MACAU – Redemption. Resurgence. Rebirth.
Eight-time world champion Manny Pacquiao made a tremendous return into the heart of the world prizefight as he pulled off a unanimous decision over a plodding Brandon Rios before 13,101 fans at the Cotai Arena of the Venetian Macao hotel here.
The comeback was complete, though not as compelling and competitive, as Pacquiao returned from the depth of devastating loss to rattle and dazzle Rios with an awesome display of skill and speed for the win he hoped would help ease the collective pain of a nation reeling in the aftermath of a super typhoon.
He fought like a new man brandishing his old lethal arsenal and had Rios, spent from virtually logging thousands of miles chasing the Filipino icon, for the taking, but Pacquiao eased up on his offensive flurries in the last two rounds and Rios lived to tell the tale.
“I kept my promise we will rise again. In purity there’s victory,†said Pacquiao.
“I was beaten by one of the best fighters in the world and his speed and awkwardness made the difference,†said Rios.
Judges Michael Pernick scored it 120-108, Lisa Giampa had it at 119-109 and Manfred Kochler 118-110 all for Pacquiao. The Philippine STAR saw the fight at 120-108 for Pacquiao.
For 12 rounds, Pacquiao dished out his deadly form, fighting on his feet and unloading deadly combinations that had traumatized many an opponent, seizing the initiative early, keeping relentless pressure and simply outgunned and outclassed the game American.
“He did exactly what we had planned to do. He did not knock him out but that’s okay,†said trainer Freddie Roach.
The Filipino champ dictated the tempo of the match throughout, darting in and out of Rios’ reach and drilling rights and lefts that opened a cut below the right eyebrow and bloodied the nose of the man by the middle round.
Rios would fire away at close range with body blows but Pacquiao would step out and unleash his own offensive thrusts, in the process bringing to mind the way he manhandled big guys like Antonio Margarito, Oscar dela Hoya and Miguel Cotto.
Pacquiao poured it on in the ninth and 10 rounds, stalking Rios and landed heavy blows looking for a kill only to ease up the pressure in the last two rounds.
“We could have taken him in the last two rounds but then we’re ahead on points and there’s no need to knock out the guy. Boxing is entertainment, it’s not for hurting people, “ Pacquiao said during the post fight media conference
It was a big hit in this Chinese territory which put accent on blockbuster boxing to promote the place as an emerging gaming capital of Asia, with celebrities like Paris Hilton, David Beckham and Fil-Am singer Jessica Sanchez providing the glitz and glamour. Sanchez earlier sang the national anthem and the Star Spangled Banner.
No sooner had the champ made the decisive win to restore the faith of the predominantly Filipino crowd amid the old chants “Manny, Manny, Manny!†at the venue and millions more back home than he assumed a new role, rallying the fans to help out in the relief work for the victims of typhoon-hit part of the country.
He thanked institutions like ABS-CBN and GMA, those who have donated cash and goods, and promised to be with the victims the following day to extend help in the effort.
He had redeemed himself from the December debacle and touched off a resurgence of hope and inspiration for the victims ravaged by the super typhoon.
He had done more with this impeccable comeback.
“It’s my people’s comeback; my victory is a symbol of my people’s comeback from a national disaster, a national tragedy,†said Pacquiao.