Pacquiao rolls past Barrera in rematch
LAS VEGAS – Manny Pacquiao was faster, stronger and busier on Saturday as he punched his way to a one-sided decision over Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera in their super featherweight bout at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.
Pacquiao was hardly overwhelming, but Barrera didn't have the speed or quickness to keep up with him.
Barrera, who said before the fight that he would retire, fought cautiously throughout and didn't let his hands go. Barrera circled and occasionally flicked a jab, but it was Pacquiao who pushed the pace and made the fight.
Judges Jerry Roth and Glenn Trowbridge each had it 118-109 for Pacquiao, while Tommy Schreck had it 115-112. Yahoo! Sports scored it 119-108 for Pacquiao.
"I was surprised it lasted all 12 rounds," Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach said. "He showed a lot of heart and guts. Manny boxed well and showed good footwork, which is what we were working on. Manny cut him off and moved him to the right. That was a beautiful thing."
There were no knockdowns, but Pacquiao seemed to hurt Barrera occasionally.
"We boxed him well," Barrera said, seemingly refusing to accept defeat.
Barrera's trainer, his brother, Jorge, urged him to attack in the later rounds, but Barrera never let his hands go consistently.
Pacquiao outlanded Barrera, 249-111. Pacquiao connected on 37 percent of his shots, while Barrera landed just 21 percent.
"He had a good defense," Barrera said.
If Barrera goes through with his plans to retire, he'll finish with a 63-6 record, 42 knockouts and world titles at super bantamweight, featherweight and super featherweight. Pacquiao, who may pursue a lightweight title, is now 45-3-2.
