Pacquiao KOs Matthysse to win WBA welter title

Photos: Sumio Yamada

39-year-old ring legend Manny Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 KOs) is a world champion again. Pacman dominated and knocked out WBA welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse (39-5, 36 KOs) on Saturday night at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Pacquiao was busier in round one. Round two was more even, still an edge to Pacman. Pacquiao dropped Matthysse with a left uppercut in round three. Pacquiao continued to dominate. Matthysse took a knee in round five after what seemed like a short punch to the temple. The bout ended when Pacquiao dropped Matthysse for the third time in round seven with a left uppercut. Time was 2:43.

It was Pacquiao’s first knockout since 2009 and believe it or not, it was Pacman’s first ever WBA belt.