Manny Pacquiao reclaimed the World Boxing Organization welterweight crown for a third time against Jessie Vargas on Saturday.
Although, the fight had minimal buzz and was an abrupt end to his retirement, what Pacquiao did on Saturday at the Thomas & Mack Center against the 27-year-old Vargas is still a remarkable accomplishment.
The Philippine senator scored a clear-cut decision victory over Vargas, who simply didnt have the physical skills he needed to handle the Pac-man.
The judges scored it 118-109 twice and, 114-113 for Pacquiao winning, despite a demanding training camp that usually began before dawn and ended at midnight with no time rest or family due to senatorial duties.
However, the world was abuzz at the appearance of Floyd Mayweather Jr. at ringside, which drew most attention as talks for a potential second meeting between the two stand-out fighters of this era is rumored for 2017.
Mayweather and the 16,131 spectators at Thomas & Mack Center witnessed near vintage Pacquiao at times, even though the 37-year-old failed to put a full stamp on the night with a knockout, an outcome the southpaw has not accomplished since 2009.
The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale: Tony Ferguson defeats Raphael dos Anjos
Tony Ferguson made his strongest argument for a title shot, picking up his ninth straight UFC win with a decision over ex-champ Rafael dos Anjos.
In an inspired performance, Ferguson (22-3 MMA, 12-1 UFC) danced circles around dos Anjos (25-9 MMA, 14-7 UFC), keeping the Brazilian off balance at all times for unanimous 48-47 scores.
Ferguson became the first lightweight to win nine straight UFC fights, putting himself in a position for a shot against the winner of the this weekends UFC 205 super fight between current lightweight champ Eddie Alvarez and featherweight champ Conor McGregor.
Ferguson worked dos Anjos legs from the outset, looking to stave off his opponents oncoming punches. After a pair of unsuccessful takedown attempts, the two engaged in a pitched striking battle.
An eyepoke brought the bout to a brief stop when Fergusons fingers glanced dos Anjos eye. Referee Herb Dean didnt see the foul, still a respectful but aggravated Ferguson backed away so Dos Anjos could recover.
Dos Anjos managed to rally at several points, catching Ferguson as he tried to finish off the job at the cage. However, Ferguson was still in control, taking offensive liberties against his most dangerous opponent to date.
