Manny Pacquiao beats Jessie Vargas to win welterweight title in boxing return

We are always happiest when the Filipino boxer is in our sights for all the right reasons, and this is definitely one of them! Manny Pacquiao made a successful return to the boxing ring, pounding Jessie Vargas to win the WBO welterweight title via a unanimous decision.

The Las Vegas bout went the full 12 rounds on Saturday but Pacquiao (59-6-2) was the superior fighter as the 37-year-old ended his short-lived retirement in victorious style.

Pacquiao retired following his victory over Timothy Bradley in April before he was elected to the Philippines Senate a month later, but the lure of boxing was too strong.

And Pacquiao’s return to the ring attracted a keen onlooker, with rival Floyd Mayweather – who is retired – an unexpected guest ringside ahead of a potential rematch, following the pair’s blockbuster showdown won by the latter in May last year.

Filipino Pacquiao hit the ground running at Thomas & Mack Centre, flooring his 27-year-old opponent (27-2) in the second round with a quick left-hand counter.

Manny Pacquiao continued to look comfortable from that point, showing signs of his trademark speed, despite a brief stint outside of the ring.

Vargas did manage to find some rhythm but Pacquiao was largely untroubled as chants of “Manny!, Manny!” echoed around the arena.