Pacquiao Defeats Margarito, Boosts Claim at No. 1 -- Wall Street Journal

By GORDON MARINO, The Wall Street Journal

Manny Pacquiao won by unanimous decision over Antonio Margarito Saturday night in Arlington, Texas, adding to his list of titles and further cementing his claim as the world's top boxer.

In a match that took place before a crowd of 41,734 at Cowboys Stadium, Mr. Pacquiao (52-3-2, 38 knockouts) gave up 17 pounds and almost five inches to Mr. Margarito. But he was not only the faster fighter, he was also the more powerful. Moving side to side and in and out, Mr. Pacquiao landed blistering shots from every angle. Over the course of 12 rounds, he launched 1069 blows and landed over 400 power punches.

The southpaw's trademark straight left and right hook did the most damage. Mr. Margarito--who crouched over as the fight went on, removing some of his height advantage--was a mask of blood and bruises by the midway point. In the ninth round, Mr. Pacquiao started asking the referee to halt the bout for fear that he might do permanent injury to his foe.

Mr. Pacquiao's victory gave him the WBC super-welterweight championship. An icon and a congressman in the Philippines, He already has world championships in a record seven weight divisions.

Mr. Pacquiao made the fight look easy. One judge had him winning every round. But he insisted afterwards that, "Margarito was my toughest fight. He hurt me badly to the body and head in the sixth round. He is very strong and has a great heart."

Mr. Pacquiao's hands took a beating from the drubbing he gave his opponent. In the post-fight press conference, he apologized that his fingers and knuckles were hurting too much to be able to sign autographs or shake hands.

His victory is sure to increase public demand for a showdown with the undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. Mr. Pacquiao said he would love to see this fight take place but also added, "If it does not happen, I am still happy with where I am in my career."

Source: online.wsj.com