World boxing icon Manny Pacquiao knocked down American Chris Algieri six times as he totally dominated the 12-round fight, and earned a unanimous decision to keep his World Boxing Organization welterweight belt at the Cotai Arena in Macau yesterday.

The judges scored the fight, 119-103, 119-103, 120-102, all in favor of the Filipino boxing champion, who missed the opportunity to knock out Algieri as the American undefeated WBO light welterweight champion seemingly refused to engage in a toe-to-toe battle.

Bacolod City Rep. Evelio Leonardia, who was once again tapped by Pacquiao to be his flag bearer, said the result of the blockbuster fight showed that the Manny Pacquiao mystic is still very much alive and “it looks like it will be there to stay for a long, long time”.

Leonardia, who watched the fight from the ringside, said it was another sellout crowd at the Cotai Arena that was fanatical and roared with Pacquiao’s punches.

“That spectacular display of boxing dexterity had the boxing world screaming some more for the ultimate Mayweather bout. Manny has again proven to be the fighter Mayweather must take or else the latter will be haunted for running away from the greatest challenge in his quest for historical immortality,” Leonardia said.

Reigning WBO junior flyweight champion Donnie Nietes agreed that it is about time for both Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. to face each other inside the ring as it is what everyone wants to see.

Against Algieri, Nietes said that “Pacman” delivered an impressive performance and displayed speed and power in his punches.

Bacolold Mayor Monico Puentevella, who was also at the Cotai Arena to watch the fight, said it could have ended in the 9th round as Algieri was very weak yesterday due to his weight problem during the previous day weigh-in.

“He (Algieri) was clearly outclassed. Pacquiao must fight Mayweather next if he’s running for senator in 2016 and he’s not getting any younger. It has to be in the next two fights or never,” Puentevella said.

Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. also congratulated Pacquiao for keeping the WBO welterweight belt in a fight that was watched by millions of boxing followers worldwide.

“It was a well-deserved victory because of the hard work and dedication that Pacquiao has put into his training. His success as a professional athlete is worth emulating. His win should inspire young Filipinos who also dream of making it big in the world stage,” Marañon said.

For the first time, Pacquiao had his entire family watching his fight at the Cotai Arena.

His mother, Dionisia, was captured by the cameras several times alternately praying the rosary and wildly cheering her son on.

Another first for a Pacquiao fight was his choice of a group of pastors singing the national anthem, instead of a solo singer.

In his post-fight interview, Pacquiao said he did his best and although he was not able to knock out Algieri, he was satisfied with the results.*NAB

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