- Title: PHILIPPINES: BOXING - Philippines' Pacquiao wins record 7th world title
- Date: 16th November 2009
- Summary: MANILA, PHILIPPINES (NOVEMBER 15, 2009) (REUTERS) ANNOUNCER SAYING "LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!" AS SEEN FROM SCREEN PROJECTION OF LIVE FOOTAGE OF PACQUIAO BOUT MANILA SPECTATORS CHEERING WITH SOME STANDING UP IN ELATION PACQUIAO PRE-FIGHT RING INTRODUCTION AS SEEN FROM SCREEN PROJECTION OF LIVE FOOTAGE MANILA SPECTATORS CHEERING COTTO PRE-FIGHT RING INTRODUCTION AS SEEN
- Embargoed: 1st December 2009 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Philippines
- Country: Philippines
- Topics: Sports
- Reuters ID: LVAE6SH91S74WHZNFMHXWR8I4OC4
- Story Text: Filipinos watch and cheer local boxing icon Manny Pacquiao on Sunday (November 15) as he achieves a record-breaking 7th world title.
Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao made history as he claimed the World Boxing Organisation's welterweight title by stopping title holder Miguel Cotto in the 12th round of their bout at the MGM Grand on Saturday (November 14).
In his homeland, where Pacquiao is revered, every part of Philippine society grounded to a standstill for several hours on Sunday noon (November 15) as proud Filipinos watched and cheered on as the fighter blazed a new trail in history by achieving a world-record-breaking seventh world title in an unprecedented seven divisions.
The 30-year-old southpaw boxer, also known as "Pacman", twice knocked Cotto to the canvas in earlier rounds before the referee ended the fight after Pacquiao had pummelled his Puerto Rican opponent against the ropes 55 seconds into the 12th and final round.
Filipinos erupted in wild cheers and thunderous applause in cinemas, bars, restaurants and crowded neighbourhoods across the country after Pacquiao emerged victorious.
In the crowded district of Tondo, over five thousand spectators were huddled together in one multi-purpose gym alone as live footage of the fight was projected onto a massive screen.
The audience paid no mind to the sweltering heat and the cramped surroundings, for they got to see the famed Filipino pugilist gradually chipping away at his opponent's defences. Each body punch and knockdown dealt by Pacquiao was greeted by cheers of approval and delight.
"This will be a part of history. Pacquiao is now a legend. A legend!" said joyful spectator Alvin Socito.
Pacquiao's dominating display of boxing prowess enhanced his status as the world's best pound-for-pound fighter, and helped him win his new title after a hard-fought victory, to thunderous applause. Good spirits ran high after the spectators departed.
"We want him to fight (Floyd) Mayweather (Jr.) next! Yeah!" said Edwin Gerojela.
Pacquiao has yet to announce his next opponent, and he said in a phone interview with a Philippine radio station that for now, he would simply like to take some time off and enjoy being with his family and his countrymen.
The Filipino boxer, who had dismantled Oscar De La Hoya and destroyed Ricky Hatton in his previous two fights at the MGM Grand, said he would not move up any higher in weight, adding that the fight with Cotto was a hard one. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
- Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
- Usage Terms/Restrictions: None