ABU DHABI // For fans who got up early to watch the return of Manny Pacquiao to the boxing ring, the ten time world champion did not disappoint.
Saturday’s main fight was telecast live from Las Vegas, beginning at 8.20am UAE time on Sunday and ending in a unanimous decision going Pacquiao’s way.
Fans gathered at The Resto Pinoy in Khalidiya as early as from 5.30am to watch three support bouts.
Their moods were initially dampened after Jessie Magdaleno, a southpaw from Las Vegas, beat "The Filipino Flash" Nonito Donaire to claim the WBO super bantamweight championship.
The atmosphere soon changed with the start of the welterweight championship fight.
The crowd cheered with every blow that landed on Jessie Vargas.
"He’s not as powerful as he once was but Vargas is nothing compared to Pacquiao, who is a legendary fighter," said Ronillo Magbitang, 53, a welder in Abu Dhabi.
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He was among a crowd of 50 that showed up to watch the fight on a giant projector and on big-screen TVs.
He said Pacquiao proved that the much-talked about age, height, weight and reach advantage of Vargas was just that — talk.
"It’s a historic fight," Mr Magbitang said. "Pacquiao is now the first senator to win a world championship and we’re all so proud of him."
Alberto Perez, 30, an Etihad cabin crew from Mexico who picked Pacquiao over Vargas, agreed.
"Pacquiao still is a fast and powerful fighter," he said. "Vargas may be a much bigger opponent. He tried to put up a good fight but it wasn’t enough."
Nelson Baguindoc, 27, a petrol sales attendant in Abu Dhabi, said Vargas was no match for Pacquiao’s explosive punching power.
"At this point of his career, Pacquiao’s place in boxing history as a legend is already secure," he said.
"He even came out of retirement to continue his legendary career. Today he managed the fight and took advantage of his vast experience to make history once again."
After reclaiming the welterweight title, Pacquiao should hang up his gloves and focus on his political career, said Arturo Ibuan, 54, a seafarer who had taken the day off to watch the fight.
"He used his experience and power against Vargas," he said. "His passion is still there but I think the next best thing to do is to retire from boxing."
Pacquiao — who turns 38 next month — defeated Timothy Bradley on April 9 then announced his retirement to focus on his political career.
He was elected to the Philippine senate in May but took a brief break from his political duties to face off against Vargas.
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