Filipino Boxer Pacquiao Makes History
July 6, 2008
Dedicates fight to Philippine typhoon victims
LAS VEGAS — With over 8,300 people cheering in attendance, Manny Pacquiao, the “People’s Champion,” knelt in the corner of the ring with his head buried in prayer and with one thing in mind: to win.
With gloved fists raised toward the sky, he sprung to his feet with pure focus, a focus that would lead to a night solidifying Pacquiao’s name in the boxing history books.
On June 28, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, WBC super featherweight champ Pacquiao made history by defeating lightweight champ David Diaz and becoming the first Asian boxer to win four titles in four different weight classes.
From the beginning bell, it was evident that the speed of a Manny Pacquiao at 135 pounds was going to be too much for the bulky Diaz, with Pacquiao able to connect at will, unloading an arsenal of combinations that continued to stun Diaz.
As the fight progressed, Pacquiao continued an onslaught of vicious blows to Diaz’s face, tagged red due to deep cuts that poured blood from his eyelids.
With each Pacquiao flurry came cheers of approval from the audience. The crowd stomped the floor in unison, and raised Philippine flags engulfed every section.
By the mid seventh and eighth rounds, a flat-footed Diaz could not connect, and soon began to miss widely.
At 2:24 of the ninth round, Diaz swung and missed a wide right hook, with Pacquiao countering with an overhand left that sent Diaz motionless to the canvas. Referee Vic Drakulich stopped the fight immediately, as Pacquiao was lifted high above his trainer’s shoulders in celebration.
With the exit of Floyd Mayweather Jr. from the sport, many analysts believe that the impressive win by
Pacquiao solidifies his rank as the number one pound-for-pound fighter in boxing.
But Pacquiao brought focus to other matters after the fight.
“I dedicate this fight to all of the victims of the typhoon in the Philippines, and I am looking forward to going back to the Philippines and helping my fellow countrymen,” he said in an interview.
Various celebrity figures were in attendance, such as the newly crowned NBA champion Boston Celtics Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, as well as Black Eyed Peas frontmen Will.i.am and Apl.de.Ap.
“I think Pacquiao works hard, and I am always praying for him to win,” Apl.de.Ap said. Will.i.am called Pacquiao “a true inspiration to the Filipino people.”
Pacquiao’s bout purse was a $3 million guarantee, while Diaz’s was $850,000. Pacquiao’s next fight is scheduled for November with the contender to be announced.
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Pacquiao is an inspiration.. sharing his wins to the victims of the typhoon.