From the archive · November 10, 2001
Manny Pacquiao vs Agapito Sanchez
IBF & WBO World Super-bantamweight Titles · Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California
Record 33-2-0 · 120½ lb
Record 31-9-2 · 120½ lb
The fight
On November 10, 2001, Manny Pacquiao faced off against Agapito Sanchez in a highly anticipated IBF & WBO World Super-bantamweight unification fight at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, California. The fight was promoted by Forum Boxing, M&M Sports, and Univision Sports.
Pacquiao was defending his title (IBF) for the first time, while Sanchez was also making his first title defense (WBO). The fight was closely contested, with both fighters exchanging blows and looking for opportunities to land significant punches.
However, Sanchez lost two points in the fight for low blows, which would prove to be a significant factor in the outcome of the match. Despite this setback, he continued to fight on and made the match very difficult for Pacquiao.
In the 6th round, a bad cut opened up on Pacquiao's right eye due to an accidental headbutt in the 2nd round that worsened due to another headbutt in the 6th. The ringside doctor decided to stop the bout, citing the severity of the cut.
The judges' scores reflected a close fight, with Ric Bays scoring the bout 58-54 in favor of Pacquiao, Marshall Walker scoring the bout 56-56, and Raul Caiz Sr. scoring the bout 57-55 in favor of Sanchez.