TOKYO — Only seven months after announcing his retirement from boxing, Manny Pacquiao, who has won titles in six weight divisions, last week returned to the ring and easily won another major title.
The hero of the Philippines on Saturday defeated American champion Jessie Vargas by unanimous decision in the southwestern U.S. city of Las Vegas, claiming the World Boxing Organization’s welterweight title.
Pacquiao knocked down Vargas in the second round.
Someone sitting ringside also made news — Floyd Mayweather Jr. The 39-year-old retired American boxer and former rival of Pacquiao has won titles in five weight divisions. He has never lost a match.
Mayweather’s unexpected ringside view to Pacquiao’s comeback has sparked speculation about a possible rematch between the two legends. They faced off in May 2015 in what was billed as “the fight of the century.”
Radiant smile
“I’m happy,” Pacquiao said, beaming after trouncing Vargas.
Pacquiao said he tried to knock out Vargas in every round and wanted to outscore the champion in every round. “It’s motivating because I am the challenger this time and I am fighting a champion,” he said.
Pacquiao landed 147 of 409 punches, or 36%, while Vargas landed 104 of 562 punches, or 19%. The victory was clear-cut.
Pacquiao was elected to the Philippine Senate in May. In July, he announced his decision to return to the ring.
