The Boxing Times predicts Pacquiao to prevail over Morales

The Boxing Times, a popular boxing website, tabbed Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao to prevail over Mexican Erik Morales in their blockbuster rematch billed as "The Battle" on January 21 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Expecting another high-octane and exciting bout between the two decorated and devastating fighters, The Boxing Times staff favors Pacquiao to beat Morales via a close and compelling 12-round decision.

"We expect another high velocity encounter but this time out we see Pacquiao doing just enough to win a close and compelling 12-round decision," stated www.boxingtimes.com.

Boxingtimes.com further remarked it would be interesting this time if Pacquiao makes the necessary adjustments and corrects the flaws he made during his loss to Morales in their epic March 19, 2005 contest at the MGM Grand Hotel also in Las Vegas.

"In his first bout with Morales, Pacquiao made the classic mistake of loading up with his punches against an opponent who was bigger, stronger and a better boxer. Morales' size and ability neutralized Pacquiao's impressive power output and the Filipino slugger was always just one step away and one punch away from landing the heavy lumber," said Boxingtimes.com

"Rather than bang to the body and slow down Morales, Pacquiao repeatedly tried to land head shots and ultimately it cost him the decision. It was a bitter defeat for Pacquiao and it will be interesting this time to see if he makes adjustments and shifts his attack downstairs early in the bout rather than head hunting too early," it added.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao is putting up the finishing touches of his torrid training regimen under the scrutinizing eyes of celebrated American trainer Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, California.

Pacquiao plans to go to Las Vegas on the 16th or five days before his rematch with Morales. However, it is not clear yet whether Pacquiao would take the shorter plane ride from LA to Vegas or the three-to-four-hour ride by car, just like what he did during his first encounter with Morales.

Morales, on the other hand, is expected to arrive in Las Vegas on the 19th on board his private jet.