BOBBY Pacquiao proved his critics wrong, showing a lot of heart in scoring a split decision win over former world super featherweight champion Carlos “Famoso” Hernandez Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Pacquiao, the younger brother of the more illustrious Manny Pacquiao, dropped Hernandez in the second round and came out strong in the later rounds to survive his aging opponent from El Salvador.
Two judges had Bobby winning by scores of 95-94 and 95-93, while the third judge saw it 97-92 in favor of Hernandez.
Hernandez was given a victory ride, and exchanged high-fives and hugged his handlers before the decision was announced.
But the celebration took place at the Pacquiao corner moments later when the decision was proclaimed.
With his brother watching and shouting instructions from his corner, the 24-year-old Pacquiao started hot, answering the opening bell with southpaw jabs and right hands that rattled Hernandez.
In the second round, Pacquiao fired a short left that caught Hernandez flush on the chin for a knockdown.
Hernandez got to survive the round but was clearly hurt.
Pacquiao continued his assault in Round 3 and hit Hernandez with 1-2-3 combinations. The El Salvadorian came back strong with a flurry of his own just before the round ended.
From there, Hernandez appeared to take the initiative and it was clear he had the heavier blows as Pacquiao backed away every time he gets hit.
Late in the fight, Pacquiao started to connect again as Hernandez went inside with body blows.
Prior to the fight, Pacquiao was given a slim chance of winning because of his apparent lack of heart.
The victory improved Pacquiao’s record to 26-11-3 with 11 KOs, while Hernandez dropped to 41-6-1 with 24 KOs.
