Erik Morales will meet Manny Pacquiao in a 12 round super featherweight bout, and this announcement sets up the first mega fight of 2005. Morales and Pacquiao have garnered a reputation as two of the best fighters in the business,  two fighters who are willing to fight anybody. They proved this once again with the signing of this fight.

Morales is coming off losing a tough fight to rival Marco Antonio Barrera, in what was a Fight of the Year candidate. Manny Pacquiao is coming off  a controversial draw against Juan Manuel Marquez. A scheduled rematch with Marquez scheduled for February fell through when Marquez's monetary demands couldn't be met. So, the Pac Man turned to Erik Morales, who is always willing and able. Two exciting action power punchers going at it, should provide for fireworks on the 19th of March.

At the press conference, Murad Muhammad took center stage and did most of the talking. He said that Bob Arum and himself had made this fight while watching the Orange Bowl together; and they actually put the fight in place  without either fighter being present.  They knew their  fighters, and were certain  they would be more than willing. Muhammad further said that the press wondered aloud to him about how he could set this fight up without the fighters present. Muhammad responded by saying, "Because I know they will do it, because they don't give a damn, they have never backed down from anybody."

Muhammad was later asked why Pacquiao wasn't taking a rematch with either Barrera or Marquez. The promoter responded by saying that Barrera didn't have the guts to try and avenge his loss, and that Marquez priced himself out of the fight. So, Manny took the next best fighter in Erik Morales, because he knew that Erik is the type of fighter who will fight anybody.

Muhammad further hyped the fight by saying that the fight has further intrigue, because you will have an arena that is 50% Mexican and 50% Filipino. As Muhammad said this, Morale's manager Fernando Beltran interjected by saying it will be more like 80% Mexican. The Filipinos attending the presser laughed out loud when hearing Beltran's comment. Muhammad then further ignited the already burning fire by saying that Pacquiao is mowing down the Top Mexican fighters, saying that he beat Barrera, should have beaten Marquez, and now is looking at Morales.

Let the hype begin, although one thing's for sure, this fight needs little hype. These two fighters' records and reputation speak for themselves. March 19th should be a treat for Boxing fans as Erik Morales and Manny Pacquiao will get it on from Las Vegas.

1-14-2004