Main attraction

Main attraction | Daily Tribune

Eight-division legend Manny Pacquiao ran into one of his fiercest rivals upon his arrival in Canastota in New York for his enshrinement into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF).

Meeting him there was Erik Morales, the Mexican warrior who fought him thrice, once in 2005 and twice in 2006.

The two shook hands and exchanged pleasantries then posed for a shot as onlookers watched in amazement as the once furious foes showed nothing but praise and respect for each other.

Morales beat Pacquiao the first time on points, leaving the Filipino bloodied at the end of their 12-round battle in March 2005 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

In the rematch held in January the following year, Pacquiao got back at Morales via a tenth-round knockout in a slugfest held at the Thomas and Mack Center also in Las Vegas.

In the rubber match also held at the Thomas and Mack Center in November of 2006, in front of a near-record crowd of 18,276, Pacquiao had an easier time disposing of Morales, who was stopped in the third canto.

Morales, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018, was not the only ring great who rubbed elbows with Pacquiao.

Also seen with Pacquiao were Roy Jones Jr. (Class of 2022) and Felix Trinidad (2014), referee Joe Cortez and top boxing commentator Jim Lampley (Class of 2015).

Cortez was the third man on the ring when Pacquiao bludgeoned Lehlo Ledwaba in his smashing US debut on 23 June 2001.

Pacquiao was joined by his wife Jinkee and a couple of aides who flew aboard a private plane.

The private jet also ferried Sean Gibbons, the influential American boxing man who heads the Pacquiao-owned MP Promotions.

Taking a commercial flight to New York were chief trainer Freddie Roach and right-hand man Marvin Somodio.

Pacquiao’s official induction will take place on Sunday afternoon (early Monday morning in Manila), making him the fourth Filipino member of the IBHOF after Pancho Villa (Class of 1994) and Flash Elorde (Class of 1993) and promoter Lope “Papa” Sarreal (Class of 2005).

Meanwhile, Pacquiao is expected to head back to Los Angeles immediately after the ceremonies so he could show up for training on Monday.

Pacquiao, 46, is slated to challenge Mario Barrios, 16 years younger, for the World Boxing Council welterweight title on 19 July at the MGM Grand.