My Time is Not Over – Pacquiao

In a unanimous decision, Filipino mean puncher Manny Pacquiao emerged victorious against American Brandon Rios at the Venetian Macau on Sunday claiming the WBO International Welterweight title.

The three judges, Michael Pernick scored it 120-108, while Lisa Giampa had it at 119-109. Manfred Kuchler gave Rios two rounds at 118-110.

The fight is totally dominated by Pacquiao who pummeled American Rios with mean punches. Pacquaio proves greater hand speed than Rios leaving the American boxer with a swollen right eye and a bleeding left eye. Pacquiao can move swiftly out of the way and returned punches before Rios could cover up. The Pacman also shows deft footwork, throws a jab and would turn swiftly to one side, land another punch and turn again.

Official said Pacquiao landed 281-of-790 punches for 36 percent, while Rios tossed with 138-of-502 punches thrown for 27 percent.

Pinoy boxing champ Manny Pacquaio said he is recovering from the knock-out against Juan Manuel Marquez. “Recovering from the knockout and giving a good show just like the young Manny Pacquiao,” Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao also shared that this time he was very careful, avoiding a repeat of the result in his last loss against Juan Manuel Marquez: “I’m very careful. I learned in the last fight.”

The Filipino boxing icon said he dedicated his win to the victims of Super Typhoon Yoland(Haiyan)

“This isn’t about my comeback,” Pacquaio said. “My victory is a symbol of my people’s comeback from a natural disaster, a national tragedy. It’s really important to bring honor to my country with this win.”

The fight week had been marked by tension between the two camps, highlighted when Roach and members of the Rios team engaged in a brawl on Wednesday.

“I got beaten by one of the best fighters in the world,” Rios said. “He came with a game plan and he executed it. He’s very fast and he throws punches from a lot of different angles.

“He’s hard to fight against,” Rios said.

The Pacman said “My opponent was very tough.”

“He is a strong fighter, and a tough fighter. Rios was not an easy opponent. He was one of the toughest opponents I’ve ever faced,” Pacquiao said.

Following his loss December against Marquez, there were questions circulating whether he could still compete at an elite level. Coach Fredie Roach had hinted that defeat against Rios would be a reason for his fighter to retire. Victory, however, prompted a different response.

However, Pacquiao said “This is still my time.” “My time is not over.”

Source: Gma News Online

(Image Credit: www.sportsnet.ca)