8th Wonder of the World- Pacquiao 8th Title

Manny Pacquiao produced yet another boxing masterclass to claim his eighth world title as he dismantled Antonio Margarito in Texas on Saturday night.



The Filipino phenomenon was simply brilliant as he continued his astonishing rise









through the weight divisions by claiming the WBC light-middleweight belt.



Fighting fittingly in the $1.2billion Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington - known locally as the eighth wonder of the world - Pacquiao proved he is very much the fight game's equivalent with another virtuoso display that left Margarito battered and bruised after 12 rounds of sustained punishment.



The Mexican - back in the big time after that well-documented 12-month suspension for having illegal handwraps - achieved some measure of redemption with a brave display. But he was never really a threat to Pacquiao.



Before the first bell the physical size of Manny's task was obvious - unofficially he weighed 148lbs to Margarito's 165 on fight night - more than a stone lighter.



But yet again size just didn't matter as the Filipino buzzsaw simply cut through Margarito's defences to build a commanding lead in the early rounds.



And to add to the Mexican's woes he was cut badly under his right eye by a picture-perfect Pacman shot.



The eye gradually swelled but didn't affect Margarito's vision, and referee Laurence Cole allowed him to continue.



While Margarito was still there the fight was at least a contest, with question marks remaining over whether his size and strength would tell on Pacquiao in the later rounds.



Margarito did have some success - particularly in the middle rounds - landing some decent rights and uppercuts.

Blazing combinations



But Pacquiao's blazing combinations were unerringly accurate and Margarito just couldn't live with the pace.



A sustained assault from Manny in the 10th looked as though it might bring the end for Margarito, but somehow he made it to the bell on weary legs.



And in the 11th it seemed as though Pacquiao - knowing his opponent was now a spent force - was looking towards Cole to call a halt.



With the victory in the bag Pacquiao was content to coast through the final three minutes, producing only the occasional flurry.



Once the final bell sounded the result was never in doubt with the new champion prevailing by scores of 120-108, 118-110 and 119-109.



Pacquiao (now 52-3-2) admitted afterwards: "I got hurt once when I stayed on the ropes and I got hit in the stomach.



"I thought the referee and the doctor should take a look (in round 11) as his eye was really bad. Boxing is not for killing each other."



Megafight



Once again the drum will now beat for a megafight with Floyd Mayweather Jr, but Pacquiao isn't holding his breath.



"If it happens it happens. If not then I'm okay," he said.



"I really don't need him. I'm really satisfied with what I've done in boxing, with my achievements. If it happens it's good for all of us who love boxing."

Source: Skysports