Subject: Pacquiao finishes Morales with electric third-round KO |
Author: ESPN [ Edit | View ]
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Date Posted: 11/18/06 22:00:25
LAS VEGAS -- Manny Pacquiao finished this trilogy with the flair befitting a movie star, knocking down Erik Morales three times on the way to a third-round knockout victory Saturday night in the super featherweights' third meeting in 20 months.
Pacquiao (43-3-2, 33 KOs), the Filipino phenomenon known for his excesses of punching power and courage, dominated Morales (48-5) in a fight that was every bit as thrilling as their first two meetings -- even if it didn't last nearly as long.
Both fighters came out with heedless aggression, and Pacquiao first knocked Morales down against the ropes late in the second round. Morales kept returning shots, but couldn't keep up with Pacquiao's pace -- and after a knockdown midway through the third, Pacquiao finished him with a thunderous left hook with just 3 seconds left.
Morales sat up, but shook his head at his corner -- and Pacquiao celebrated another dynamic victory over the only man to beat him since 1999.
Thousands of Filipino fans at the sold-out Thomas & Mack Center chanted Pacquiao's name, worshipping their native megastar of music, film and endorsements -- and don't forget boxing, where he belongs among the world's top handful of pound-for-pound fighters.
The 130-pounders split their first two meetings in the previous two years, with Morales winning a unanimous decision -- still Pacquiao's only loss since 1999 -- and Pacquiao replying with a TKO victory over "El Terrible" last March.
Their rivalry became one of boxing's better trilogies in recent years, with both punch-addicted brawlers thrilling casual fans and building rabid followings in their native lands.
Morales' career could be in trouble after four losses in five fights, including consecutive setbacks against Pacquiao. He also lost two of the three fights in his previous trilogy against Marco Antonio Barrera.
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- Iba ka talaga Pacman.Idol na idol ka talaga.mabuhay ka! (NT) --
, 11/18/06 22:15:37
- People's Champ Manny Pacquiao, We are very proud of you. (NT) -- Taz, 11/18/06 23:09:00
- ang galing mo manny.congratulations. (NT) -- jaycee, 11/19/06 07:04:56
- Wow,ang cute naman ni Manny dito.Galing galing talaga.Dami na namang MONEY ni MANNY hehehe.Hello Taz,Kirby Ann Basket,kiray,beauty catcher,BQT at sa mga iba pang posters dito.Mabuhay kayong lahat. (NT) -- Ana Maris Impit, 11/20/06 00:20:48
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