FILIPINOS at temporary shelters in typhoon-ravaged central Philippines erupted in jubilation after boxing hero Manny Pacquiao thumped American Brandon Rios to clinch the WBO welterweight crown in Macau yesterday.
Displaced families, aid workers and soldiers jumped from their seats and broke into thunderous applause as Pacquiao, the only boxer to win world titles in eight weight divisions, comprehensively beat his younger and taller opponent.
It was an unanimous decision for Pacquiao to return to his accustomed winning ways after successive defeats.
Returning to the ring after almost a year’s absence, Pacquiao wore Rios down with his trademark combination punching and won 120-108, 119-109 and 118-110 on the scorecards at The Venetian casino in Macau.
It was an emotional victory for Pacquiao after the devastating typhoon which battered his home nation the Philippines earlier this month, killing thousands.
“This is not about my comeback,” Pacquiao said in the ring. “My victory is a symbol of my people’s comeback from a natural disaster and a natural tragedy.”
Pacquiao got the better of the opening two rounds, sending Rios to the canvas in the opening frame, although the referee contentiously ruled it as a slip.
The American asserted himself in the third, landing some crisp blows that raised hopes of a genuine contest before Pacquiao – spurred on by a capacity crowd at the 13000-seat Cotai Arena including many Filipino fans – dominated the remainder of the contest.
“Recovering from the knockout and giving a good show was what I wanted to prove to myself and everyone,” Pacquiao said.
- Russia’s Evgeny Gradovich retained the IBF featherweight title after Australia’s Billy Dib quit in the ninth round.
Mexican heavyweight Andy Ruiz Jr extended his unbeaten record when American opponent Tor Hamer quit after three rounds despite leading on the judges’ scorecards. Ruiz retained his WBO intercontinental heavyweight belt and added the NABF title.
Zou Shiming improved his professional record to 3-0-0 with a unanimous points decision in his six-round flyweight bout against Mexico’s Juan Toscano. — Sapa-AP
Pacquiao packs a punch to lift spirits of Philippines
Displaced families, aid workers and soldiers jumped from their seats and broke into thunderous applause as Pacquiao, the only boxer to win world titles in eight weight divisions, comprehensively beat his younger and taller opponent.
It was an unanimous decision for Pacquiao to return to his accustomed winning ways after successive defeats.
Returning to the ring after almost a year’s absence, Pacquiao wore Rios down with his trademark combination punching and won 120-108, 119-109 and 118-110 on the scorecards at The Venetian casino in Macau.
It was an emotional victory for Pacquiao after the devastating typhoon which battered his home nation the Philippines earlier this month, killing thousands.
“This is not about my comeback,” Pacquiao said in the ring. “My victory is a symbol of my people’s comeback from a natural disaster and a natural tragedy.”
Pacquiao got the better of the opening two rounds, sending Rios to the canvas in the opening frame, although the referee contentiously ruled it as a slip.
The American asserted himself in the third, landing some crisp blows that raised hopes of a genuine contest before Pacquiao – spurred on by a capacity crowd at the 13000-seat Cotai Arena including many Filipino fans – dominated the remainder of the contest.
“Recovering from the knockout and giving a good show was what I wanted to prove to myself and everyone,” Pacquiao said.
Mexican heavyweight Andy Ruiz Jr extended his unbeaten record when American opponent Tor Hamer quit after three rounds despite leading on the judges’ scorecards. Ruiz retained his WBO intercontinental heavyweight belt and added the NABF title.
Zou Shiming improved his professional record to 3-0-0 with a unanimous points decision in his six-round flyweight bout against Mexico’s Juan Toscano. — Sapa-AP
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