Pacquiao returns to the ring with decisive victory

MACAU >> Manny Pacquiao has defeated Brandon Rios by unanimous decision, returning to his winning ways after consecutive losses.

Back in the ring for the first time in almost a year, Pacquiao wore Rios down with his trademark combinations and won 120-108, 119-109 and 118-110 on the scorecards at The Venetian casino in Macau Sunday (Saturday in Hawaii.)

It was an emotional victory for Pacquiao after a devastating typhoon swept through his Philippine homeland this month, killing thousands.

“This is not about my comeback,” Pacquiao said in the ring. “My victory is a symbol of my people’s comeback from a natural disaster and a natural tragedy.”

Pacquiao, who grabbed the WBO international welterweight title with the victory, got the better of the opening two rounds, sending Rios to the canvas in the opening frame, although the referee ruled it as a slip rather than a knockdown.

The American asserted himself in the third, landing some crisp blows that raised hopes of a genuine contest before Pacquiao — spurred on by a capacity crowd at the 13,000-seat Cotai Arena, including many Filipino fans — dominated the remainder of the contest.

Rios was game, continually walking forward to challenge Pacquiao, but was unable to land any significant blows.

After seven rounds, Rios was getting attention to cuts under both eyebrows, and with the scores going against him, needed something special.

Cautioned by the memory of his previous fight when he walked into a savage Juan Manuel Marquez punch that knocked him out, Pacquiao was on guard throughout the closing rounds but a tiring Rios offered little threat.

“Recovering from the knockout and giving a good show was what I wanted to prove to myself and everyone,” Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao will now eye a potential rematch against Marquez.