Manny Pacquiao completely outclassed Brandon Rios on Sunday, marking a triumphant return for the Filipino fight icon in his first bout in 11 months.
The 35-year-old Pacquiao, eight years Rios’ senior, put on a boxing clinic against his younger opponent winning by unanimous decision, 120-108, 119-109, 118-110.
Coming into the fight, Rios had the advantage in height, weight, and reach. But that hardly mattered as Pacquiao dominated the fight with his superior speed and boxing skills.
Pacquiao said he had two goals coming into the fight.
“Recovering from the knockout and give a good show, like the young Manny Pacquiao,” he said.
He certainly put on a good show, but did not go all out to get a knockout against his overmatched opponent.
“I’m very careful. I learned (from) the last fight,” said Pacquiao, who was knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez in shocking fashion last December.
After the fourth round, Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach complimented his fighter: “Beautiful boxing. Easy night for you so far.”
Rios could hardly connect all fight long, as Pacquiao kept him at bay with his quick feet and even quicker hands. Pacquiao opened up a cut above Rios’ left eyebrow in the sixth round, underscoring the Filipino’s dominance.
Pacquiao, however, paid tribute to Rios’ resolve to stay on his feet despite getting some heavy blows.
“He is one of the toughest opponents of my career,” said Pacquiao. “He took a lot of punches, a solid punch, the left hand, but he’s still standing.”
It was Pacquiao’s first win since 2011 after losing his last two fights in contrasting fashion — a controversial split decision defeat to Timothy Bradley and the loss to Marquez.
With the victory, Pacquiao improved his record to 55 wins against five losses and a draw.
source: interaksyon.com
