Post by LATAGAW on Sept 10, 2005 10:20:43 GMT 8
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By Teddy Molina, reporting ...
LOS ANGELES, CA.-- Thursday at the Grand Wilshire in Downtown Los Angeles, media from different corners of the world gathered for the final press conference leading up to Saturday’s “Double Trouble” card at STAPLES Center. The card will feature two of Boxing’s biggest attractions; Tijuanense Erik “Terrible” Morales (48-2, 34KO’s), as well as Filipino slugger Manny Pacquiao (39-3-2, 30KO’s).
The press conference was scheduled for 10:30 A.M., but did not get underway until 11:45 A.M., do to some unexpected “late arrivals.”
When Pacquiao arrived he was heard telling a Spanish reporter (in spanish), “Estoy bien preparado, y me siento muy fuerte,” which drew some “oohs and ahhs” from everyone within earshot. The multi-faceted Pacquiao will take on Hector Velasquez (42-10-2, 31KO’s), of Tijuana, on Saturday, in the co-feature.
“The time has finally come,” said Velasquez, who had three helpings of fruit while he waited for the rest of the fighters to arrive. “Camp was easy this time around, since I fought about a month prior to signing the fight with Pacquiao. I did not have to worry about getting in shape, since I was already in good shape.”
When asked if he would like to make any predictions, Pacquiao responded, “It’s going to be a great fight.”
While many experts agree that both Pacquiao and Morales are fighting tune-ups in preparation for a possible December rematch, the fighters themselves disagree.
“I never plan ahead,” said Morales. “We understand who we have in front of us … and we understand that he is dangerous. So we prepared strictly for Raheem … nobody else!”
Morales went on to say, “Part of what has made me the fighter I am today is the fact that I’m always in the best shape possible.”
“Velasquez is a very good fighter with a lot of experience,” said Pacquiao. “It will be tough, but I’m confident in my training.”
Morales says he has trained intensely for his debut at 135lbs., and believes that while Raheem will give him a good fight, he (Morales) will have his hand raised in the end.
Morales’s opponent, Zahir Raheem (26-1, 16KO’s), has different plans though. “I am ready for Saturday … this is what I’ve been waiting for all my life … this is the moment,” said Raheem, in an interview on Monday on THE BOXING SHOW.
The only World title fight on Saturday will be between Light Flyweights, Brian Viloria (17-0, 11KO’s) and WBC Champion Eric Ortiz (24-4-1, 16KO’s). Ortiz plans to take the fight to Viloria, but says he will be ready for anything Viloria has to offer. This could very well be the most exciting fight of the night, with both fighters eager to exchange a high volume of punches and at close quarters.
The Erik Morales and Manny Pacquiao, “Double Trouble” card will take place on Saturday at STAPLES Center in Downtown Los Angeles. Doors open at 4:00 with the first bell set for 4:30 P.M. (All times Pacific)
The two Co-Features, Manny Pacquiao vs. Hector Velasquez and Erik Morales vs. Zahir Raheem will be televised on HBO Championship Boxing beginning at 9:45 ET/6:45 PT.
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By Teddy Molina, reporting ...
LOS ANGELES, CA.-- Thursday at the Grand Wilshire in Downtown Los Angeles, media from different corners of the world gathered for the final press conference leading up to Saturday’s “Double Trouble” card at STAPLES Center. The card will feature two of Boxing’s biggest attractions; Tijuanense Erik “Terrible” Morales (48-2, 34KO’s), as well as Filipino slugger Manny Pacquiao (39-3-2, 30KO’s).
The press conference was scheduled for 10:30 A.M., but did not get underway until 11:45 A.M., do to some unexpected “late arrivals.”
When Pacquiao arrived he was heard telling a Spanish reporter (in spanish), “Estoy bien preparado, y me siento muy fuerte,” which drew some “oohs and ahhs” from everyone within earshot. The multi-faceted Pacquiao will take on Hector Velasquez (42-10-2, 31KO’s), of Tijuana, on Saturday, in the co-feature.
“The time has finally come,” said Velasquez, who had three helpings of fruit while he waited for the rest of the fighters to arrive. “Camp was easy this time around, since I fought about a month prior to signing the fight with Pacquiao. I did not have to worry about getting in shape, since I was already in good shape.”
When asked if he would like to make any predictions, Pacquiao responded, “It’s going to be a great fight.”
While many experts agree that both Pacquiao and Morales are fighting tune-ups in preparation for a possible December rematch, the fighters themselves disagree.
“I never plan ahead,” said Morales. “We understand who we have in front of us … and we understand that he is dangerous. So we prepared strictly for Raheem … nobody else!”
Morales went on to say, “Part of what has made me the fighter I am today is the fact that I’m always in the best shape possible.”
“Velasquez is a very good fighter with a lot of experience,” said Pacquiao. “It will be tough, but I’m confident in my training.”
Morales says he has trained intensely for his debut at 135lbs., and believes that while Raheem will give him a good fight, he (Morales) will have his hand raised in the end.
Morales’s opponent, Zahir Raheem (26-1, 16KO’s), has different plans though. “I am ready for Saturday … this is what I’ve been waiting for all my life … this is the moment,” said Raheem, in an interview on Monday on THE BOXING SHOW.
The only World title fight on Saturday will be between Light Flyweights, Brian Viloria (17-0, 11KO’s) and WBC Champion Eric Ortiz (24-4-1, 16KO’s). Ortiz plans to take the fight to Viloria, but says he will be ready for anything Viloria has to offer. This could very well be the most exciting fight of the night, with both fighters eager to exchange a high volume of punches and at close quarters.
The Erik Morales and Manny Pacquiao, “Double Trouble” card will take place on Saturday at STAPLES Center in Downtown Los Angeles. Doors open at 4:00 with the first bell set for 4:30 P.M. (All times Pacific)
The two Co-Features, Manny Pacquiao vs. Hector Velasquez and Erik Morales vs. Zahir Raheem will be televised on HBO Championship Boxing beginning at 9:45 ET/6:45 PT.
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