Why Morales, Barrera root for Pacquiao over unbeaten Keith Thurman
By Leo Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 20 Jul 2019
Ex-Pacquiao foes Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera believe that despite Manny Pacquiao?s age (he turned 40 last Dec. 17), the eight-division world champ will emerge victorious over unbeaten Keith Thurman when they clash on Saturday night (Sunday morning in Manila) at the MGM Grand in Paradise, Nevada.
Pacquiao wants to prove that he can still beat the best fighter in his weight class with his undiminished stamina, speed and power. The 40-year-old fighting senator from the Philippines is also capitalizing on his experience and skill to spoil Thurman?s 29-fight winning streak.
Thurman, who is undefeated in 30 fights since he turned pro in 2007 is 30 years old with few inches advantage in height and reach.
Both Morales and Barrera predict Pacquiao will either win by KO or decision depending on what Thurman will bring to the table on Saturday night.
The two ex-Pacquiao foes are in Las Vegas, Nevada and were guest at a roundtable media interview leading to the weekend boxing event.
L-R: Boxing greats Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Winky Wright and Shawn Porter.
For Morales, who fought Pacquiao three times in his pro career, the Filipino boxing star is formidable opponent and for Thurman to score, he needs to bring out a ?technical fight.? ?That?s what Thurman have to do?, Morales said.
The former four-division world champ said he won their first fight against Pacquiao because he put up a technical fight.
Morales, who like Pacquiao has been elected congressman in his native Mexico, believes Pacquiao will win by decision or KO in the late rounds.
?It?s either gonna be decision or maybe a late knockout by Pacquiao,? said the 42-year-old Morales, who fought Pacquiao toe-to-toe in their trilogy fight.
For Barrera, who has surpassed Pacquiao?s career fight, having fought 75 fights against Pacquiao?s 70 to date, says Pacquiao is a tough foe.
?Psychologically, fighting Pacquiao is tough,? said Barrera, who is widely known for his trilogy with Morales and his fights against Pacquiao, says it will be Pacquiao by decision.
?I think Manny Pacquiao by decision, but we always have to take into account the (fight) plan that Thurman has,? he stressed. ?It could play a part,? he added.
Morales and Barrera have retired from the sport before reaching 40 and they don?t know exactly how it feels to be fighting championship matches at this age.
But they think Pacquiao is still competitive at his age as both of them predict that the fighting senator will win over Thurman, who is 10 years his junior.
Morales retired at 36 while Barrera at 37. Both of them have not experienced fighting past their retirement age against young and unbeaten challengers like Thurman.
But from what they have seen and observed from Pacquiao?s preparation for this fight and from their past ring encounters with him, they are convinced that 40-year-old fighter of the decade will emerge victorious against the young and unbeaten challenger.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Leo Reyes.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 13 JULY 2026: Gassiev Stops Kadiru, Retains WBA Heavy Title; Suslenko Beats Joyce; Ataev Outpoints Uzcategui
By Eric Armit, Tue, 14 Jul 2026Two World Title Fights are added to AJ-Prenga undercard at 'The Comeback' in Jeddah
Tue, 14 Jul 2026Perez willing to have a trilogy with Eman
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 13 Jul 2026MANILA ROARS BACK: THE REYES CUP AND PHILIPPINES OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP RETURN FOR 2026
Mon, 13 Jul 2026Jayr Raquinel Avenges Compatriots with First-Round Stoppage Over Kenbun Torres in Osaka
By Dong Secuya, Mon, 13 Jul 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev backs Gassiev for heavyweight unification fights after IBA Pro 19 title defence
Mon, 13 Jul 2026Chess Kings rules Pacquiao rapid chess team tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 13 Jul 2026P1 million at stake in DC Trail Ultra
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 13 Jul 2026Gabriel Santisima Retains WBO Asia-Pacific Title with First-Round Knockout Win
Sun, 12 Jul 2026Sumabong wins OPBF, WBO Asia Pacific titles
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 12 Jul 2026Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Philippine Blu Girls Ready to Take on the World’s Best at WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 12 Jul 2026Germo, Turno rule 34th Yakult 10-Miler Trilogy Davao
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 12 Jul 20261st Grandmaster Eugene Torre Open Standard Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 12 Jul 2026Murat Gassiev retains WBA heavyweight title at the spectacular IBA Pro 19
Sun, 12 Jul 2026Unbeaten John Michael Zulueta Headlines Highland Show July 25 in Thailand, LIVE on TrillerTV
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 12 Jul 2026