stories from raine...

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao had put an end to another historical trilogy in the world of boxing.

With over 18,276 in attendance, and to the millions watching around the world, the Filipino southpaw once again made his countrymen proud as he successfully defeated Erik "El Terrible" Morales with a Technical Knock Out (TKO) as early as their third round.

The Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada was jampacked with supporters of each boxer. Reports also said that some Filipinos came from Canada, Australia and other parts of the United States. Both warriors almost have the equal number of fans. From time to time, the crowd would scream Pacquiao's name or do some Morales chants. But most of all, they were really proud of raising their flags as they cheer for their idols.

Boxing analysts weren't able to predict the match's winner. But they agreed that the Pacquiao-Morales Grand Finale would be a close fight. Morales, who is a former champion, wanted revenge against Pacquiao as the latter defeated him with a knock out at the 10th round of their second rematch. "No one has ever booed me out of the ring and no one ever will," Morales said. It's also a must win for the Mexican boxing legend as his boxing career would be at stake. "I feel it's a very important fight for my career because it's the one that I can't afford to lose. I have to win."

On the other hand, Pacquiao wanted to win, first and foremost, for his country, and to retain his World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Featherweight Title. "When I am in the ring, I am also fighting for my people. I want to make my country proud and make my fans happy. My country is important to me that is why I must win," Pacquiao said.

With Pacquiao's WBC Super Featherweight Title on the line, the match started with both boxers measuring each other's moves. Morales tried to corner his opponent to the ropes. But when Pacquiao started to build some momentum, Morales received different combination of Pacquiao's punches resulting to his swollen nose and cheeks.

On their second round, Pacquiao was advised by his trainor Freddie Roach, to get off the ropes. Both men were using their "in-and-out, up-and-down" strategies but it became more useful to the Filipino icon. The Mexican boxer went down for the first time after a shot close to his right ear, which made him lose his balance.

Pacquiao was overpowering Morales by the third round. Morales seem to be confused with Pacquiao's unstoppable attack. As he went down again for the second time, Pacquiao felt his dominance and never wasted time, sending his opponent to the canvas for the third time. Morales remain seated for seconds while staring at his father, Jose.

And with almost 14-seconds left, referee Vic Drakulich decided to call off the match, making Pacquiao win and retain his title.

Being victorious, Pacquiao registered a new record of 43-3-2 win-loss-draw, with 34 victories via knock out, while the Mexican boxing legend set his record to a 48-5-0 win-loss-draw having the same number of Pacquiao's victory via knock outs.

Both received a huge amount of prize, but the most rewarded here are the boxing fans as they have witnessed another great boxing trilogy wherein a Filipino boxing superstar emerged as the winner.

Indeed, it's another celebration for the People's Champion and for his inspiration, the Filipino people.