LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Filipino star Manny Pacquiao and Mexico’s Erik Morales, both former world champions in three weight classes, will fight here on Nov. 18 after splitting their first two bouts.
Promoters announced here Monday the third fight in the rivalry, which began when Morales took a 12-round unanimous decision last year only to have Pacquiao avenge the defeat with a 10th-round stoppage this past January.
“I will beat him in this fight just like I beat him last fight,” Pacquiao said. “I’m the best super featherweight in the world and I cannot wait to prove it to Erik Morales again.
“Morales will feel the strength of the people of The Philippines behind every punch I land on him. This may be the Grand Finale in our trilogy, but it is just the beginning for Manny Pacquiao.”
Pacquiao, 42-3 with two drawn and 32 knockouts, won a 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion Oscar Larios on July 1 at Manila.
Morales, 48-4 with 34 knockouts, is a former World Boxing Council super bantamweight, featherweight and super featherweight champion. Julio Cesar Chavez is the only other Mexican to own world titles in three divisions.
“I have nothing but respect for Pacquiao. He’s a good person and he beat me. You won’t hear any excuses from me,” Morales said.
“I ran into a guy with a lot of ambition who wanted to win very much. He was in great condition and was obviously well-prepared. I had some good moments early, but was getting very tired as the fight was going in the later rounds.”
Pacquiao is 16-1 with two drawn with 15 triumphs by knockout. He is a former flyweight, junior flyweight and featherweight champion.
