Pacquiao vs Ledwaba: ‘Highlights’ at MGM Grand
— Las Vegas, Nevada (June 23, 2001)

Notes:
- IBF super bantamweight title.
- 6th title defense of Ledwaba.
- Pacquiao a late substitute on 2 weeks notice.
- Pacquiao’s 1st fight in the U.S.
- 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.

Manny Pacquiao, BWAA fighter of the year & fighter of the decade - ESPN