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It was the mirror image of the moment almost a decade ago when Erik Morales first became a champion by sinking the killing body blow into Daniel Zaragoza, who could manage only a begrudging acknowledgement in response. November 18, 2006: Erik Morales sat on the canvas amid the screams, ignoring the pleas of his corner to rise and fight back as he had done twice already. The question over his right to continue fighting at the highest level had been answered by Manny Pacquiao’s punishing fists, and in Morales’ solitude, though he was displeased with the nature of the answer, he accepted his fate.
For Morales, the circle was complete. The day when Pacquiao himself has given his all and can offer only a dejected stare to his successor may seem far away, but it is certainly coming. As soon as we’re born, we’re dying.
At ringside, former lightweight champion Jose Luis Castillo and super flyweight star Jorge Arce regarded each other with amazement. One of their own had fallen in dramatic fashion; it was a reminder of their own pugilistic mortality. Those that live fast, die young. [details]
For Morales, the circle was complete. The day when Pacquiao himself has given his all and can offer only a dejected stare to his successor may seem far away, but it is certainly coming. As soon as we’re born, we’re dying.
At ringside, former lightweight champion Jose Luis Castillo and super flyweight star Jorge Arce regarded each other with amazement. One of their own had fallen in dramatic fashion; it was a reminder of their own pugilistic mortality. Those that live fast, die young. [details]