Fighter of the Decade: Pacquiao vs Ledwaba (June 2001) ‘Highlights’
Manny Pacquiao (Philippines) vs
Lehlohonolo Ledwaba (South Africa)
MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
June 23, 2001
- IBF super bantamweight title -
- 6th title defense of Ledwaba -
Notes:
- Pacquiao a late substitute on 2 weeks notice.
- Pacquiao’s 1st fight in USA.
- Pacquiao’s 1st fight with trainer Freddie Roach.
Commentary:
- Flash Elorde, the most revered figure in Filipino boxing. If Pacquiao is anywhere near as good as Elorde…
- We have great respect for Ledwaba and we know he’s a great boxer, but he won’t be able to handle Manny’s firepower. -Roach
- Ledwaba came in as the potential star; right now it looks like Pacquiao may go out as the star.
- He [Pacquiao] took this fight on only 2 weeks notice, only came here to America 10 days ago and he is banging Ledwaba!
- Ben Delgado allowed Freddie Roach to take over because they think Roach can take Pacquiao to another level.
- So many southpaw cuties in the lower weight classes…not many southpaw punchers with mustard. Pacquiao is fun to watch…Boom!
- I think Pacquiao established himself as a crowd-pleasing entry into the featherweight division tonight.
- I had never seen him. I frankly had never heard of him. But I’ve seen and heard of him now and I want to see him again.
- If he [Pacquiao] was anywhere near as good as Flash Elorde, we would really see something.
Link: ‘Manny Pacquiao, BWAA fighter of the year & fighter of the decade’ - ESPN
