Manny Pacquiao, a wild swinging party animal from the Philippines, had to climb from the canvas to win a highly controversial cut eye stoppage over Nedal in Manila three years ago in Hussein’s only defeat in 32 pro fights.
Last weekend Pacquiao climbed from the canvas in the first round to stop Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera in the 11th.
Barrera was universally regarded as the world’s best featherweight following wins over Prince Naseem Hamed, Johnny Tapia and Erik Morales and Pacquiao’s victory now leaves him unchallenged at the top of the featherweight division.
Except of course by the lanky hard-hitting Casula Whirlwind who almost blew him away three years ago.
“Pacquiao was very lucky to get away with Skinny,” said three-time world champ Jeff Fenech, who trains the fighter in partnership with Billy Hussein. “He was on the canvas for at least 20 seconds but the local referee let the fight continue.
