Pacquiao arrives home after WBA title conquest
Philippines’ Manny Pacquiao (C) celebrates his victory against Argentina’s Lucas Matthysse after their world welterweight boxing championship bout at Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur on July 15, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Mohd RASFAN
SINGAPORE — Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is back home after a triumphant ring return on Sunday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Pacquiao, the newly-crowned WBA welterweight champion, arrived in his hometown of General Santos City Monday afternoon on board a chartered flight.
The 39-year-old Pacquiao came back from a one-year layoff and scored a TKO victory over Lucas Matthysse of Argentina in the seventh round before a raucous crowd at Axiata Arena.
It was Pacquiao’s first knockout win since he beat Miguel Cotto in 2009.
After splitting his last four fights, a vintage Pacquiao finally showed up and Matthysse couldn’t handle the former No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
Pacquiao displayed his blitzing speed and punching power as he knocked down Matthysse thrice.
Pacquiao, who is boxing’s only eight-division champion, earned his 60th victory and 12th title overall.
