Round-by-round action of Pacquiao-Margarito bout

Round 1 – Pacquiao established the tempo quickly with rapier-sharp combinations, while darting in and out with effective footwork. Margarito came out defensive-minded. Manny was able to come in easily to land land jabs, leads, and quick combinations. Round 2 – Pacquiao continued with the steady punishment, landing many combinations to the head of the taller Mexican, who slowly tried to get his game going by unleashing some jabs. Round 3 -- The action started to pick up even more. Margarito began to attack, but Pacquiao was as quick as a cat and got away easily from his pressing rival, especially when he circled to the right. The Mexican managed to get in some big punches, but the Filipino ring icon wasn’t at all affected. Pacquiao easily penetrated Margarito's defense, mixing in body blows with flurries of punches to the head.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV Round 4 – With Pacquiao pressing his assault, a large lump appeared below the Mexican’s right eye. The swelling became a target for the Filipino southpaw who relentlessly came through with several hard blows to Margarito's face. Round 5 – The puff below Margarito’s eye worsened and a cut became visible. With Pacquiao dominating the match, the Mexican desperately made his bid by trying to pin the Filipino against the ropes. But Pacquiao proved to be much quicker and in better condition against his taller and bigger foe. Round 6 – Pacquiao seemed to settle for rope-a-dope tactics to draw his rival in. Margarito unleashed some big but often wild punches, and Pacquiao easily eluded or rolled with the blows of his bigger foe, while always managing to counter with a flurry at every turn. Round 7 -- Margarito was more active in this round. He was able to trap Pacquiao in a corner and came up with some head and body shots. But the Filipino was able to wriggle free and steer the fight back into the middle of the ring where he again made full use of his quickness. The best pound-for-pound boxer in the world unleashed several more combinations at the latter stage of the round. Round 8 – This was perhaps the biggest round for both boxers, who turned the match into a fierce slugfest. Just when Margarito seemed to be getting his game going, Pacquiao countered in flurries anew to blunt the Mexican’s onslaught. Round 9 – Pacquiao went back to his previous ploy, drawing the Mexican to the ropes. The torrid exchange of heavy blows took its toll more on Margarito, whose right eye started to close. Round 10 – Both boxers tried to pace themselves for the final push, but the fighting congressman from Sarangani came through with some ripping punches, including a big right lead to the head of Margarito, whose knees started to wobble. Pacquiao put on more pressure but the Mexican was able to survive the punishment. Yet another big round for Pacquiao. Round 11 -- With Pacquiao sensing Margarito’s imminent fall, the Filipno ring warrior continued to press his worn-down rival. Margarito’s other eye also started to swell and the referee asked the ring doctor to check on his status. The fight was allowed to continue, but Pacquiao was evidently in full control and in total domination. Round 12 – Pacquiao appeared to coast in the final round. Knowing that the bout was clearly his, the Filipino ring icon even seemed to take pity on his bloodied opponent, contenting himself with dancing away and darting in occasionally with some sharp blows just to keep Margarito at bay. But there was no real intent to score a late knockout. - KY, Rey Joble, GMANews.TV