Earlier tonight at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao won a title in a record eighth weight division as he soundly defeated former champion Antonio Margarito over twelve one-sided rounds. Winning by scores of 120-108, 119-109 and 118-110, Pacquiao was in complete control from the outset and survived a few shaky moments before pulling out another impressive victory over yet another physically larger foe.
Heading into the bout there was much to be said about each man from Pacquiao’s amazing run of success in the sport over the past few years to Margarito’s damaged reputation as a prizefighter following his suspension by the California State Athletic Commission for his well publicized hand wrap scandal last year. The verbal chiding between both camps was vigorous and you got the feeling that things were slightly personal as the bout inched closer.
Inside of the ring it was another standout performance by Pacquiao, who was in complete control as he dominated the action with his elusive movement and blinding speed. The combinations that came from the 31-year old were too much for Margarito, who appeared to be seriously hurt in the 4th round by a stinging body shot. As the bout progressed the Tijuana brawler’s right eye began to close, further adding to his frustrations.
Despite being outclassed, Margarito was still game and had success in the middle rounds as he bullied Pacquiao to the ropes and slugged away with hammering shots. But it wasn’t meant to last as Pacquiao regained control in the 7th and began to turn the tide of the fight soon thereafter. In rounds eleven and twelve Pacquiao appeared to carry Margarito, opting to slow the action instead of inflicting any further damage.
With the victory Pacquiao improves his record to 52-3-2 with 38 knockouts and spoke to HBO’s Max Kellerman about his future.
“I can’t believe it,” Pacquiao gasped of his effort against Margarito, who outweighed the General Santos City fighter by 17 pounds (165 to 148) by the time they entered the ring. Pacquiao confirmed that he didn’t expect Margarito to be so strong and he had the look of a man who had put in a very hard day’s worth of work.
Speaking on his future, Pacquiao said that he isn’t considering retirement despite his newfound duties as a congressman in the province of Sarangani in his homeland. Pacquiao said that he still feels strong and that he should be able to put on at least a few more performances.
Margarito gave Pacquiao credit for the victory and said that he knew beforehand that Pacquiao’s speed would be a challenge. The three-time champion said that he never considered halting the fight in the late rounds despite all of the punishment he was taking, pointing to his Mexican pride as a reason for being able to cross the finish line.
Now the conversation will turn to a fight between Pacquiao and undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr., a match that has had the boxing world on pins and needles for the past year. As intriguing as a clash as it may be, the fight seems less and less likely to come off as the Las Vegas-based fighter has a pending legal trial to handle this coming January in relation to an altercation with his ex-girlfriend who claimed he assaulted her in front of there three children. Mayweather is being charged with various misdemeanors and charges of coercion. If found guilty he could be facing up to 34 years in prison.
With his showing tonight Pacquiao proved that he doesn't necessarily need a fighter like Floyd to put on a great event, although it's still a very fascinating proposition.
Source: http://www.examiner.com
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