Morales begins buildup vs Pacman

Erik Morales has taken the first step in preparation for his Nov. 18 battle with Manny Pacquiao.

According to an Internet report quoting the Mexican media, Morales flew from Tijuana to Los Angeles yesterday for a stringent four-week weight-reduction program.

Morales should be weighing around 150 lbs by this time, meaning he has just enough time to trim down before he plunges into serious training by September.

The third match between Morales and Pacquiao is once again set at 12 rounds and 130 lbs. For the second time, the fight will be held at the Thomas and Mack Center.

Morales is expected to be back in Tijuana by the end of August. By that time, the 130 lb limit should be within reach. He will train in the mountains of Otomi in September and October.

According to the Internet report, Morales’ promoter Bob Arum has tapped the services of a top-notch nutritionist in LA just to make sure that his famed boxer gets back to shape on time.

A conditioning coach and some other experts will also help Morales during his stay in Los Angeles.

"These people will help me arrive in great form for my fight against Pacquiao," the report quoted Morales as saying.

But it’s not going to be easy.

In fact, the agent of Mexican fighter Oscar Larios, Rafael Mendoza, said he seriously doubts that the fight would push through because of Morales’ weight problem.

"I assure you one hundred percent that Morales can never ever make 130 pounds. You have to cut his legs for him to make the weight," said Mendoza.

Pacquiao’s manager Shelly Finkel, however, said otherwise.

"Mr. Arum has put up a huge amount that will go to Manny in case Morales goes over the weight. And Pacquiao won’t have to face Morales if that happens. Bob Arum wouldn’t put up that amount if he knew he could lose it," Finkel said.

Just recently, Morales was still taking it easy as he was photographed during the baptismal party of his first child Erik Isaac with gorgeous wife Andrea Mora.

"Against Pacquiao I will be triumphant. And it will be a rout. I am convinced that good preparation will help me do it. I’ve done it before and there’s no reason why I can’t do it again," he said.

Morales defeated Pacquiao when they first met in March of 2005 at the MGM Grand in Vegas, but encountered serious problems making the weight for the return bout.

Drained, Morales was far from his best when he lost to Pacquiao last January, absorbing a terrible beating that led to a 10th round knockout and talks about his retirement.

"Don’t forget that I’m the first Mexican to beat Pacquiao. And I can do it again. When he defeated me, it was because of over confidence and errors in my preparation," Morales said.

Pacquiao is just wrapping up the party, more than a week after he defeated Larios in 12 rounds.

Morales, for his part, has not fought since losing to Pacquiao almost six months ago. During this long lull, talks about the Mexican hanging up his gloves started to move around.

But they all stopped the moment the third and deciding match against the Filipino champion was sealed.