RAHEEM UPSETS MORALES

September 10, 2005 - by Anne Vitello

A career-making performance by Zahir Raheem! Showing shades of his idol, Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker, the so-called tune-up opponent put together an unbeatable package of slickness and sharp punching to completely dismantle Erik Morales. A thickened and off balance El Terrible just never got his game off the ground. In the opening rounds it was clear that Raheem had greater hand speed and better evasive tactics. Morales showed an occasional sign of life, sometimes working in the uppercut, for example, which would be an ideal response to Raheem's tactic of ducking very low. But otherwise, Erik got off to an awkward start that just never smoothed out, and spent the entire fight trying to drop an overhand right bomb that never found the mark.

After 3 or 4 rounds, Eric was thoroughly thwarted and confused. Zahir Raheem found his own rhythm early on, and settled in to dictate the rhythm of the fight. He jabbed with great success, often went first in combinations, and connected at a much higher percentage rate. When it came to ring generalship, Zahir Raheem showed an unprecedented brilliance. Obviously at home in this weight division, he also looked 100% fit and comfortable. Morales, on the other hand, may want to reconsider this move up after all. Perhaps he had grown accustomed to his relative size advantage at 130 and below. Perhaps he simply underestimated Raheem. Whatever the reason, he just never established a foothold in this fight.

A slippery ring dogged Zahir, sometimes more than Morales did. For his part, Erik also suffered the disadvantage of a rather inept corner. At midway in the fight, Morales seemed to switch gears into brawling mode, but only for brief encounters. He bounced a fierce right off Raheem's head, but the barrage was not sustained. Afterward his trainer/father advised him to stay away, a tactic that had been working quite well to Raheem's advantage. Zahir Raheem simply rose to the occasion, and then some. Wisely keeping his efforts at maximum right down the homestretch, he repulsed Erik's last desperate attempts and sealed the deal with cool professionalism.

UNDERCARD: MANNY PACQUIAO VS. HECTOR VELAZQUEZ
PACQUIAO WINS BY KO 6

The fight kicked off with moderate action, both men keeping their combinations limited, and keeping their distance. Hector Velazquez showed composure and confidence, as well as considerable size and reach advantages. For a time, he proved a bit rangy and unwieldy for Pacman, and Manny caught a few long, clean punches. The head butt factor was apparent as well, as skulls clashed but with no harm done.

In the second and third rounds, the boxers got down to business, and the tide began to turn. Velazquez continued with determination and discipline, stepping up his aggression, sometimes pushing Pacquaio into the ropes. Naturally Manny rose to the occasion and the action heated up; Pacman slugged his way out of any potential trouble. By Round Four, Pacman was thoroughly warmed up; floating and stinging his way toward domination. While form and style became less of an issue, Manny's right hand became more of a factor. Hector Velazquez kept his composure but began to lose ground.

In Round Five Velazquez seemed to grow visibly slower, as Manny became more buoyant. Pacquiao dictated the rhythm, and Velazquez followed him around the ring, still managing to get a shot in here and there. A notable short right hand from Pacquiao set Hector back on his heels momentarily, but he continued with resignation if not enthusiasm. Manny Pacquaio may not be at his absolute best at 130 or above, but he certainly can handle a fighter of Velazquez' caliber. And as of Round Six, the result seemed to be a foregone conclusion. Velazquez muddled along, and by the closing moments was in serious trouble after getting hurt by that menacing right hook. The bell and the KO happened contemporaneously; Manny furiously swinging away as Hector finally sunk to the canvas.