Featherweight champion of the world Manny Pacquiao took some time out of his busy schedule to speak with Boxingtalk about his upcoming fight against "El Terrible" Erik Morales (rated #2 by Boxingtalk at junior lightweight). Additionally, Manny talks about a rematch with Marquez win, lose, or draw against Morales. Pacman talks to his fans in the Philippines, his fans in America, and he addresses the very passionate Mexican boxing fans as well.
Boxingtalk: Manny, first of all thank you very much for talking to Boxingtalk tonight.Manny Pacquaio: Thank you for talking to me.
Boxingtalk: Manny, how's training camp going for you so far?Manny Pacquaio: Training camp is going good, very good so far.
Boxingtalk: Manny you have a big fight coming up against a tough Erik Morales, is there anything that Erik Morales brings into the ring that concerns you?Manny Pacquaio: No, I don't worry about my fight with Erik Morales... I know his style, and I am ready for him..I am ready.
Boxingtalk: Manny win, lose, or draw against Morales do you see a rematch with Marquez as still being a possibility?Manny Pacquaio: I don't know when, but soon it will happen.
Boxingtalk: Manny, if you beat Erik Morales you will have defeated 3 of Mexico's top fighters.... in your mind, at that point would you feel as if you have conquered Mexico... The Mexican destroyer of sorts?Manny Pacquaio: If I win against Eric Morales I do not want to be considered as the Mexican Assassin. I want to show the people that Manny Pacquaio is positive, to show the people that I am good for boxing.
Boxingtalk: Manny, talk about Freddie Roach for a second. What is it that most impresses you about Freddie Roach as a trainer, and even more importantly as a person?Manny Pacquaio: You know, Freddie is a very nice guy.. He is a great trainer, he is not like other trainers. Freddie is very patient with me, and he is always there for me. I believe in my trainer at all times. I see Freddie Roach as a father figure to me, and I believe he see's me as family as well.
Boxintalk: Manny when I was visiting with Freddie a few months ago I met your brother Bobby Pacquaio...what are your thoughts on Bobby's boxing career?Manny Pacquaio: Bobby likes to play basketball a lot, so I don't know.. He likes basketball very much.
Boxingtalk: Is Bobby currently pursuing basketball along with boxing?Manny Pacquaio: Before he went into boxing, he played basketball in the Philippines.
Boxintalk: Did Bobby play basketball on a college level Manny?Manny Pacquiao: Yes he played in school.
Boxingtalk: Manny talk to your fans over in the Philippines, would you be interested in fighting a world title fight over in your home country of the Philippines.Manny Pacquaio: That's something I want to do, to fight a world title fight in the Philippines. I think all of the people in my country, young, old.. everybody loves me and want to see me fight live in the Philippines.
Boxingtalk: Manny, talk about Juan Manuel Marquez for a few minutes. What happened with the rematch with Marquez, why Morales now, and not Marquez this time Manny?Manny Pacquaio: Marquez was supposed to my opponent this time, but he was asking for too much purse money, and the promoter didn't give him the purse he asked for.
Boxingtalk: So Marquez turned down the purse?Manny Pacquaio: Yeah...
Boxingtalk: Manny, would you have preferred to fight Marquez this time, or Morales?Manny Pacquaio: At this time, I would rather fight Morales.
Boxingtalk: Manny, lastly talk to your fans around the world... What will the fight fans see out of Manny Pacquaio when you step into the ring with Erik Morales?Manny Pacquaio: First of all, I would like to thank God for giving me this opportunity.. I would also like to thanks all of my fans, especially the American people, and the Mexican people who love boxing.. Thank you very much. Make sure all of you see this fight this coming March 19th, it's going to be a good fight... I will give a good fight, a lot of action.. come and see this fight with me and Erik Morales.. Thank you very much to all of those who loves boxing....
Boxingtalk: Thank you very much for talking to Boxingtalk, good luck with your fight against Morales.Manny Pacquaio: Thank you very much.
* Very special thanks goes out to my friend Freddie Roach for assisting me with setting up this interview... CLICK HERE FOR MORE OF THIS EXCLUSIVE
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