Las Vegas: Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao dominated his bigger opponent from the opening bell, giving American Oscar De La Hoya a beating on Saturday (Sunday in the UAE).
Pacquiao closed De La Hoya's left eye before beating him in the eighth round with a technical knockout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao was credited with landing 224 of 585 punches to just 83 of 402 for De La Hoya.
The fight was so lopsided and De La Hoya looked so inept that it could spell the end for boxing's richest and most marketable star.
In the seventh round, Pacquiao hit De La Hoya with several five- and six-round combinations. De La Hoya almost went down before escaping to the other side of the ring.
In the eight round, Pacquiao landed a series of punches on De La Hoya, forcing him to back into a corner. De Le Hoya's left eye looked almost closed and the right one was swelling.
When the bell rang to start round nine, Pacquiao came off his stool but De La Hoya remained seated, prompting the referee to stop the fight.
De La Hoya only got up from his stool to walk to the centre of the ring to congratulate Pacquiao.
"You're still my idol," Pacquiao told him.
"No, you're my idol," De La Hoya said.
De La Hoya was taken to a hospital for precautionary reasons after the fight.
"He's just a great fighter," De La Hoya said. "I have nothing bad to say about him. He prepared like a true champion."
Pacquiao, the WBC lightweight champion, had to bulk up to 142 pounds for the match, which has earned him his biggest purse ever at $11 million.
Pacquiao started his professional career at 106 pounds. He became the first Asian to win four world titles after he won the WBC lightweight title in June 2008.
Why do you think there is so much interest in boxing? Was the amount of money generated from this match well spent? Do you think Ricky Hatton will prove to be a match against Pacquiao?
Your comments
The Pacman's victory brings unity and happiness to all Filipinos worldwide. You make us proud, Manny. Congratulations.
Ramon
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 08, 2008, 09:55
On every sacrifice, rewards will be awarded in the end. Both fighters did prepare for the fight but Manny was better prepared than Oscar. Congrats Manny you deserved it for all your sacrifices and winning against the famous Oscar signifies your hard work. You make your kababayans proud of you. Wish you all the best Manny.
Mark
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 08, 2008, 05:00
It looked like a mismatch - Oscar having the experience, height, reach, and weight advantage. But the results show it indeed was a real mismatch.
Tito
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: December 07, 2008, 14:31
It's apparent that De la Hoya was not comfortable fighting in that division. I didn't see the explosiveness of the real Golden Boy in that "Dream Match" as compared to his previous bouts, but anyway, congratulations to both fighters!
FM
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: December 07, 2008, 12:45
We watched the fight on the local Arabic channel, and everybody was shouting "MANNY". From the first round we knew that Manny would win the fight because he was the busier fighter and he landed all the jabs.
Raymond
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: December 07, 2008, 12:25
The Pacman just made genuine boxing history! He proved most analysis wrong! What a great fighter. I salute the sportsmanship of both.
Joey
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 07, 2008, 12:22
Thank you, Manny for proving that there is no obstacle in anything. You showed the world that Filipinos are good. You make us proud and I salute you.
Margaret
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 07, 2008, 12:06
This is what the Filipino people are fighting for, to become number one in the world. I am proud to be a Filipino!
Edwin
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: December 07, 2008, 11:54
Pacquiao was on top on points on every round. He did not receive any harmful punch from De La Hoya. I think De La Hoya has gotten too old for boxing.
Delmon
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 07, 2008, 11:51
Congratulations Pacman, you're such a great Filipino! You made us proud. Your victory brings pride and honour to all the Pinoys around the world!
Anne M
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 07, 2008, 11:23
Congratulations Manny!
You make all Filipinos proud. You're truly our champion and our hero!
Art
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: December 07, 2008, 10:52
Manny's victory doesn't only show his strength but it also tells everyone that Filipinos are real fighters. Congratulations Manny! Congratulations to the Philippines!!!
Vic
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 07, 2008, 10:33
Wow!!! The fight was billed as a "dream match" as both fighters were champions in their own categories but a smaller and younger Manny Pacquiao showed the way out for the legendary Oscar De La Hoya.
Feels great to be a Filipino!!!
Paul
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 07, 2008, 10:32
Although Manny was said to be an underdog, Filipinos still believed and prayed that he would win. With all the support from the people who love Manny, coupled with his strength and determination, nothing is impossible.
This is again another reason to celebrate and be proud as a Filipino.
Cha
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 07, 2008, 10:23
Pacquio proved to the world that he is the greatest fighter of his generation.
Again, you just make our country united and proud.
Carl Smith
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 07, 2008, 10:02
We are very proud of our countryman and hero Manny Pacquaio!
He made us known to many people around the world.
Romeo Alcantara
Manila,Phillippines
Posted: December 07, 2008, 09:55
We watched the game on pay-per-view. I think De La Hoya tried to be aggressive in the fight but could not land a strong punch. In round three, De La Hoya was doing nothing offensively in the first minute of the round. Over all, the fight was truly a dream match for both boxers.
Gem Reyes
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 07, 2008, 09:50
Pacquiao's win is a big achievement for the Philippines. Thanks, Manny for bringing the country into boxing world history!
Elymharl
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: December 07, 2008, 09:49
Congrats Manny! Once again you've proved to the world how great you are notwithstanding the disadvantage in height. Truly you make us proud again to be your kabayan!!!
Bing
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 07, 2008, 09:49
A victory for everyone!!! We salute you, Manny.
Sean
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 07, 2008, 09:48
No doubt Manny Pacquiao is the powerful man in the ring. I guess no one can beat him. That's why everybody calls him the Mexican Killer.
From a reader
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 07, 2008, 09:38
Congrats Pacman!
Maria
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 07, 2008, 09:16
