Boxing

By Rey Danseco

TWO living legends of Mexican boxing visited Erik Morales in his training camp, giving “El Terrible” the much needed mental boost ahead of the anticipated grudge fight against Manny Pacquiao.

Hall of Fame member Humberto "Chiquita" Gonzalez and Mexican great Jose "Pipino" Cuevas personally wish Morales good luck in his scheduled 12-round fight with Pacquiao on November 18 at Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.

One of the most respected active boxers, Morales is training in seclusion in the Otomi mountains in Tolucca, Mexico

Gonzalez is one of the highly-regarded Mexican boxing heroes during his prime from late 1980s to mid 1990s.

Gonzalez, now 40-years-old, defended the World Boxing Council (WBC) light flyweight title five times before then little-known Filipino challenger Rolando Pascua dethroned him with a devastating sixth round knockout in December 1990 at Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California.

It was Gonzalez's first defeat in 31 starts as a professional fighter. Pascua, who then under the guidance of the great Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, was leading in two of the three scorecards, 48-47 (Henry Elesperu) and 49-46 (Harry Croes) when the annihilations happened at 2:24 of round 6.

The 51-year old Cuevas was the former World Boxing Association welterweight champ from July 1976 until Thomas Hearns captured the title with impressive second round knockout win in August 1980.

The 30-year old Morales is considered as No. 1 Mexican boxer in terms of respect, being a former three-time world champion in different weight categories.