22 years ago

Date: 8th June 2002

Title: IBF World Super-bantamweight Title

Promoter: Main Events

Tv: HBO PPV, Showtime PPV & Sky Box Office

Manny Pacquiao
( 33 - 2 - 1 )
Weight: 120 lbs

Jorge Eliecer Julio
( 44 - 3 - 0 )
Weight: 122 lbs

On June 8, 2002, the IBF World Super-bantamweight championship bout took place at The Pyramid, Memphis, Tennessee, between the defending champion, Manny Pacquiao, and Jorge Eliecer Julio. Pacquiao had previously won the title in his previous fight against Lehlohonolo Ledwaba, and this would be his second defense of the title. Pacquiao vs Julio was chief support to the Mike Tyson vs Lennox Lewis World heavyweight title showdown.

Pacquiao was coming into the fight with a record of 33-2-1 (24 KOs), with his last fight being a draw against Agapito Sanchez six months earlier.

In the opening round, both fighters were tentative, with Julio throwing more punches, but Pacquiao landing the more significant ones. However, in the second round, Pacquiao came out aggressively and landed a right hook that dropped Julio. Julio managed to get back up, but Pacquiao continued to pummel him with combinations until referee Bill Clancy stopped the fight at 1:09 of the round.

Pacquiao improved his record to 34-2-1 (25 KOs) and successfully defended his IBF World Super-bantamweight title for the second time.

The fight was promoted by Main Events, and it took place in front of a crowd of 7,000 fans at The Pyramid, Memphis, Tennessee. Pacquiao's victory over Julio further solidified his place as a rising star in the world of boxing and set the stage for even greater achievements in the years to come.