Pacquiao returns to claim WBO welterweight title

Despite giving away 10 years to his opponent, the 37-year-old Pacquiao fought with more intensity and energy, and dominated the American in the final rounds to close out an emphatic victory.

The judges scored the bout 114-113, 118-109 and 118-109 in favour of Pacquiao with the Filipino improving to 59-6-2, while Vargas fell to 27-2. It was a master class taught by the first sitting Senator to win a world boxing championship as Pacquiao temporarily left the ring to win election in the Philippines and serve in office before making a return to what he called his “passion”. 

Pacquiao showed that he had not lost his skills, knocking Vargas down in the second round with a straight left to his face.