It was sweet vengeance for Manny Pacquiao after he regained the WBO welterweight title he controversially lost to Timothy Bradley and his fans in Dubai were euphoric with his masterful unanimous decision victory.
After the first, albeit controversial, loss to Bradley in June 2012 and the subsquent knockout defeat to Juan Manuel Marquez six months later, doubts had surfaced over whether Pacquiao should even extend his glittering fight career.
But a comprehensive win over Brandon Rios in November last year in Macau, and Sunday morning's win over the previously unbeaten Bradley proved Pacquiao still has what it takes to operate at the very highest level.
As always, the UAE's Filipino community turned out in force on Sunday morning to cheer on their hero and they certainly were not left disappointed.
“Pacquiao has cemented his comeback and clearly gave Bradley a clinical boxing lesson,” said Filipino-Australian Remy Pilapil, who joined a crowd of around 250 fans who watched the live broadcast from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas at the Boracay Club, Asiana Hotel in Deira.
The Pacquiao diehards roared whenever he came close to sending Bradley to the floor. But while the Filipino boxing icon failed to knock out his opponent, his fans were not disappointed by his performance.
“I’m happy to see him win,” said Alvin Montecillo. “Questions about whether he should retire after he suffered two consecutive losses are now being put to rest. Pacquiao appears to be regaining his old form. He controlled the fight and his punches rocked Bradley.”
Philippine Consul General Frank Cimafranca added: “Again, it was vintage Pacquiao that we saw out-boxing Bradley.
“Although I thought he was a bit slower compared to his previous match against Brandon Rios, perhaps it was really necessary for Pacquiao to stay put fighting toe-to-toe against Bradley, who also proved to be a slick fighter and not an easy target inside the ring."
“Pacquiao made his fans all over the world and especially in Dubai happy,” said Richard Montecillo, assistant manager of Boracay Club.
“Manny is definitely the better fighter. He has impeccable timing and great footwork,” said Kriz Gaas. “All the trash talks and taunts by Bradley before the fight did not matter inside the ring. Pacquiao just showed his speed and high boxing IQ – his every move was calculated.”
Even American Doncarroll Green (below), who is on a holiday in Dubai, did not cheer for his compatriot.
“I’m an avid Pacquiao fan,” Green told Sport360. “I was very disappointed when he lost two years ago but now I’m celebrating. Bradley showed his toughness and also threw good punches but Pacquiao has more superior skills.”
Enrico Marjes, instructor at Fitness First, said: "The lethal punching combination of Pacquaio is still evident. He's still a top pound-for-pound fighter and it's pretty clear the legs are still there. He should not retire yet.”
Ariel Andres, coach of A-Team (Dragonboat UAE), added: “Pacquiao never ceases to make the Filipinos proud. His strength and will power are always an inspiration to athletes like us.”
Vinchi Catral, a constituent of Pacquiao in his congressional district in the Philippines, said she never doubted her idol will win.
“He really looked strong this time. As long as his body can take it, he should keep it up. He’s a legend.”
As expected, fans turned their celebration to talks of seeing the elusive Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather superstar fight come into fruition.
“There were so many factors that contbributed to Pacquiao’s previous consecutive defeats. But his masterful victory over Bradley has proved that Pacquiao has the skills that Mayweather is scared of,” according to Alan Bacason, past president of Filipino Comunity in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
“Manny showcased his full boxing arsenal, peppering Bradley with a flurry of solid punches. I hope someday they will land on Mayweather’s,” added Diomedes Capinlac.
