Boxer Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines trains during a media workout in Hong Kong October 27, 2014. Pacquiao is on tour ahead of defending his WBO World Welterweight title on November 23 against Chris Algieri of the U.S. at the Venetian's Cotai Arena in
Boxer Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines trains during a media workout in Hong Kong October 27, 2014. Pacquiao is on tour ahead of defending his WBO World Welterweight title on November 23 against Chris Algieri of the U.S. at the Venetian's Cotai Arena in Macau. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu REUTERS

Erik Morales has a thing or two on how the boxing mind of Filipino great Manny Pacquiao works. After all, he faced the eight-division world titleholder three times in a span from March 2005 to November 2006 and beating him in their first meeting.

The retired Mexican boxer provided some insight on the difference in the southpaw boxer he faced ten years ago to the Pacman who has matured and turned out to be a well-rounded slugger. Morales said that rhythm is not the key to going toe to toe with the speedy boxer but dictating a boxing match rather than engaging in a brawl.

"Pacquiao is a more complete fighter now than when I fought him. He seems more patient and more intelligent in the ring," Morales told Bad Left Hook in an interview.

Morales made an example of how he turned the tide against Pacman in their First meeting in March 2005 winning via a unanimous decision. He surprised everyone when he turned southpaw in the final round to throw off an eager Pacman and snatch a convincing victory with the then rising Filipino pride. The 38-year-old boxer also confirmed that his fellow Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez has the current WBO welterweight champion's number and that Chris Algieri would have to follow their lead if he wants to have a chance against Pacquiao this weekend.

In order to beat the favourite in the upcoming match in Macau, Morales revealed that the American fighter must avoid the speed of Pacquiao and fight from a distance. He mentions that consistent jabbing and intelligent counter-punching is the secret to deterring the all-out offensive arsenal of the former pound-for-pound king.

As for Pacquiao, Morales insisted that the maturity of his former nemesis is evident in how he attacks nowadays. El terrible conveyed that Pacquiao is still a very aggressive fighter but has learned to be patient with his attacks, which has made him all the more dangerous than when they first met. Pacquiao stopped Morales in their last two rematches via referee stopped decisions which led to some believing that the Mexican boxer would hang up the boxing gloves for good. The former four-time world champion found success after choosing to continue his career in a higher weight class and ultimately deciding to leave the sport for good just last June 2014.