'GRAND FINALE' PRESS CONFERENCE RESULT
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 17 Nov 2006
LAS VEGAS--The final press conference was held just moments ago at the Cox Concourse of the Thomas and Mack Center's Cox Pavilion here, with a record number of foreign and American mediamen in attendance.
Promoter Bob Arum hosted the press conference, and told the public, in reference to an article in a Philippine paper, that 'it's not a sin to bet on Manny Pacquiao' while at the same time, assuring Mexicans that their bishops would surely agree that 'it's not a sin to bet on Erik Morales.'
Morales came into the presscon ahead of Pacquiao wearing a white shirt, while the Filipino icon came in flaming red jacket and red bonnet.
Here are some of the quotes at today's well-attended press conference:
BOB ARUM: I can guarantee the fans nothing but action on Saturday, and great value for their money.
Manny Pacquiao speaks to the media as promoter Bob Arum (second from left, botom row) and Pacquiao's manager Shelly Finkel (right, bottom row) listen. Erik Morales (left, bottom row) seems not to be interested in what Pacquiao has to say. Photo by Dong Secuya.
DAREN LIBONATE (Thomas and Mack manager): This fight is one of the top five in the history of Nevada, and one of the top three in the history of the Thomas and Mack Center.
FERNANDO BELTRAN (Morales manager): Morales has done so much for the sport that he need not ask for this opportunity. Now he's here. There will be no excuses, no nothing. On Saturday he will win the fight. Now that his father is back, he can win this fight. Remember that he had lost two amateur fights without his father, and now his father is back.
ERIK MORALES: Three months ago, they didn't believe I could make the weight, especially Freddie Roach. Now, im here. Yesterday, one of his fighters Bobby Pacquiao did not make weight. So instead of worrying about my weight, he should worry about his fighter's weight.
MANNY PACQUIAO: I am not going to say anything bad about my opponent Morales. I knew he can make weight. I respect him. I come to make a good fight, to entertain people. Thank you to all the sponsors, the media. Have a good day.
SHELLY FINKEL (Pacquiao manager): This fight is not about weight. It is about heart and ability. We don't take Morales for granted. We know he's coming with his best. But it wont be enough. Some fans saw Manny do a light workout, and they couldn't believe it. Wait till he turns it up a little bit.
FREDDIE ROACH (Pacquiao's trainer): Manny will fight the fight of his life. Manny is in great shape.
JOSE MORALES (Erik's trainer/father): All the media have been asking is about weight, weight, weight instead of asking about the fight. We have the best preparation in camp; in fact I can take my son to eat hamburger after the fight. I promise you unlike other fight, there will be no booing in this fight.
ARUM: Pacquiao is the Michael Jordan of the Philippines. He is one of the nicest people you can meet, always with a smile on his face, not arrogant. He is such a true, true sportsman, a credit to his country and to this sport.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
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