23 years ago

Date: 23rd June 2001

Venue: MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada

Title: IBF World Super-bantamweight Title

Promoter: Forum Boxing, M&M Sports & Univision Sports

Tv: TVKO

Lehlohonolo Ledwaba
( 33 - 1 - 1 )
Weight: 122 lbs

Manny Pacquiao
( 32 - 2 - 0 )
Weight: 121 lbs

On June 23, 2001, the MGM Grand in Las Vegas played host to the IBF World Super-bantamweight Title fight between champion Lehlohonolo Ledwaba and challenger Manny Pacquiao. The fight was promoted by Forum Boxing, M&M Sports & Univision Sports. This was Ledwaba's sixth title defense. However, Pacquiao, a late substitute, took the fight on only two weeks' notice, as the original opponent was supposed to be Enrique Sanchez.

Despite the short notice, Pacquiao delivered a stunning performance. Ledwaba was down three times in the fight, and the referee eventually stopped the bout in the sixth round, declaring Pacquiao the new champion. It was a remarkable upset victory for the 22-year-old from the Philippines, who won his second world title in two weight divisions.

The fight was part of the undercard for the Oscar De La Hoya vs. Javier Castillejo bout, which De La Hoya won to claim the WBC super-welterweight title. However, it was Pacquiao's performance that stole the show. His speed and power proved to be too much for Ledwaba, who was unable to mount any significant offense.

Pacquiao's victory marked a turning point in his career. He had been relatively unknown prior to the fight, but his impressive performance put him on the map as a rising star in the sport. The win also helped to establish him as one of the best boxers in the lower weight divisions, and he went on to have a highly successful career, winning titles in eight different weight classes.

Sadly, Lehlohonolo Ledwaba passed away in 2021 at the age of 49.