Manny Pacquiao is one of the best boxers in the century as he takes on Jessie Vargas in an impressive feat to win a unanimous decision before a sold-out and star studded crowd on Saturday Night at the Thomas and Mac Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Judges scored Pacquiao and Vargas 114-113, 118-109 and 118-109. Although, Vargas might have more advantage in terms of height (six inches) and reach (five), it was a striking performance from the all-time boxer, Pacquiao.
During the second round, a straight left from Pacquiao puts Vargas down the floor. The Philippine boxer then releases a flurry of punches that owned him the following rounds. Pacquiao lands more shots amid the chants of Ma-ny! from the hyped up crowd.
Pacquiao, at 37, just may be the best active fighter in the welterweight division. His swift and powerful moves made it easier for him to beat the American boxer. The energized Pacquiao showed off moves that took Vargas of balance in the 11th round.
Pacquiao may have won the WBO Welterweight championship but Vargas also seems to be a well rounded and solid player. In the 9th round, two hard overhand lefts from Pacquiao left him undefied. He was trying hard to win the battle but Pacquiao's massive jabs and uppercuts took hold of him in the long run.
"My aim every round was to knock him out," says Pacquiao during an in-ring interview with the Guardian's Stephen A Smith. "I feel happy."
When asked if he would rather fight Terrence Crawford or Floyd Mayweather in the following months, Pacquiao said, "Whoever the people want me to fight," he says. "I'm not picking an opponent or choosing anything."
Jessie Vargas held three championship belts namely WBO welterweight title in March 2016, WBA Regular and IBO Super Lightweight Title in 2014. His professional record summary contains 29 fights with 27 wins and 2 losses.
Manny Pacquiao remains as one of the best fighters in the world after being named the "Fighter of the Decade, "BWAA Fighter of The Year", "Best Fighter of ESPY Award" and BoxRec's "Greatest Asian Fighter of All Time". The Filipino boxer turned politician has a record of 57 wins including 38 knockouts, 6 losses and 2 draws.
