Monday, March 17, 2008 (Philippines)

MORE MANIA. Manny Pacquiao dethroned Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico with a 12-round split decision victory, at one point knocking him down in the third round of their World Boxing Council super featherweight championship fight in Las Vegas, Nevada. (AP Photo) LAS VEGAS—Manny Pacquiao won a narrow split decision to defeat Juan Manuel Marquez and claim the WBC super featherweight title, in sensational bout that left two of the world’s best boxers bloody and triumphant. Though Marquez landed more punches at a higher percentage, Pacquiao (46-3-2) knocked down the Mexican (48-4-1) in the third round and persevered through a nasty cut. Marquez also was cut, but neither backed down from one scintillating exchange after another. Both fighters believed they won. [full story]