Pundit wonders how Morales can recover

LAS VEGAS — Now that the question about Erik Morales making weight has been answered, here comes a bigger one: Does he have enough time to recover his strength?

Rafael Mendoza, a Mexican boxing figure who’s handled 18 different champions the past few decades, can’t seem to provide the perfect answer.

"I don’t know how he can recover his strength from the four heinous months of having to lose weight," Mendoza told Pinoy scribes during Friday’s official weigh-in.

"We will all find out after five rounds. In the beginning there will be no problem because they’re both fresh. But after five rounds Erik will see whether he has recovered or not," he said.

"We will all know by tomorrow. If by the sixth round Erik feels that he has recovered then it will be a dangerous fight for Pacquiao. But Pacquiao is so quick. Nobody is faster than him pound for pound. Not even (Floyd) Mayweather," he added.

Asked what Morales should do or should have done immediately after the weigh-in, Mendoza said Morales should rest, rest and rest.

"Don’t make any effort. Eat. If he was my fighter I’d put him to bed right now – until tomorrow," Mendoza said. — Abac Cordero