PACQUIAO AIMS TO KO MORALES
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 26 Nov 2005
Pound for pound superstar Manny Pacquiao today announced a singular mission when he takes on Mexican star Erik Morales on January 21 in Las Vegas: Be the first man to knock out the Tijuana native.
Pacquiao, who worked out this afternoon at the famed ALA Gym accompanied by close associate Rex "Wakee" Salud, informed this writer in an interview that he is aiming for no less than a knockout victory when he tangles with Morales again in a pay-per-view card at the Thomas and Mack Center.
"KO talaga ang nasa isip ko. Di ko sya tatantanan," (KO is what's in my mind. I won't let him go) Pacquiao said, still seething from comments made by Morales to media that his punches could not hurt the Mexican in their first encounter.
With personal trainer Nonoy Neri and some companions, Pacquiao made his second workout at the ALA Gym this afternoon, hitting the mitts, shadow-boxing, jumping ropes, and of course, posing for the camera with fans who trooped to the gym just to catch a glimpse of the boxing hero.
Former World Boxing Council superfly kingpin Gerry Pe?alosa, who is also training at the ALA Gym for his Dec. 10 showdown with Paraguay's Dario Azuaga, joined Pacquiao in the training session, and even predicted that the Filipino star will stop Morales in their return battle.
"In their first meeting, Pacquiao had too much distraction. I personally witnessed how he was bothered by too many people days prior to the fight. But this time around, Manny will knock him out. Morales is on the way down, and besides, he just got married," Pe?alosa said.
The same prediction was aired by noted Cebuano promoter Sammy "Don King" Gello-ani, who joined Salud and Philboxing.com owner Dong Secuya, while Pacquiao was doing the mitts with Neri.
Gerry Pe?alosa (in black shirt skipping ropes) joins Manny Pacquiao at this afternoon's training session at ALA Gym in Cebu. Photo by Dong Secuya.
Pacquiao was set to fly to Manila late tonight, as he is set to join the opening ceremonies of the Sea Games tomorrow. Pacquiao had joined the Sea Games opening in Cebu last Friday, where he was mobbed by fans at the Cebu City Sports Center.
On December 3, Pacquiao flies to Los Angeles to continue his training under renowned trainer Freddie Roach.
Click here to view photos of Manny Pacquiao training at ALA Gym.
END
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
DavNor Adventure Race 2025 set July 2
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Gumila rules Antipolo rapid chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 30 Jun 2025FULL CIRCLE AT WILD CARD: Jhay Otamias’ Tribute to a Fighter and a Fanbase
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Vince Paras Wins by 4th Round KO Over Sarawut Thawornkham to Capture the IBF Pan Pacific Super Flyweight Title
Mon, 30 Jun 2025Team USA's Quest for Gold Set in Stone at World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Mon, 30 Jun 2025SBA SEASON 2 DRAFT UNVEILS RISING STARS AND STRATEGIC MOVES AS TEAMS COMPLETE THEIR ROSTERS
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Filipino Elwin Retanal wins Saudi rapid chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Jake Paul Earns Boxing Legitimacy with Dominant Decision Over Julio Cesar Chávez Jr.
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 29 Jun 2025Zurdo Ramirez Defends Cruiserweight Crowns with Unanimous Decision Over Dorticos
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 29 Jun 2025Vince Paras Faces Sarawut Thawornkham Today at Venue 88 in Gensan
Sun, 29 Jun 2025USA Elite High Performance Team Sets Sights on Gold at World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Sun, 29 Jun 2025Alekhine Nouri bags silver in blitz
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 29 Jun 2025Paul vs. Chavez Jr: Can Julio Derail Jake Paul?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 28 Jun 2025Dr. KO: Christian Mbilli Stops Maciej Sulecki in 1
Sat, 28 Jun 2025GOLDEN BOY SIGNS UNDEFEATED MIDDLEWEIGHT BLUE-CHIP PROSPECT AMARI JONES
Sat, 28 Jun 2025