WITH his explosive punches and dynamic movements, Manny Pacquiao has proven once again that when it comes to boxing, he is still one to beat.
“I’m so happy,” Pacquiao said after winning against Brandon Rios in a 12-round bout for a welterweight boxing title in Macau.
“This is still my time. My time is not yet over.”
Pacquiao faced a very formidable opponent in the 27-year-old Rios, who is at the prime of his career.
Rios asserted himself throughout the bout and projected aggressiveness. Pacquiao remained on guard and outclassed the American champion on most rounds.
As Pacquiao described, Rios was a tough opponent and took the beating like a man. And the knockout win Pacquiao had hoped for didn’t come.
Pacquiao knew better to be more careful this time, perhaps learning from his last fight with Marquez.
“Recovering from the knockout and giving a good show was what I wanted to prove to myself and everyone,” Pacquiao said.
In the end, Rios proved to be no match for Pacquiao’s agility.
Pacquiao’s rousing win, just like in his previous bouts, sent his fans celebrating around the world .
But for the Pinoy champion, his recent victory belongs to his kababayans. He especially dedicated his win to the Typhoon Haiyan victims in eastern Visayas, who are still reeling from the destruction left by the super storm.
In Tacloban City, thousands of Pacquiao fans erupted into thunderous applause and delirious cheers, as soon as the Pambansong Kamao was declared the winner.
Pacquiao’s victory became a much-needed respite from the onslaught they had just survived.
““It felt like I got my house back,” said Ardel Nebasa of Tacloban City to The Associated Press. Nebasa was one of thousands who lost their homes to the destructive storm surge.
Pacquiao was in high spirits, thanking his kababayans in the Visayan region for watching the fight and cheering him on, despite being surrounded by a grim environment. His team is now readying for Pacquiao’s visit and relief mission to the calamity-hit areas.
‘‘I’m doing my best to give a good fight and to win the fight, especially with what happened to my countrymen and what happened to the Philippines with the typhoon,’’ Pacquiao told AP before the fight. ‘‘To all the people and families affected by this storm, this fight is for you.’’
Malacañang also congratulated Pacquiao for his recent victory. Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda welcomed the good news on behalf of the Palace, calling Pacquiao’s latest victory as a “well of strength” and “inspiration” for the Philippines.
Pacquiao, whose career has been put into question after a back-to-back loss (against Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez), gave his audience worldwide an impressive showing.
That is the kind of champion that he is. When his back is against the wall and everyone is raising questions, he leaves a lasting performance that sets the record straight.
Pacquiao’s reign as the king of the ring is far from over. Despite being away from the ring for almost a year, his preparation, discipline and hard work for his fight with Rios paid off.
But, as the renowned pugilist said: “This is not about my comeback. My victory is a symbol of my people’s comeback from a natural disaster and a natural tragedy.”
Together, Filipinos will rise again.
(AJPress)