Fight on this morning vs. Morales: Manny battles for Pinoy pride

With the hope of the entire Filipino nation resting on his shoulders, Manny Pacquiao truly faces a monumental task as he takes on Mexican Erik Morales in a blockbuster rematch billed as "The Battle" this morning at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Claiming he's in the best condition of his career, Pacquiao scaled in at 128.5 pounds in yesterday official weigh-in at the Wynn Casino & Resort also in Las Vegas. Morales tipped in at exactly 130 pounds.

"This is what boxing is all about - two great champions who always give it their all, each and every second in the ring," said Bob Arum of Top Rank.

"It's great to kick off 2006 with a fight as exciting as the rematch between Erik Morales and Manny Pacquiao," said Mark Taffet, HBO Senior Vice President of Sports Operators and Pay-Per-View. "January 21 figures to be an action-filled, quality night for pay-per-view boxing fans."

With his teeth gnawing, Pacquiao is aching to get back at the man responsible for his only defeat in his last 17 fights. Pacquiao lost by a very close decision to Morales during their epic March 19, 2005 showdown at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao started fast and furious against Morales in a battle which brought fight fans to their feet many times. Pacquiao won the first and third rounds on all scorecards as Morales weathered a huge firestorm.

Pacquiao won the seventh round on two scorecards and swept the ninth and 12th rounds. Morales won the fight by the narrowest of margins, 115-113 on all scorecards.

Facing no distractions this time compared to his first meeting with Morales, Pacquiao is confident of emerging victorious in what is perceived by boxing pundits as another war for the ages.

"I will put up a great show. I have no other thing in mind other than winning. I'm confident I'll beat him (Morales) this time around," said Pacquiao, who will be wearing the Mexico-made Cleto Reyes gloves.

"I was not 100% last time, I took him lightly and I need to change some things. I will bet my life that I will win," added Pacquiao, who is set to receive $2.5 million purse or P1.4 billion, the biggest so far by any Asian athlete.

Morales, on the other hand, said he is ready to reaffirm his mastery over Pacquiao and reclaim lost credibility following his stunning upset loss to Zahir Rahim in his previous bout.

"I'm in great shape mentally and physically. I will fight a different fight and I will fight better. They would be making a mistake if they based their hopes and plans on what happened last time when I lost to Raheem," said Morales.