Morales going for kill, picks puncher’s gloves

LAS VEGAS — Erik Morales shifting from Winning to Cleto Reyes gloves is a clear indication that the Mexican and his 30-year-old knuckles are going for an early kill on Saturday.

Freddie Roach, chief trainer of Manny Pacquiao, said Wednesday that Morales has decided to use the Reyes brand for his scheduled 12-round battle with Manny Pacquiao.

"Morales is shifting to Cleto Reyes and it’s been confirmed that he did order the gloves," said Roach as he was wrapping up Pacquiao’s two-hour media workout at the IBA Gym here.

"The last time he said he’d wear it but he didn’t. But if he does wear that that would kind of tell us that he’s going for the early knockout. And if he breaks his hand, he breaks his hand.

"I think that tells you he’s gonna start quickly," said Roach.

Reyes gloves, made in Mexico, are known as the puncher’s gloves because of its thinner cushion on the knuckle area. Pacquiao, a knockout artist, prefers this brand.

On the other hand, Winning gloves have thicker cushion on the knuckle area for added protection to the hands. Morales has used this brand in his many fights, including the first two with Pacquiao.

Pacquiao said the other day he believes that Morales would try to knock him out in the first five rounds.

According to the Filipino, it’s in these rounds where Morales is stronger and more dangerous.

Roach readily agreed.

"I really think he (Morales) will," he said while Pacquiao was skipping ropes, surrounded by mediamen.

Whether or not it comes early, Roach added that the fight would end with a knockout. He said there’s very little chance, or none at all, that it would last the distance.

"I don’t see that happening. These are two game and tough guys. I see a stoppage on the ninth, tenth or eleventh," he said.

Last January, Pacquiao broke Morales’ body in the early rounds, and then went for the kill later on. In the ninth round, Morales looked ready to go, and was on the run in the closing seconds.

Roach said the moment Morales does that on Saturday, then it’s time for Pacquiao to go for it.

"The only time Morales is going to run is when it’s over. Otherwise he’s in your face all night. When he starts running, it means that the fight is over," said Roach.

"So, I wish Erik the best of luck. He’s going to need it."

NOTES: The odds are just getting higher for Pacman. The latest flash at the giant Sports Book screen showed that the Pinoy sensation at -240, meaning a bet of $240 would only give a dividend of $100. A $100 bet on the Morales wins $200….Don’t expect a hoard of supporters to join Pacquiao on the ring when Michael Buffer makes the traditional pre-fight introduction on Saturday. The Nevada Athletic State Commission is making sure that only those who need to be there will be there. Very limited passes have been issued to Team Pacquiao with only 10 persons to be allowed entrance in the dressing room, and only four of them can join Pacquiao in his march to the ring. They are trainers Freddie Roach, Justin Fortune and Buboy Fernandez, and cutman Joe Chavez. Cris Aquino, the flag bearer, and Bing Leonardia, who will carry Pacquiao’s WBC International belt, will be allowed to climb the ring, too. Team Pacquiao submitted a long list of names, 38 to be exact, for ringside access. But the NASC just won’t allow it….Tickets to the fight, and not to any concert or show in any of the fabulous hotels here, are the hottest in town. According to Bob Arum, the promoter, all 17,000 tickets will be sold out before the bell rings. "There won’t be anything left by Friday. And for those who are coming to town with no tickets, we’re selling 10,000 closed-circuit seats at Wynn Hotel," said Arum. "And the guy handling the closed-circuit coverage is being swamped with calls, but that’s a great problem to have. He said business has never been this way." Tickets are priced as high as $500 (P25,000) and as low as $100 (P5,000).