LAS VEGAS, CONSIDERED the boxing capital of the world was made even bigger by Top Rank Promotions and Steve Wynn of Wynn Las Vegas, who sponsored an incredible fight between former three-time world champion, Erik Morales (49-4 34 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico and Manny Pacquiao (41-3-1 32 KOs) of Cebu City, Phillipines, Saturday, January 21st at the Thomas and Mack Center. The crowd of 14,618 was chanting 'Manny' through much of the fight.

If one would paint a painting of the boxing world, it would show gore, violence, greed and betrayal in many people's eyes. But the fight this Saturday night showed two fighters battling it out for the WBC International Featherweight Title. There was no guessing games, no sizing up the other fighter, just pure heart-to-heart boxing on the part of both fighters and certainly good sportsmanship. Isn't that what boxing is all about? That's exactly what happened when Erik Morales lost his title to Manny Pacquiao when referee Kenny Bayless stopped the fight by TKO in 2:33 of the tenth round. Morales came out strong in round one and threw some hard blows against Pacquiao. But in the second round, Pacquiao quickly gained control by working over Morales's body. It was clearly evident that Pacquiao trained well to counter Morales punches. He was the faster and quicker fighter on this fight card. Freddy Roach, Pacquiao's trainer, stated it best, "The biggest difference in this fight was the body attack and the right hand. Manny used both hands very well."

In rounds 2, 6, 7, 8, and 9, Morales was over powered by the quickness of Pacquiao. In fact, in the 8th round Morales was knocked off balance while he held on to the rope. Looking at the judges card, Judge Paul Smith scored it 87–84 in favor of Pacquiao before the tenth round TKO. Judge Jerry Roth had it 87–84 in favor of Pacquiao and Judge Dave Moretti had it 86–85, for Pacquiao. The CompuBox final punch stats showed Morales throwing 714 punches and connecting 265, while Pacquiao though 894, connecting 217 punches. In jabs thrown, Morales delivered 303 connecting 96 and Pacquiao 349 landed 34. In power punches thrown, Morales showed 411 connecting 169 to Pacquiao's 545 landing 183. Although Morales had to go to the hospital, Manny Pacquiao prayed that he was well. Pacquiao also stated, "Thank God for giving me the strength today. I respect Mexican fighters and all good boxers and Erik Morales is a good champion." Pacquiao also thought that Morales had about three years left in his boxing career. He also said that he would give Morales a rematch at a later date. The fight was rebroadcast on January 28th 6:45 Pacific and 9:48 EST on HBO.

The co-main event was a 12-round WBA Super Flyweight bout that had Martin Castillo (30-1-16 KOs) Mexico City, win a split decision over Alexander Munoz, (29-2-25 KOs) of Bolivar, Venezuela. Even though Castillo retained his WBA Super Flyweight Title, Munoz showed that he had a lot of talent; especially in the middle rounds. The score card read as follows, 115–112 by Judge Glen Feldman in favor of Castillo, Judge Dalby Shirley had it 112–115 in favor of Alexander Munoz and Judge Dick Houck had it 116–111 for Castillo. Punch stats showed Castillo throwing 653 punches and landing 154 to Munoz 601, landing 130.

Castillo threw 231 jabs and landed 41 and Munoz 184 and landed 19. Castillo threw 422 power punches connecting 113 and Munoz threw 417 and landed 111.