All Erik Morales and Manny Pacquiao have to do to cement a rematch in December is get by their respective opponents this Saturday night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

For Morales, that means Zahir Raheem; for Pacquiao, it's Hector Velazquez. Morales-Pacquiao, which Morales won clearly and convincingly, was so intense and so competitive that the two warriors were destined to meet again, and either fighter should have no trouble dispensing of their opponents.

Morales, 48-2 (34), who comes prepared and in shape for all his fights, does not have a walkover in Raheem, 26-1 (16). After losing a questionable decision to Rocky Juarez last year in a battle of undefeated featherweight prospects, Raheem moved up in weight and scored a TKO win over Jose Quintana. Though not a big puncher, Raheem is a good boxer and gave Juarez, who has since been defeated, fits the night of their 2004 encounter. Still, Morales has too much experience to lose to Raheem. Besides, Morales knows what waits around the corner should he get past Raheem - a chance at beating Pacquiao a second time. Look for Morales to box early before putting together combinations and using aggression to overwhelm Raheem and win a lopsided decision.

Prediction: Morales by unanimous decision

Getting rid of Velazquez, 42-10-2 (31), should prove a slightly easier task for Pacquiao. From Morales' hometown of Tijuana, Velazquez has losses to the likes of Orlando Soto, Robbie Peden, and Marcos Licona as well as Rocky Juarez, but has a 2002 win over Guty Espadas Jr. Pacquiao, 39-3-2 (30), who started his professional career at flyweight, will be fighting for the second time at junior lightweight, but even against the bigger Morales he seemed capable of holding his own. With a promotional conflict with Murad Muhammad behind him, the Pacquiao camp say that "Pac-Man" is focused and able to train with no distractions. Look for a rejuvenated Pacquiao to come out with his signature all-guns-balzing style, looking for an early stoppage. Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach may want his fighter to box a few rounds in preparation for the Morales rematch, but it is unlikely they will want to carry Velazquez if he is in danger of being stopped.

Prediction: Pacquiao KO 1

Even at 130 Pacquiao still possess a whole lot of power, and a stoppage victory for him seems more likely than for Morales. Don't expect any upsets or surprises here, but DO expect Morales and Pacquiao to renew acquaintances come December.