confident he would give his fans a victory come Saturday night.
With Pacquiao’s Team assuring there are no more distractions for Manny, they also assure there will be no excuses. “Whoever loses this fight, will have lost only because they could not win, no excuses. The best man will win Saturday,” promised Shaw.
credit to *********.com
January 19, 2006
By Victor Perea
Photos: Rick Guzman
You could almost breathe in the anticipation felt inside the Mouton Room at the magnificent Wynn Las Vegas Resort, where the final press conference for Morales vs. Pacquiao II was held earlier today. “THE BATTLE” as the rematch is being dubbed looks to live up to its given name as both fighters came into today’s press conference looking physically and mentally ready to wage war on each other come Saturday.
“I’m prepared for this fight, I feel ready, I feel even better than last time,” stated Morales who appeared more relaxed and clear headed than at any previous final press conference we’ve seen him at in recent years.
As Morales smiled and laughed with his manager, Fernando Beltran, during the press conference, his demeanor gave the impression that he wanted to jump out of his collared shirt and sweater, put on some sweats and hit the bags right then and there. “We’ve done great work, great preparation both mental and physical” said the three time world champion. “I’ve had no problem with my weight; I’m probably a pound or pound and half over right now.”
Morales’ words and body language gave the impression that he knew this fight is his to win; as if he already learned what cards Pacquiao is holding during their first fight. It seemed that Morales genuinely felt that there is nothing Pacquiao has that can hurt him.
“I never felt his power; from the first round I never felt his power." Said Morales “In the twelfth round it was more because I’m not used to fighting left handed. If it really would have hurt me I would have turned around and fought right handed.”
Morales said he is ready for Pacquiao whether his gameplane is trying for a knockout or decision victory, “I don’t think he’s a techniquely sound fighter I think he depends on his power. If I had to rate his defenses I’d would think he’s a 5 out of 10.”
Morales, who split his long time trainer and father in preparation for this bout, said that there’s no love loss between the two. “I’ve spoken with him and he’s said it's fine, we have a good relationship, but once in a while I’ll read paper in Mexico that he’s saying stuff, but he’s never told me anything.”
Morales kept that relaxed look about him until Pacquiao’s promoter Gary Shaw took the podium and began speaking. After giving his usual public service announcement for people over 40 to get a blood test to check for prostate cancer; Shaw went on to reply to an earlier comment from Bob Arum. The comment was that it seems like Gary Shaw is always the other promoter. Shaw agreed and added that when it’s an exciting to watch Hispanic fighter, it seems like it’s always Fernando Beltran there. This drew a loud and unprovoked disruption from an unidentified Morales supporter in the back of the room who yelled at Shaw to “Shut Up” in Spanish, followed by a couple “Viva Mexicos” for good measure.
Shaw ignored the interference and continued to hype the fight. “I guarantee everything will be different, Manny has no distractions, he’s in a beautiful suite, provided by the Wynn hotel. He is happy he’s eating well, he’s not distracted, he’ll have the gloves of his choice and there will be NO EXCUSES,” said Shaw, as Morales’ facial expression went from a smile to an annoyed look.
Shaw now irritatingly responded to more cries of “Viva Mexico” and “Viva Morales” that continued to interrupt him, with his own, “Viva the Philippines and I guarantee you when you go to the Thomas & Mack, we will outnumber you Mexicanos.”
Outside of Shaw neither camp seemed to mind the showing of patriotism, until the same gentlemen became so disruptive and out of line that some in attendance, including myself, could not hear those on the podium. After Gary Shaw introduced Manny as the “only fighter to speak English at this microphone,” Pacquiao took the mic and wished all a good day.
While at the podium making a valiant effort to speak only in English, in order to accommodate the mostly English speaking press in attendance; Pacquiao was again interrupted by the same gentleman who obscenely cried for Pacquiao to “Speak English,” As to insult the Filipino icon’s accent and broken English. This very distasteful comment drew a resounding hush from most in attendance both Mexicans and Filipino alike. However it was received with a friendly, “Viva Mexico” reply from Pacquiao. Who with a smile was amazingly tolerant of the disruptions, and seemed to only want to please all in attendance, jackass included.
Pacquiao continued to add, “It’s going to be a good fight. Both of us worked real hard and we’re going to give you a good fight on Saturday,” as he left the podium confident he would give his fans a victory come Saturday night.
With Pacquiao’s Team assuring there are no more distractions for Manny, they also assure there will be no excuses. “Whoever loses this fight, will have lost only because they could not win, no excuses. The best man will win Saturday,” promised Shaw.
credit to *********.com
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