I agree that Morales was never the same in the ring after their first fight. 2nd fight it was clear his legs were not like they once were, and I believe (could be wrong) but seems to me I remember Manny Steward noting that himself during the fight before Pac really took over. In the 2nd fight, while Morales legs had their strength I think he was doing damn good. But he just didnt have it anymore in terms of whats required on the elite level. Just imo.
if a Prime Marquez & Prime Morales met in the ring.. do you think it will be a close fight? for me, Marquez win via UD i waited for this fight to happen, as much as i waited for M.Pacquiao-E.Valero.. these are the superfights few years ago, when they're all in the SFW division..
Not sure why they had the trilogy fight but fights 1&2 were great to watch. I dont think Morales was ever the same after leaving featherweight but his amazing skill level kept him competitive right up until being stopped by Garcia.
There was the weight drain there was also the fact Pacquiao broke Morales's nose midway through the fight, that was the real momentum shifter.
Sometimes the winner takes more punishment than the loser, think Vazquez-Marquez IV after the 3rd or Corrales-Castillo II after the first.