Pacquiao's victory over Vargas to regain WBO title

Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao is a world champion yet again following his dominant victory over Jessie Vargas in Las Vegas on Saturday (Sunday PHL time). Though Vargas finished the fight on his feet, Pacquiao managed to drop the young champion with straight left early in the fight. Now having the WBO world welterweight title around his waist, experts gave their thoughts on Pacquiao's performance on his 59th career victory.

Robert Bridges, professional boxing judge

I scored the fight 118-109 for Manny Pacquiao. Vargas started really well and overly cautious, used his height and reach landing crisp jabs and right crosses during the opening rounds of the bout. He caught Pacquiao's attention several times in those early rounds, however, from the mid-rounds onwards, Vargas wasn't able to sustain his pace and pressure from being caught by Pacquiao's powerful left crosses and in and out movement.

The second round counter-shot knockdown that caught Vargas made him realize that he must be more cautious of Manny's power. Vargas had done his best throughout the bout, putting up such a valiant effort as a world champion in his attempt to retain his world title, but Pacquiao was clearly a class above Vargas. Both men fought well and I applaud both for giving it their all.

Denver Cuello, former WBC silver minimumweight champion

Manny Pacquiao was really impressive in this fight, he showcased his vintage movement while Vargas attempted to copy Juan Manuel Marquez's style. Pacquiao's movement was really good and the quality of his punches is still there.

Chino Trinidad, veteran sports broadcaster

Manny Pacquiao squeezed enough from what is left of his old self. The timing and quick reaction might not be there anymore but his tenacity to bring the fight to anybody remains his strong suit. Considering the wear and tear and his other concerns — it is beyond satisfactory.

Sev Sarmenta, veteran sports broadcaster

Manny Pacquiao took a trip on a time tunnel and emerged a bit like his younger self.

Against Jessie Vargas, there was a clear dip in the desire to knock out his opponent for an impressive victory.  There were several opportunities to be that Tasmanian Devil that Vargas trainer Dewey Cooper was talking about.  But this much older Pacquiao is a tad tamer and probably smarter. 

There’s really no need for too much blood to flow, no matter how many yells there are in our modern Roman Coliseums where Pacquiao is the gladiator.

All Pacquiao needed was to score a knockdown in one round, unleash the speed and crank up his defense to frustrate the previously 27-1 Vargas.  The height and reach advantage were never a problem as Pacquiao defied Vargas’ long arms to repeatedly score on quick and wicked shots to the head.

Once again, all the preparation that opponents do to face Pacquiao fizzle out once they’re with Pacman in the ring.

Pacquiao’s win allows him to smile at his critics and at possible additional days to his already impressive career.  Floyd Mayweather Jr. was in the audience and may have been convinced that, yes, a rematch with Pacquiao is feasible.  Who knows now? 

Perhaps it’s best that we don’t rush sports heroes into retirement so hastily as much as we celebrate when they rise to superstardom like comets in the night sky.  Pacquiao looks like he’s not yet done writing his name among the stars.

JM Siasat, GMA News Online fight sports correspondent

As predicted, Manny Pacquiao did better than Jessie Vargas in every aspect of the game. Pacquiao got the better of the exchange when they brawled, and landed the harder and cleaner shots when they boxed.

As I've repeatedly said in the past, the Pacquiao we're witnessing today is no longer the same Pacquiao from seven years ago when he was at his peak. His thrown punches each fight has severely reduced and he's just not as aggressive before.

If Vargas won the Pacquiao sweepstakes during the Filipino's heyday, I can't imagine Vargas going beyond six to eight rounds. Another observation that I have from this fight is that Pacquiao doesn't create openings anymore, but instead waits for one which is affecting his punch output.

Needless to say, a win is a win and he's now a boxing world champion again. —JST, GMA News