(Reuters) — Boxing fans in Manila cheered Manny Pacquiao’s victory against American boxer Timothy Bradley for the World Boxing Organization Welterweight title on Sunday (April 13).
Around 3,000 people packed a public park in the eastern Manila suburb of Marikina, braving sweltering heat, to watch the live telecast of the Las Vegas bout.
Fans cheered each time Pacquiao landed a jab, and shouted words of support whenever Bradley counter-punched.
By the end of round 12, the crowd kept cheering for their boxing hero, and later threw their hands in celebration when a unanimous victory was announced for Pacquiao, who regains the welterweight belt he lost to Bradley in 2012.
“Pacquiao was smart in this fight, while Bradley had nothing to show. Bradley was weak, he was running away. Pacquiao went after him,” said Pacquiao fan Rogelio Arca.
Fans claimed Pacquiao has not lost his touch, despite losing two of his last four matches.
“It’s very clear that Pacquiao is truly faster, stronger and fiercer.” said boxing fan Ruel Alal.
Pacquiao, a sitting member of the Congress, is regarded in the Philippines as a national idol, earning him the nickname Pambansang Kamao (Nation’s Fist).
Manila’s streets empty out and the police say the city’s crime rate usually drops wheneverPacquiao fights, as people are glued to television screens or are watching live telecasts at bars, public parks and covered gymnasiums.
Pacquiao has built a record of 56 wins, five loss with two draws in a professional career that began in 1995. He lost two fights in 2012 to Bradley and Marquez.
Pacquiao is the only fighter to win eight world titles in as many different weight divisions.
