Pacquiao Knocks Out Matthysse, Wins WBA Title

It’s been nine years since we’ve last seen Manny Pacquiao get a stoppage win, but Malaysia and the rest of the world got to see the Pacquiao of old.

Pacquiao knocked down Lucas Matthysse three times en route to a seventh-round TKO victory to win the WBA “regular” welterweight title. The win was Pacquiao’s first by stoppage since he stopped Miguel Cotto in the 12th round of their fight all the way back in 2009.

A familiar pose for Manny Pacquiao. pic.twitter.com/02LGTp8O7q

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 15, 2018

The eight-division started the fight well, establishing his speed and jab to control the entire fight as his pace. Pacquiao’s first knockdown came about 30 seconds into the third round when Pacquiao tagged Matthysse with a right jab, followed by a left uppercut. Pacquiao would follow it up in the fifth round when one of his punches shook Matthysse to the point he had to take a knee at the end of the round.

But the end didn’t come until late into the seventh round. Just like with the first knockdown, Pacquiao’s left uppercut hit Matthysse on the button, knocking him down once more. Once Matthysse spat out his mouthpiece midway through the 10-count, referee Kenny Bayless stopped the contest.

Vintage performance from Pac-Man 🥊 pic.twitter.com/5dXBSlQ2h4

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 15, 2018

Though Pacquiao is best known for winning a world title in eight different weight classes, arguably Pacquiao’s most impressive run came in at welterweight. With the WBA welterweight belt, Pacquiao is now in his fourth reign as a world champion at 147 lbs.

There were questions surrounding a potential retirement for Pacquiao as Pacquiao had not won a fight since defeating Jessie Vargas back in 2016. Pacquiao’s lone fight in 2017 saw the Filipino superstar lose his WBO welterweight title against Jeff Horn. Although a rematch had been planned for late last year, the fight never materialized as the clock kept ticking on Pacquiao’s career.

But for now, Pacquiao is back on top of the boxing world and with the WBA title around his waist, there is still fights left on the soon-to-be 40-year-old champion.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Lucas Matthysse: WBA “Regular” Welterweight Championship

Round 1: Pacquiao starts off well, landing a couple of three-punch combinations. Pacquiao connects with a couple of right hands that throw Matthysse off balance for a bit. Pacquiao is walking Matthysse down, landing the 1-2 and the occasional body shot. Matthysse does get to land a couple of straight rights, but Pacquiao was the more dominant fighter.

Round 2: The pro-Pacquiao crowd explodes every time Pacquiao throws a punch. Pacquiao and Matthysse land a couple of right hands. Matthysse lands a 1-2 to the body about halfway through the round. Pacquiao is keeping himself busy by throwing swift right jabs to Matthysse. Matthysse lands a solid counter left and the round ends with Pacquiao landing a quick right hook.

Round 3: Pacquiao lands a left uppercut to knock down Matthysse about 30 seconds into the round. Pacquiao is walking down Matthysse, pressuring him with several jabs. Pacquiao continues to pepper Matthysse with quick combinations.

Round 4: Matthysse tries to work the fight into the inside, but Pacquiao is able to keep the fight at his own pace and land numerous right hands and left hooks. Matthysse is able to land a quick 1-2 to Pacquiao’s body. Pacquiao then responds with a left jab to the body and upstairs. Pacquiao lands another series of punches to stun Matthysse as the round ends.

Round 5: Pacquiao sprinkles a couple of 1-2 combinations to the body and to Matthysse’s head. Pacquiao’s left hook has been unstoppable in this round. Matthysse does get a solid right hand to Pacquiao’s body, but Pacquiao answers back and Matthysse takes a knee as the round ends, giving Pacquiao another 10-8.

Round 6: Matthysse hits a low blow on Pacquiao as the round starts. Once the fight restarts, Pacquiao goes to work on Matthysse as the champion is unable to mount any meaningful offense. Pacquiao lands a couple of left body hooks that rock Matthysse.

Round 7: Pacquiao continues to land most of his shots as Matthysse stays in the center of the ring like a sitting duck. Pacquiao’s uppercut continues to hurt Matthysse, easily winning rounds for the eight-division champion. Pacquiao lands another hard left uppercut to knock out Matthysse to win the WBA title. Pacquiao has got his first stoppage win in nine years.

Official Result: Manny Pacquiao defeated Lucas Matthysse via TKO, round 7 (2:43) to win the WBA “regular” welterweight title