Former opponent Erik Morales acknowledged he's at awe with Manny Pacquiao remaining active in professional boxing despite his age and the wars he has been through.

Morales, who figured in a monumental trilogy with the Filipino boxing champion, said Pacquiao’s continued success in the ring is a testament to his dedication to training.

“I’m definitely surprised, yeah, that he’s fighting at this age, and due to the fact that all the wars he’s had,” Morales said through a translator an article posted on BoxingScene.com.

“So, it’s very interesting that he’s still fighting. But then again, I’m not surprised because mentally, physically, he’s still training and still maintaining that all throughout his career, his great training regimen. So, by that I’m not surprised.

“But I am surprised by the time and the wars that he’s had that he’s still active.”

Now happily enjoying his retirement at 42, Morales will be watching Pacquiao challenge a young lion in Keith Thurman, who will defend his WBA “super” welterweight crown against the Filipino this weekend.

Morales is picking Pacquiao to win.

“It’s gonna be a complicated fight, no doubt about it,” he said.

“But knowing Pacquiao, starting in the second round, that’s when he’s gonna be starting to charge. So, it’s either gonna be decision Pacquiao, or maybe late, a knockout by Pacquiao.”

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