Pacquiao Overwhelms Morales in 3 Rounds

Last night's fight between Manny Pacquaio and Erik Morales was just so awesome. It only lasted 3 rounds with Manny destroying Erik Morales, a boxing legend in his own right. Freddie Roach was right all along and this is scary for all superfeatherweights out there, Manny has improved a lot, he body punches well and he had developed his right hook tremendously. Not an easy task for a southpaw. With this vast improvement, he has become one of the most fearsome boxers out there and as of this moment, being considered the best pound for pound boxer. Only Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s camp can contest that but I'm sure they have their doubts too.

Manny was just incredibly devastating last night. In his previous fights with Erik Morales, there were a few moments when he was quite tentative but not last night. Manny was deliberate, and he knows what he was doing. He was in complete control of the fight, offensively and defensively. It was pure joy and excitement too watch the fight. Erik Morales is still is a very good fighter, one of the best and credit is due him but Manny was just stronger, faster and more powerful.

After the 3rd knockdown of Erik, he just refused to stand and fight again. He knows he was beaten and he was gracious in defeat. Morales offered no excuses for his loss. "I did my best, I had the physical and mental preparation for the fight," he said humbly. "I did my best, he was just too much." Of the final knock down, he said candidly: "I was looking to my corner, and they were urging me to get up. I didn't want to get up. I think there is a time when you know its good to give up when you can't win." "It just was not to be."

When Manny was declared the winner, Erik was standing next to him and they raised each other's hand, first was Erik raising Manny's hand and then Manny raising Erik's hand with Erik pointing at Manny, finally conceding Manny is the better fighter and Erik should be admired for that. Here are photos of that timeless moment.




















In retrospect, Manny Pacquiao threw 175 punches in those 9 minutes, landing 54 percent -- including 51 of his 71 power shots in the third round alone. Morales landed just 26 percent of his punches. The power shots stats of Manny in the third round is almost unbelievable, a whopping 71.8%. Erik just had no answer to the onslaught and Manny deserved the win.

Congratulations to Manny. He is truly the pride of the Filipino people. To Erik Morales, thank you for the 'warrior' spirit in you. You didn't back down until the end and you deserved a tremendous applause too.