Boxing: Manny Pacquiao reclaims WBO welterweight title
Haider Yutim
November 6, 2016 14:38 MYT
November 6, 2016 14:38 MYT
Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines poses after his unanimous-decision victory over Jessie Vargas at the Thomas & Mack Center on November 5, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. - AFP photo
BOXING legend Manny Pacquiao has reclaimed the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title after defeating Jessie Vargas via unanimous decision.
The 37-year-old Filipino boxer overpowered his younger American opponent in a 12-round fight in Las Vegas, Nevada, Sunday.
The first round started a bit slow with Pacquiao looking much calmer compared to Vargas, who seemed slightly anxious and nervous at the beginning of the fight.
Momentum started picking up during the second round, but a left cross from Pacquiao shocked Vargas, almost knocking him down.
Things got more aggressive in the third round and fourth round, with both fighters looking more energetic.
Vargas landed some powerful jabs towards Pacquiao, but the latter retaliated with some solid punches — keeping the fight really close.
Round five saw Vargas starting to wear out, causing him to miss a few punches.
Still, the 27-year-old went on aggressively against his opponent, throwing some shots but gracefully dodged and blocked by Pacquiao.
The fight continues in round seven and eight with both fighter landing body shots to each other.
Pacquiao charges on, landing a left and a right — sending Vargs to the edge of the ring, with his nose broken and blood trickling down his face.
Vargas seemed to be picking up his pace at round 11, attempting a few shots against Pacquiao, but countered with three good jabs.
A powerful right by Pacquiao caught Vargas off balance, causing the latter to trip and almost again knocking him down.
The fight went on to the 12th and final round, with both fighters displaying superb skills throughout the fight.
The bell rang, and the judges’ scorecard granted Pacquiao a unanimous decision.
This is the third time that Pacquiao, who is also a Philippine Senator, reclaimed the WBO welterweight title.
Pacqiauo lost his title in May last year to Floyd Mayweather Jr.