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.