With pure energy his only real momentum, Pacquiao rose in the world rankings, surviving defeats, knockdowns and knockouts. But after a dramatic 2001 win in Las Vegas in which he was a late substitute, Pacquiao met legendary coach Freddie Roach, who would transform his style and provide a mostly winning formula — until Pacquiao met the formidable Mexican Erik Morales in March 2005. Pacquiao lost in a unanimous 12-round decision. The pair would meet in two ferocious, eagerly followed rematches that bookended 2006, with Pacquiao defeating Morales both times, the first by TKO, the second by knockout.
The Rise of Manny Pacquiao
A look at the Filipino boxer's career in and out of the ring
Epic Combat: The Morales Trilogy
Full List
Manny
- The Kid from General Santos City
- Epic Combat: The Morales Trilogy
- The Other Epic: Drawing Marquez
- Defeating the Legend: Oscar De La Hoya
- The Champion’s Trophies
- The Victor’s Spoils
- Home of the Conquering Hero
- Can Adulation Turn into Political Power?
- Sowing the Seeds
- With Coach Freddie in the Ring
- The Best Pound-for-Pound Fighter in the World