Manny Pacquiao has bounced back and proved once more that he is the greatest fighter in the history of boxing. In a decisive fight held Sunday in Macau, the sensational boxing champion and titleholder won against Brandon Rios in a unanimous 12-round decision.
Pacquiao’s victory took place only two weeks after his homeland the Philippines was hit by super typhoon Haiyan. With his fellowmen suffering from the aftermath of the world’s most destructive typhoon back home, Pacquiao is more inspired to go home a champion once again.
No contest
The numbers clearly showed Pacquiao dominating the fight, landing no less than 281 punches, with 241 straight to the head. Rios, on the other hand, only landed 9 power punches per round, a far cry from his previous record of 21 per round. He landed a total of only 138 punches.
Rios underestimated how fast his opponent was. In a press conference, he explained that it was Pacquiao’s speed that caught him off-guard. Despite training hard and having the determination to win, he was unable to catch up with Pacquiao. Even Robert Garcia, Rios’ trainer, was blinded by the Filipino fighter’s swiftness. “I think we’ve seen the best of Pacquiao,” he added.
Not retiring yet
After his 6th round knockout loss to Juan Manuel Marquez last December 8, 2012, Pacquiao, holder of eight world record titles, has been advised to take a graceful exit from boxing. Another loss last June 9, 2012 against Timothy Bradley has earlier put his career in peril. With his recent victory however, the Filipino boxer seems to have cast aside thoughts on retirement. Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer, said he would have advised Pacquiao to retire had he lost in his recent match held in Macau’s Cotai Arena. But during Sunday’s bout, boxing fans all over the world saw a smarter and stronger fighter as he delivered punch after punch to Rios to claim a WBO international welterweight title.
Timely victory
The 35-year old champion’s victory came in very timely for the Filipinos who are grieving over the massive devastation caused by super typhoon Haiyan that lashed the Philippines just two weeks ago. In an interview with an international television network, Pacquiao shed tears as he recounted the wreckage left by the cyclone to the province of Samar and nearby provinces in the Philippines’ central region. He lamented the deaths of an estimated 5,200 people and the enormous destruction on property and resources.
“I want to visit them personally but I can’t because I’m in training. I sent my people there to help them, what I did is focus on my training and pray to God,” he said.
Pacquiao, who is also an elected lone Congressional representative of his home province in Sarangani, said he tried to help his country in their time of need by sending assistance to the typhoon victims. He has directed his staff to provide food, which is the most important necessity. The next move, according to Pacquiao, is to help the people rise from their situation and start anew.
Helping the survivors cope
Caught in the horrific ruins spawned by Haiyan, the grieving Filipinos are given a reason to be joyous because of their hero’s triumph. Amid the typhoon ruins in affected areas, images of jubilant typhoon survivors, happily cheering for Pacquiao are posted in social media networks. Seeing Pacquiao topple Rios gave them something to cheer for, which in a way helps them cope with their difficult condition. Seeing their idol fight and defend himself after suffering two previous losses somehow lifts them up as they too are struggling to stand up from the havoc of the super typhoon that wiped out their dwellings and claimed lives of loved ones.
Compassion for Rios
Beyond understanding the plight of Haiyan survivors, and dedicating his victory to them, Pacquiao appears to have shown compassion for his opponent as well. In an interview, Roach said that Pacquiao could have completely destroyed Rios on the 12th round, but since he has already secured victory, the former held back, citing that he did not see the need to hurt him any more. This initially frustrated him, but he was far too pleased about the results to complain further. Roach also congratulated Rios, known for having an “iron chin,” praising his ability to withstand Pacquiao’s flurries all the way to round 12.
Accepting defeat
Pacquiao is known as boxing’s first and only 8-division world champion. He has fought in 62 matches from which he has 55 wins, 38 of which are knock out victories. He only has five losses and two draws in his record. His painful loss from Marquez last year left a big lesson to Pacquiao that a boxer may win some and lose some. He said he has accepted this to be a reality.
Challenging Mayweather
Despite his recent defeats, Pacquiao is still very eager to engage Mayweather by calling out to him anew after the match. Although problems still plague this much-anticipated match, Pacquiao confidently exclaims that he is “willing to fight Floyd,” although he adds that it’s up to the undefeated champion, if he’s willing to take the challenge.
Promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank is a little more enthusiastic, although with some frustration. “I know it’s a fight that should happen, and if there’s a will, there’s a way,” he declared.
Photo Credit: Manny Pacquiao with Coach Freddie Roach
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