Date: 4th December 1998
Venue: Tonsuk College Ground, Phuttamonthon, ThailandTitle: WBC World Flyweight Title
Promoter: Sombhop Srisomvongse
Tv:
Chatchai Sasakul
(
32
-
1
-
1
)
Weight: 112 lbs
Manny Pacquiao
(
23
-
1
-
0
)
Weight: 112 lbs
On December 4, 1998, a young 18-year-old Manny Pacquiao went up against Chatchai Sasakul for the WBC World Flyweight Title at Tonsuk College Ground in Phuttamonthon, Thailand. The fight was promoted by Sombhop Srisomvongse and refereed by Malcolm Bulner, with judge Brian McMahon scoring the fight 70-64 in favor of Pacquiao.
From the very beginning of the fight, it was clear that Pacquiao was the superior fighter. He dominated the early rounds, landing crisp punches and moving quickly around the ring. Sasakul tried to fight back, but he was outmatched by Pacquiao's speed and power.
In the eighth round, Pacquiao landed a devastating left hand to Sasakul's jaw, knocking him out cold at 2:54 into the round. Sasakul lay face down on the canvas as the referee counted him out, and Pacquiao celebrated his first world title victory.
The fight was a turning point in Pacquiao's career, marking the beginning of his rise to superstardom in the boxing world. It was also a historic moment for Filipino boxing, as Pacquiao became the first Filipino to win a world title in the lower weight divisions.