Manny Pacquiao successfully retained the WBA ‘Regular’ welterweight championship of the world, rolling back the years with an emphatic unanimous decision victory over Adrien Broner.
In his much-anticipated return to American shores on pay-per-view, the Filipino soundly dominated from the outset with his trademark hand speed and blistering combinations, befuddling his younger counterpart with his rapid in-out movement and punches from a variety of angles.
Broner, meanwhile, enjoyed sporadic success with counter left hooks and straight rights, but his economical approach meant he was ultimately out-hustled by Pacquiao, with somewhat uncharitable scorecards of 117-111 and 116-112 twice in favour of the 40 year-old that, it has to be said, bely the thoroughly comfortable nature of his victory.
It was altogether a disappointing performance from the Cincinnati native, who offered little resistance in the face of Pacquiao’s offensive forward momentum and was also reluctant to take any risks as the fight inexorably slipped out of reach, despite expressing his indignation at the verdict in an expletive-filled post-fight exchange with Jim Grey.
Nevertheless, Pacquiao’s vociferous fanbase – who had assembled in their thousands at the MGM Grand – were audibly delighted with the outcome, as the typically gracious ‘fighting Senator’, as he is now called, thanked them for their consistent support.
Broner seemingly caught Pacquiao’s attention with some choice counter punches at the start of round four – by far his best round of the fight – but was outworked in the subsequent rounds, appearing increasingly uncomfortable as Pacquiao upped the tempo.
Broner was hurt by a venomous straight left downstairs in the sixth round, and concern was apparent in his corner the following round when he was mercilessly pummelled by a barrage of shots, but nonetheless ‘The Problem’ displayed impressive resilience and survival skills to withstand the onslaught.
Broner was once again clipped by a left hand in an exchange in the penultimate round, but quickly regained composure, rapidly back pedalling as the final bell approached before raising his arms triumphantly.
Floyd Mayweather, who was seated ringside, refused to commit himself to a Pacquiao rematch when asked, although the noise generated by the fans in the arena indicate that it would be something that generate a significant amount of interest, even at this stage in Pacquiao’s career.
Regardless of who he fights next, Pacquiao – with the convincing manner of his victory – has proved that he is still very relevant in the division and is certainly someone who would surely represent a significant scalp for any of the main champions, should they decide to fight him.
Article by: Navi Singh
Follow Navi on Twitter at:@DarkMan________