Those who follow boxing with a critical eye know that the value of a fight is not determined by the title at stake but by the fighters who step into the ring. On March 19, 2005—exactly 20 years ago—Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao and Erik “El Terrible” Morales faced each other at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The prize seemed modest: the belt of the little-regarded IBA federation and the WBC International Title. However, these two elite fighters had already showcased their brilliance in the ring, making their clash—the first chapter of an epic trilogy—an event of global interest.
The Power Puncher’s Gloves Denied to the Favorite
Less than a week before the fight, Manny Pacquiao was informed that, per contract, he would not be allowed to use his usual Cleto Reyes gloves, traditionally favored by power punchers. His promoter, Murad Muhammad, had conceded during negotiations to Morales’ team, allowing them to impose the use of Winning gloves—more padded around the knuckles, to the point where Manny and his legendary trainer, Freddie Roach, referred to them as “pillows.” The decision not to contest what was clearly an advantage for the experienced Mexican—who had long suffered from chronic hand problems—was perhaps rooted in the belief that Pacquiao would overpower his opponent regardless.
Despite the fact that both men were phenomenal fighters, the momentum of their careers seemed to favor the Filipino. He was coming into the fight on the heels of a series of electrifying performances, including the destruction of Marco Antonio Barrera and the controversial draw against Juan Manuel Marquez, whom he had knocked down three times in the first round alone. Morales, on the other hand, had lost his third incredible bout against Barrera just a few months earlier. Facing a whirlwind fighter with lethal punches like Pacquiao, he ran the risk of feeling the toll of too many wars inside the ring.
The Perfect Plan to Neutralize the Destroyer
Manny Pacquiao’s explosive starts—where he would pounce on his opponent from the opening bell, overwhelming them with blistering combinations—were well known to fans and experts alike. However, Morales, unfazed by the bookmakers who labeled him the underdog, came well-prepared for the daunting challenge ahead.
El Terrible was no longer the reckless young brawler who entered the ring throwing punches like a machine gun without a clear strategy. His courage remained unchanged, but he had added years of experience and refined technique, allowing him to execute a tactical plan that optimized his efforts. After carefully studying Pacquiao’s performances against other Mexican warriors, Morales and his team devised the perfect strategy: take small steps backward to absorb the Filipino’s trademark power shots and occasionally counter with sudden two-handed flurries to force him on the back foot.
This approach, combined with a consistent and precise use of the left jab, paid dividends. After a strong first round in which he landed vicious body shots, Pacquiao began to appear disoriented in the following rounds.
Blood, Exhaustion, and Madness: A Throwback Battle
Just when the southpaw from Manila seemed on the verge of regaining control of a fight slipping from his grasp, a head clash in the fifth round opened a nasty cut near his right eye, causing heavy bleeding. The incident had a severe impact on the pre-fight favorite, who lost his composure and clarity, appearing to rely more on desperation than on a well-thought-out tactical approach. Meanwhile, his crafty opponent took full advantage, targeting the wounded eye with precise left hands.
A new factor, however, was about to shift the balance once again: exhaustion. Drained by the relentless pace and mindful of conserving energy for the championship rounds, Morales virtually gifted the ninth round to his opponent and, in turn, began losing focus in both his decision-making and overall ring control. Soon, all tactics were abandoned, and the fight transformed into a blood-soaked battle between two men on the brink of collapse, yet incapable of stepping back.
The “big drama show” in the final round was inevitable. After being urged by his corner to avoid risks and manage his lead, Erik Morales did the exact opposite. He suddenly switched to a southpaw stance and chose to trade blows at center ring with the most fearsome power puncher of the modern era, engaging in a breathtaking crescendo of action until the final bell.
The Hurrah of El Terrible
Despite winning the last three blistering minutes, Manny Pacquiao hadn’t done enough throughout the fight to expect a favorable verdict. The judges’ scorecards, all ruling in favor of Morales by a narrow but unanimous margin, were both fair and accurate. In his post-fight interview, Pacquiao expressed regret over being unable to use his preferred gloves, claiming he would have secured a KO victory with them. However, the truth was that he had faced a fighter in extraordinary physical and mental condition—one who had delivered a true masterpiece of the sport.
Morales’ interview was unforgettable. When HBO’s Larry Merchant asked him about his reckless final round, he simply smiled and asked the legendary broadcaster: “Did you like it?” His victory had been built on strategy, tactics, and intelligence, yet deep in his DNA lay an unshakable need to entertain the audience—and once again, he had succeeded.
That triumph was, in many ways, the last hurrah of El Terrible. Afterward, he would lose seven of his next eleven fights, including the rematch and rubber match against Pac Man, though he would later reclaim one last world title in 2011, adding a final chapter of glory to his legendary career.