A fighters Decline... Erik vs. Manny

[Taeth]

I used to think so, but I doubt it now. Pacquaio is better IMO then Morales in terms of all time greatness. Each time he fought Morales it wasn't only easier because Morales was less of a fighter, but also because Manny was becoming a more complete fighter, in the last fight he outboxed Erik, he outfought Erik, and he hurt Erik. I don't think you need to look too far back to see a Manny who just swung for the fence with every punch, and JMM and Erik Morales were able to take advantage of that, but Manny has been getting harder to hit every fight, and Erik isn't the type of guy who sticks to just outboxing an opponent, if he did I think he would beat Manny, but he is a warrior who needs to see how he measures up, and its then that Manny would always win out IMO.

[CGM]

Good Post. I thought Erik was brilliant in the first Pac fight, there was no doubt who was better.

[gyrokai]

We all agree that Pac has improved.

But I suspect it was more in the physical department than the mental. As Juan Manuel Marquez has shown, Pacquiao will always have problems.

And unfortunately, Morales could only beat the odds and upset Pacquiao once. And old fighter defeating a young up and comer with limitless potential (even today), is more impressive than a young beating a fighter on the slide.