Featherweight standout Manny Pacquiao kept sharp while waiting for his February rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez, knocking out Thailand's Fahsan 3K Battery Por Thawatchai with a left uppercut at 1:26 of the fourth round today in front of an estimated 25,000 fans at The Fort in Taguig City, Philippines. Pacquiao scored four knockdowns altogether in the bout, which lifts his record to 39-2-2 (31 KOs). Por Thawatchai falls to 44-8-1 (23 KOs).
Freitas Goes the Distance
Former junior lightweight and lightweight champion Acelino Freitas returned to the ring for the first time since his August TKO loss to Diego Corrales, scoring a shutout ten round decision over Fernando Saucedo tonight at Ibirapuera Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Scores were 100-86, 100-87, and 100-88 for "Popo", who improves to 36-1 (31 KOs). Saucedo falls to 16-4-2.
Hatton Walks Through Oliveira
Ricky Hatton successfully defended his WBU junior welterweight crown tonight at London's ExCel Arena, knocking out a game, but outmatched Ray Oliveira in the 10th round. Oliveira, who had never been stopped in 59 previous bouts, was battered throughout the contest and sent to the canvas two times - once in the first round, and the final time in round ten, when he was counted out at the 1:38 mark. With the win, Hatton improves to 38-0 (28 KOs). The 36-year-old Oliveira falls to 47-10-2 (22 KOs).
Grant Decisions Porras
Otis Grant continued his march to a world boxing title with a super-middleweight win Saturday over Costa Rica's Henry Porras. Grant outpunched Porras to win a 12-round decision that pushed his record to 35-2-1 (17 KOs). Grant won on cards by scores of 118-110, 118-110 and 116-113. The bout was Grant's fourth in his comeback after a car accident that sidelined him for nearly five years.
Phil Banerjee
Contributing Editor
Information from other publications and wire services was used in the compilation of this report.
