RUDY SALUD CONFIDENT PACQUIAO WILL WIN
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 24 Oct 2006
WBC founding secretary general Rudy Salud says he is confident that Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao will beat legendary Mexican Erik “El Terrible” Morales in their eagerly awaited Grand Finale rubber match at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on November 18.
Salud said Pacquiao will win either by knockout or decision because “he is the better and stronger fighter.”
Salud said that Pacquiao was the better fighter even when he lost a unanimous decision to Morales in their first fight pointing out that “there were circumstances that went against Manny that caused the loss. Despite tremendous adversities that came in the way in that fight on top of his overconfidence it was still a very close loss.” Salud referred to the nasty cut caused by a Morales head-butt which referee Joe Cortez inexplicably ruled was caused by a punch but was proven to be a head-butt in television replays.
Salud said even in their rematch “after the first three rounds it was a breeze” and Pacquiao stopped Morales in the tenth round for the first time in the three-time world champion’s career.
Salud disputed the effectiveness of Morales’ long training and his weight reduction regimen which he said his former ward, WBC super flyweight champion Gerry Penalosa underwent in preparation for his title shot against Japan’s Masamori Tokuyama in 2002. Salud said “they will not admit but beyond a certain weight you have to reduce through nutrition there is a loss of strength.”
Salud said “this will also happen to Morales,” adding “let Pacquiao get over the first three rounds then he can swarm all over him and knock him out in the next three.” The eminent lawyer and longtime boxing man told Pacquiao’s supporters “don’t be afraid. Let us have trust in our boy.”
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