Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao. The name alone conjures images of lightning-fast combinations, relentless pressure, and a smile that belies the ferocity within the ropes. An eight-division world champion, a titleholder across an astonishing four decades – his career is a testament to unparalleled dedication and skill. Yet, for all his monumental achievements, truly destructive knockouts became a rarer spectacle in the latter half of his illustrious journey. Fans accustomed to his early-career stoppages often wondered if the devastating power had waned. It’s been half a decade since the boxing world witnessed Pacquiao finish an opponent early, a moment that punctuated his return to the elite in impressive fashion.
The Last Stoppage: A Statement Against the “Machine” (Pacquiao vs. Matthysse, 2018)
The year was 2018, the venue Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Manny Pacquiao, then 39, stepped into the ring to challenge Lucas Matthysse for the WBA (regular) welterweight title. Matthysse, known ominously as “The Machine,” was no ordinary opponent. With a professional record of 39 wins and only 4 losses, a staggering 36 of his victories came by way of knockout. He was a genuine “scary KO artist,” a reputation earned through brutal finishes against formidable foes like Lamont Peterson and DeMarcus Corley. This was a man who brought serious power to the welterweight division.
The fight, held on July 15th, was anticipated by many, but few predicted the clinical dominance Pacquiao would display. From the opening bell, it was clear that Matthysse, despite his intimidating resume, was facing a different caliber of legend. Pacquiao moved with the agility of a man far younger, his punches crisp and accurate. In the third round, a sharp uppercut sent Matthysse crashing to the canvas – an early sign of the trouble to come. Two rounds later, after absorbing a potent right hook, Matthysse wisely took a knee, seeking a momentary respite from the onslaught.
The end, however, was inevitable. In the seventh round, another perfectly timed uppercut connected. Matthysse, battered and outmatched, visibly reconsidered his career choices mid-punch and opted to take a final knee, effectively quitting. The referee waved off the contest, signaling a TKO victory for Pacquiao. It was a remarkable performance, not just for the win, but because it ended an eight-year knockout drought for the Filipino icon, whose previous stoppage had been against Miguel Cotto way back in November 2009. For Matthysse, the loss marked the end of his career; he retired shortly after. For Pacquiao, it was a powerful reminder that “Pac-Man” still possessed the fabled punch.
A Brief Retirement, A Resilient Return
Following his impressive win over Matthysse, Pacquiao continued to compete at the highest level, securing decision victories over formidable opponents like Adrien Broner and Keith Thurman. However, his journey eventually led to a unanimous decision defeat against Yordenis Ugás in 2021, a bout that prompted his initial retirement from the sport, seemingly closing the book on an unparalleled career.
But legends, it seems, rarely stay retired for long. Earlier this year, Pacquiao answered the siren call of the ring once more. His comeback fight against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in July, while ending in a majority draw, proved that the fire still burned bright. The speed, the grit, the enduring desire to compete – all were still present, albeit tempered by the undeniable march of time.
The Unyielding Spirit: What`s Next for the Legend?
Manny Pacquiao isn`t just returning to the ring; he`s returning with purpose, setting his sights on breaking records he himself established. Recently, the “People`s Champion” announced his next fight date: January 24th in Las Vegas. This bout, scheduled after his 47th birthday, isn`t just another exhibition; it`s an attempt to cement his legacy further. Pacquiao aims to become the oldest welterweight world champion, a record he already holds from seven years ago.
The boxing world is abuzz with speculation about his next opponent. WBA 147lb champion Rolly Romero is widely considered the frontrunner, a young, hungry fighter who would provide a stern test. However, other intriguing names have surfaced. Boxing reporter Mike Coppinger hinted that even Conor Benn and Gervonta Davis, both of whom have significant fights booked for November, are being considered as potential challengers. It`s a testament to Pacquiao`s drawing power that such high-profile names would even be in the conversation, highlighting the unique pull of facing a living legend.
Conclusion: The Undying Flame of a Champion
Manny Pacquiao`s journey is a saga of ambition, resilience, and an unwavering love for the sweet science. From his last memorable knockout against Lucas Matthysse to his current pursuit of defying age and rewriting the record books, his career continues to captivate. In a sport often defined by its fleeting stars, Pacquiao remains a supernova, burning brightly even as he approaches his fifth decade. Whether he achieves his ambitious goal in January or not, his enduring presence in the ring is a powerful reminder that true greatness, much like a perfectly timed uppercut, can stop time itself, if only for a few glorious rounds.
