Manny to train longer, harder for Morales

Hardly recovering from the euphoria of his victory over Oscar Larios, Manny Pacquiao has already trained his sights on the next task, vowing to undergo a longer, more serious buildup for his highly anticipated rubber match with Erik Morales on Nov. 18 in Las Vegas.

The local boxing hero, who only trained for four weeks against Larios, whom be beat via unanimous decision last Sunday to retain his WBC international super featherweight crown, said yesterday he would take a month-long rest before plunging into training for what could put an end to the Mexican’s illustrious boxing career.

"I’ll just take a rest and by the end of the month, I’ll start my light training. Morales is of a different caliber so I have to train hard, real hard," said Pacquiao in Filipino.

Pacquiao, who lost to Morales in 2005 via decision but knocked out the former three-time world champion in their rematch last January, said he will train here for 45 days before going to the Wild Card gym in the US with trainer Freddie Roach.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao was given a hero’s welcome at the Manila City Hall by hundreds of cheering supporters, led by Mayor Lito Atienza, Presidential Assistant for Youth and Sports and Manila Sports Council (MASCO) chairman Ali Atienza, and Manila third district Rep. Miles Roces.

Pacquiao has always made it a point to come to Manila City Hall before and after a fight, win or lose, where his loyal fans and fellow Manileños always await his every arrival.

The Gen. Santos fighter was also greeted by other city officials at the Bulwagang Antonio Villegas where a short press conference was also held before a champions’ parade around the city.

"Manny, once again, has made us Manileños and Filipinos truly proud not only because he defeated Larios but for also showing his maturity as a fighter by carefully thinking of his offenses before executing his attacks, " said Mayor Atienza.

— Dante Navarro and Evelyn Macairan