Manny Pacquiao proved to everyone that he still has what it takes to box, outclassing Jesse Vargas in Las Vegas to reclaim the WBO Welterweight title. In front of 16,132 people, Pacquiao hardly showed any form of ring-rust as he practically schooled the 27-year-old fighter.
Manny Pacquiao knocked down Jesse Vargas several times though most were ruled as slips by referee Kenny Bayless. The first one that got everyone screaming was the knockdown in the second round which technically set the tone for the match. Pacquiao won via unanimous decision, 114-113, 118-109, 118-109, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Manny Pacquiao thus reclaims the same title he lost to Floyd Mayweather Jr. when both met in May 2015. Curiously, Mayweather was in attendance to witness the return of Pacquiao.
It turns out that ti was Manny Pacquiao who actually invited Mayweather to watch the fight, Boxingscene.com reported. Unlike before, communication lines between the two are better and now many are wondering if the two would consider getting back in the ring for a rematch.
Manny Pacquiao seems open to the idea but respect that fact that Mayweather is retired. Top Rank promoter Bob Arum is fully aware of that as well and has instead set his sights on some other fighters.
Among the names in play include Danny Garcia, Terence Crawford, and Keith Thurman. Whoever Manny Pacquiao fights next will likely depend on the outcome of the bouts of the mentioned fighters.
Checking on the roadmap of boxing matches ahead, it is likely that the Pac-Man’s next opponent may be known by March 2017 at the earliest. With regards to a potential Floyd Mayweather rematch, Manny made it clear that the lines are open and that he would likely welcome it if the undefeated American boxer rediscovers the itch to enter the ring at least one more time.
