Manny Pacquiao looked like the fighter of old in scoring first TKO in 9 years

SCREEN CAPTURE / INSTAGRAM

In the fifth round, Manny Pacquiao lands a punch forcing his opponent to take a knee.

MANNY PACQUIAO did something that no other senator in the Phlippines -- or the U.S. -- has ever done. He knocked out his opponent.

Even though boxing has become secondary to his day job as a senator in the Philippines Senate, the 39-year old Pacquiao showed that he still has what it takes by knocking out Argentinian Lucas Matthysse in the 7th round of their match in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

In scoring his 60th fight victory with his first knocckout in nine years, the Filipino icon also captured Matthysse's WBA regular welterweight title. It is Pacquiao's 11th world title in a legendary career that has made him a national hero in his native Philippines.

Talk about Pacquiao's demise proved premature. Unlike his last fight when he lost to Jeff Horn, the Filipino boxer looked focused and physically prepared.

Prior to his 7th round TKO, scorekeepers had Pacquiao winning all the rounds that included two other knockdowns. The 35-year old Matthysse looked sluggish and unable to keep up with Pacquiao's speed. The Argentnian's reputation as a power puncher failed to materialize.

Referee Kenny Bayless called off the fight in the seventh round when Matthysse buckled following another stiff uppercut and spat out his mouthguard as he was being counted.

Despite the loss, Matthysse made it clear he was not considering retirement.

"Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose," Matthysse said. "Today was my turn to lose and I lost to a great fighter and a great legend in Manny Pacquiao."

Pacquiao also refused to entertain retirement. "We are planned to fight again in 2018," he said.

Correction: July 15, 12:20 p.m. Manny Pacquiao's correct age.

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