PACQUIAO DETHRONES WBC FLY CHAMP CHATCHAI BY 8TH ROUND KO

Dec. 4, 1998
PHUTTAMONTHON, THAILAND--Filipino lefty MANNY PACQUIAO, 112, captured the WBC flyweight title, as he withstood the accurate sharpshooting of the defending champ CHATCHAI DUTCHBOYGYM (previously fighting as Chatchai Sasakul and Chatchai Elitegym), also 112, but occasionally scored heavy shots and finally sank him with an explosive left hook at 2:54 of the 8th round at Tonsuk College Ground.

Pacquiao, who lately renounced his OPBF title that he wrested by stopping Chokchai 3K Battery in 5 come-from-behind rounds in Jun. in the previous year, was a prefight underdog due to his less experience.

Chatchai, making his 3rd defense, dethroned previously unbeaten Yuri Arbachakov on a unanimous decision in Sapporo, Japan, in Nov. of the previous year. The cleverer and faster champ took the initiative with his fine display of sharp combinations. The Thailander dominated the first 3 rounds, though Pacquiao threw back sporadic southpaw lefts.

The Filipino southpaw took the 4th, when he almost stunned the champ with a solid left shot.

Chatchai took back the pace from the 5th on, as he landed light but fast left-right combinations and left hooks to the game Filipino.

The 8th saw Pacquiao go for a kill. The Filipino put the pressure on the champ and pinned him to a neutral corner. Pacquiao's very strong let hook exploded at the champ's chin. Down went the champ. He fell down face first, and tried to pull himself up before the fatal ten, but in vain.

Pacquiao, 22 (some Filipino people say he is still 19), raised his mark to 24-1, 15 KOs. The crestfallen champ fell to 33-2, 24 KOs.

SCORESHEETS

VICTOR CERVANTES (MEXICO)

BRIAN McMAHON (AUSTRALIA)

MASAKAZU UCHIDA (JAPAN)

REFEREE: MALCOLM BULNER (AUSTRALIA)

PROMOTER: SAHASOMBHOP SRISOMVONGSE.
(12-4-98)

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