Erik Morales vs Manny Pacquiao 19.03.2005
In an epic super featherweight showdown, Erik Morales emerged victorious against Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The March 19, 2005 bout, billed as “Coming With Everything,” lived up to its name, delivering a spectacular display of boxing prowess that kept the sell-out crowd on their feet.
Morales, controlled the pace of the fight against Pacquiao, who was making his debut in the division. The Mexican fighter’s tactical approach and powerful right hand proved crucial throughout the contest.
The fight took a dramatic turn in the fifth round when Pacquiao suffered a cut over his right eye. Initially ruled as caused by a punch, the injury significantly impacted Pacquiao’s performance. Despite this setback, the Filipino warrior continued to press forward, showcasing his trademark aggression and body attacks.
As the bout progressed, both fighters engaged in fierce exchanges, with Morales often getting the better of these encounters. His ability to counter Pacquiao’s charges and land clean shots impressed ringside observers.
The final round saw an unexpected twist as Morales briefly switched to a southpaw stance, igniting a furious exchange that brought the crowd to its feet. This daring move exemplified the heart and skill displayed by both combatants throughout the contest.
After twelve gruelling rounds, Morales secured a unanimous decision victory. The judges’ scorecards reflected the closely fought nature of the bout, with Morales landing 265 of 714 total punches compared to Pacquiao’s 217 of 894.
This barnstorming clash marked the beginning of what would become one of boxing’s greatest trilogies. The fight not only lived up to the pre-fight hype but also set the stage for two more memorable encounters between these boxing legends.
As the dust settled on this instant classic, fans and pundits alike eagerly anticipated the next chapter in the Morales-Pacquiao saga, knowing they had witnessed a truly special night in the world of boxing.
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Filed under: Super Featherweight - @ March 19, 2005 11:59 pm
Tags: Erik Morales, Manny Pacquiao