Manny Pacquiao snags WBO welterweight belt from Timothy Bradley

Maureen Marie Belmonte

<div><img src='' alt='041314-Manny_main.jpg' width='305' height='290' align='left' border='0'>Avenging his loss two years ago, boxing superstar Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao on Saturday (US Time) reclaimed his WBO Welterweight belt from American boxer Timothy 'Desert Storm' Bradley Jr. During their rematch at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Las Vegas.</div><div><br/></div><div>The Sarangani congressman's unquestionable win was affirmed by the three judges' unanimous decision with </div><div>the scores 116-112, 116-112 and 118-110.</div><div><br/></div><div>Pacquiao's clean win, which Bradley even attested to, led for the latter's first loss (31-1 & 12 KOs) and the former's improved statistics (56-5 & 38 KOs).</div><div><br/></div><div>Recall that their first fight in 2012, which produced what was touted as the 'most controversial decisions in boxing history' had Bradley winning via split decision which eventually spawned investigations and heavy criticism of the ringside judges.</div><div><br/></div><div>Bradley confessed in an interview after the match that he was actually gunning to knockout the Pambansang Kamao, what stopped him however was the former's 'impeccable timing and great footwork' coupled with his strong punches.</div><div><br/></div><div>'I came out to knock him out tonight and he came here and became the better fighter tonight and we're moving on,' said he.</div><div><br/></div><div>What does he feel about his first loss?</div><div><br/></div><div>'I'm just gonna go back to the gym and get better, that's all that this is. The war is not over. I lost one fight, te war is not over. I wanna be the best fighter and i'm gonna go back to the gym and get better,' Bradley said.</div><div><br/></div><div>Apart from proving that he still has that hunger as a boxer, the actor-politician claimed that his latest win isn't the end of the road for him yet.</div><div><br/></div><div>'I proved tonight that my journey in boxing will continue and my opponent is not  an easy boxer. He's a good boxer, he's tough, very tough. He's not that easy. But thank god  for the victory that he has given me tonight,' said Manny.</div><div><br/></div><div>While he remains uncertain as to who he will be fighting with the next time, One thing is sure--Pacquiao is not looking into hanging his gloves just yet.</div><div><br/></div><div>'A couple more years and I can still prove that I am a better boxer,' he said about how long can his journey as a boxer still go.</div><div><br/></div><div>The rematch hadn't only drawn boxing fans but even Hollywood celebrities and stars from the Philippines. Among those spotted at the ringside were Jack Nicholson, Will Ferrell, and local star Piolo Pascual and Manny's mother Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao.</div><div><br/></div><div>Pacquiao's guaranteed purse for the rematch was $20million while Bradley will take home $6 million excluding pay-per-view revenue.</div><div><br/></div><div>As previously announced, American Idol finalist, Jessica Sanchez sang Lupang Hinirang while R&B singer Ashanti performed the Star Spangled Banner.</div><div><br/></div>

Manny Pacquiao once again brought pride to the country via his unquestionable win against Timothy Bradley Jr.

Manny Pacquiao snags WBO welterweight belt from Timothy Bradley | PUSH.COM.PH