Manny Pacquiao Batters Brandon Rios To Take WBO Welterweight Crown Home to The Philippines; Typhoon-Hit Country Rallies; Is Floyd Mayweather Jr Next on the Hit List?

Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines dominated all 12 rounds in the World Boxing Organisation's welterweight bout against Brandon Rios of the U.S. before a sell-out crowd of 13,101 at CotaiArena.

WBO Judges called the fight at  120-108, 119-109 and 118-110 for Manny Pacquiao. Yahoo Sports put the victor at 120-108 for Pacquiao. No matter who you ask, all 12 rounds went to the Filipino superstar.

Brandon Rios said "I just got beat by one of the best fighters in the world. He came with a game plan. He executed it and won the fight. He's very fast and has a lot of different angles. He's difficult to box against."

Rios' trainer, Robert Garcia, said "Pacquiao still has it. He has a lot of quickness and speed. He'll be around a long time with a lot more fights."

The win breaks a two-game losing streak. The last time Manny Pacquiao took to the ring in Las Vegas last year, he was knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez. Manny also lost a disputed decision to Timothy Bradley.

Manny Pacquiao said "This isn't about my comeback. My victory is a symbol of my people's comeback from a disaster, a national tragedy."

Filipinos at temporary shelters in typhoon-ravaged central Philippines rallied on the news as Manny Pacquiao took home the WBO welterweight crown in Macau on Sunday. Pacquiao is the only boxer to win world titles in eight weight divisions.

Typhoon Haiyan hit the  Philippines on November 8. More than 5,200 people were killed in the storm. Over 4.4 million people were displaced from their homes. The typhoon destroyed about 12 billion pesos worth of crops and infrastructure.

TVs were set up across the country, recently ravaged by the typhoon, to catch the bout. Displaced families, aid workers and soldiers cheered for Pacquiao, but also for themselves as the Philippines got a well-deserved respite from the recent storm. Streets were deserted in Manila during the fight. Police say crime rates drop every time Pacquiao enters the ring.

In a statement, the Philippines' Communications Secretary, Herminio Coloma said "the victory will serve as a fountain spring of strength and inspiration for the country after the typhoon devastation."

Sonia Reyes, whose house was damaged in the typhoon said "I am so very, very happy. Manny gave us something to cheer about in these times of despair. Manny's victory is an inspiration for us to get back on our feet again. Like our 'national fist', Tacloban City will rise again."

Pacquiao said "I was winning the whole fight, winning every round. That's what mattered. He did hurt me, I think it was in the fifth round when he hurt me. He is a strong fighter, a very tough fighter. I am so happy."

Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's trainer said "All I can say is, many, many punches. He fought the perfect fight. The body shots killed him. Manny let him off the hook. I wanted him to knock him out."

he victory is enough to rekindle interest in a Floyd Mayweather bout. Boxing fans have wanted to see Manny and Mayweather go at it since Pacquiao trounced Miguel Cotto in late 2009.

Tags
world news
Manny Pacquiao
Brandon Rios
wbo
welterweight
Floyd Mayweather
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