07.10.07 – By Craig Mastendri, photo by Naoki Fukuda– The rumor’s, the build up, and the hype disappeared. Manny Pacquiao, decidedly remained after 12 rounds of boxing action! The Judges cards, were 118-109, 118-109, and 115-112. My scorecard was 117-110 in favor of Pacquiao, it’s very hard to see scoring rounds Six through Twelve, any other way, than Manny’s way. Despite getting off to a slow start, he warmed into action, and delivered the vintage “Buzz Saw” attack, that the “Philippine Super Star” is known for. Hand speed, power stamina, and determination are still included in the “Trade Mark” Routine.
Pacquiao, overcame a technically consistent, “Cautious” pace, jab, counter right hand attack that favored Barrera, in the first few rounds. A round of rust, a round of warm up, and a round of getting tested, delivered the awakening. Manny began applying swarming, aggressive, fiery, and accurate pressure with the straight left hand. He steam rolled a steady performance by MAB! The entire second half of the fight was one sided for the “Pac Man.”
Barerra, performed admirably! He acquitted himself far better than he did in the first fight. MAB can most certainly hold his head up at the end of a HOF career, 63-6-42 KO’s. While he was able to compete in the beginning, he didn’t have enough to keep pace or take it over the top. It wasn’t the type of performances that he put forth vs Morales in his prime. There wasn’t enough left in the tank, to take it to “War”, when he needed to. True Champion, true warrior, and true winner in the sport.
If, Juan Manuel gets through his scheduled bout with Rocky Juarez? The rematch of Pacquiao vs Marquez must happen to establish whom the real Champion in the super featherweight division. If tonight was ant indication? Manny Pacquiao can raise his profile much farther.
Steven Luevano upped his record to 34-1 with 15 KO’s by completely out boxing Antonio Davis who dropped to 24-4 in a unanimous decision and defense of Luevano’s WBO Title. Leuvano is a converted southpaw who delivered a complete boxing performance, inside out. Good jab, combos, defense, and patience, measured and pummeled Davis as it went on.. He scored a knockdown towards the end of round eleven, and did painful body work in the twelfth. The judge’s cards were 119-108, 119-108, 118-109. With this victory, Luevano has put himself among the top of the division. Chris John, In Jin Chi, and Jorge Linares would make great opponents, especially Linares! That’s a sizzling match of styles that should make for great action, volume, and defense.
Librado Andrade moved to 26-1 with 20 KO’s by seventh round TKO over Yusef Mack. Mack had some moments early and caught Andrade with flush shots but seemingly got caught up in exchanging. Andrade’s difference in volume eventually set in on Mack, producing three knockdowns, and a stoppage at two minutes and thirty four seconds of the Seventh round.
Steve “Two Pound” Forbes managed to squeeze out a twelve round Split decision victory over Francisco Bojado in the first fight of the evening. Forbes maintained a steady, relaxed performance, while Bojado gave his best effort in some time. In the end it came down to volume vs accuracy and Forbes got the nod, in a close contest. The judges cards where 97-93 and 96-94 for Forbes and 96-94 for Bojado.