Manny Pacquiao scores the first knockout in nine years in the victory over Lucas Matthysse

Almost a full decade since his last victory, Manny Pacquiao reminded everyone on Sunday that he's not finished yet.

Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 KOs), who turns 40 in December, has calmed the suspicion that he slipped dangerously beyond his peak by showing flashes of his former self in a unilateral dismantling of Argentine fighter Lucas Matthysse at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

With a partisan crowd, the Filipino icon and senator The day was pressed on speed and awkward angles to mark his first stop since he finished Miguel Cotto in 2009 at the top of his first fight. Pacquiao, the only boxer in history to win titles in eight divisions, also claimed the WSS Matthysse WBS regular title while champion Keith Thurman continues to remain inactive with injuries. "Thank you God for this victory," said Pacquiao. "All this is dedicated to God and all the Filipino people, thanks to our country and our president for watching this fight."

Rumors of the disappearance of Pacquiao, fueled in part by his embarrbading decision to cut ties with Hall of Famous trainer Freddie Roach turned out far too premature since Bubward Fernandes, long-time Cornwaller, and Justin Fortune , strength coach, took the lead. Unlike his defeat against Jeff Horn last July, Pacquiao seemed focused and prepared.

"We did a good job and my team trained," said Pacquiao. "We were not very strong as we were when we were very young, we controlled ourselves in training but it was an intensive workout Thanks to all my team for working hard in this fight. "

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Although the titles will be legitimately Speaking of the rejuvenation of Pacquiao, Matthysse, 35 years old, offers almost nothing in terms of resistance. Matthysse (39-5, 36 KOs) seemed slow and unselfish as he struggled with Pacquiao's speed and footwork

Not only did Matthysse's reputation for being a vicious driller Is not materialized in this fight that was disputed Sunday. morning in Asia, the stigma that followed him as a little favorite became true. Matthysse was once again unable to adapt to the elite level after being delayed and was thrown three times in total, including Round 5 when he voluntarily took a knee after a jabs at the temple.

"Matthysse has the power too so we took care of the ring with our hands all the time and did my best," said Pacquiao. "I'm surprised [he was knocked down three times] because Matthysse is a very tough opponent, I overturned him and it's a bonus to be focused and patient and in the fight and work hard at training. "

Pacquiao faced Matthysse 344 at 246, according to CompuBox, and logged on 44 percent of his power shots. Pacquiao, who was working on the left-body fists to slow Matthysse, caught up with him several times with uppercuts on guard.

Matthysse was floored by an uppercut in the third round. could leave two rounds later, Matthysse was abandoned for the last time in Round 7 on a left uppercut. After sitting up to one knee, Matthysse spat out his mouthpiece, which summoned referee Kenny Bayless to bring out the fight at 2:43 of the round.

Asked after the fight what was the hardest part of the Pacquiao fight, Matthysse replied "To fight Manny Pacquiao, he is a great fighter and a great champion."

Despite the defeat, Matthysse made it clear that he was not thinking of retiring

"Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose". "Today, it was my turn to lose and I lost to a great fighter and a great legend to Manny Pacquiao. [I’m going to] I rest, I pause, I work very hard hard and I want to go back home with my family.Today, it was my turn to lose but nothing more. "

Pacquiao's Pact of Fame Promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, had spoken in recent weeks of his game plan against Pacquiao against pound-for the pound king and lightweight champion Vasiliy Lomachenko later this year. The pay-per-view fight, which would probably have a featherweight, could catapult Lomachenko to celebrity in the same way as Pacquiao by defeating an Oscar De La Hoya aging in 2008.

Despite discussions about the future , Pacquiao He did not want to move when asked what opponent he wanted next.

"It's another story and another discussion," Pacquiao said. "At this moment, I am happy to return to my country in the Philippines and celebrate the victory and, of course, do my job as a civil servant."

"We are expected [to fight again in 2018] We have not decided yet … At this moment, my goal is to return to my country and, of course, to relax."

Catching up on every stroke of the match in Malaysia with our live blog below. If you have trouble reading the blog, please click here

Pacquiao vs. Matthysse scorecard

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Cover of Pacquiao vs. Matthysse Live

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