Morales’ punches fewer but harder

LAS VEGAS — Numbers don’t lie.

And in this case, a quick look at the stats sheet prepared and released by Compubox would certainly explain how Mexico’s Erik Morales won the fight and how the Philippines’ Manny Pacquiao lost it.

Pacquiao, known as a rapid-shooter, did throw more punches during the 12-round contest — in fact totalling 894 against the 714 of Morales, known as a slow-starter but definitely a good finisher.

Pacquiao, therefore, threw an average of 74.5 punches in each of the 12 rounds while Morales managed to save his energy by letting it loose only for an average of 59.5 times in every round.

But Morales’ punches found the mark 265 times against the 217 of Pacquiao for a batting average of 37 percent. Pacquiao’s punches-thrown-punches-landed percentage was a low 24 percent.

In the jabs department, Morales was also the clear winner, throwing a total of 303 and connecting 96 times (32 percent), most of them landing on Pacquiao’s right eye and further inflicting damage on the cut.

Pacquiao threw a total of 349 jabs, again more times than Morales, but was short most of the time, landing only an unbelievable 34 jabs for a low 10 percent. The jabs, obviously, are one department he should work on.

Once again, Pacquiao threw more power punches, a total of 545 compared to Morales’ 411 and, surprisingly, connected with more, 183 to 169. But how heavy they really is something only Morales can tell.

The three judges, Paul Smith, Dave Moretti and Chuck Giampa, scored the bout 115-113 all in favor of Morales. They all gave the first and last round to Pacquiao, 10-9.

Incidentally, The STAR and the Bulletin both scored the bout 115-113 and again, in favor of Morales. Scorecards were distributed to the press box before the fight started.

Numbers, indeed, don’t lie. — Abac Cordero