2-1 underdog before the fight, the smaller Filipino neutralized Hoya’s size and reach advantage with his quickness, winning nearly every round before De la Hoya indicated he had enough.

"Speed was the answer to this fight," said the 29-year-old Filipino who scored his biggest win of his sensational career. "I was able to defend his jab. I was connecting with everything while he was connecting with nothing."

De la Hoya, 35, stopped for only the second time in his career, was taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure and did not attend the customary post-fight press conference

Although the bout ended officially as an eighth-round, De la Hoya quit before the sound of the bell to begin the ninth, prompting referee Tony Weeks to halt the fight.

At the time of the stoppage, Pacquiao was way ahead in the scorecards of the three judges. Two of the three judges scored the first round for De La Hoya but the remaining rounds were all Pacquiao.

Stanley Christodoulou scored it 79-72, while Adelaide Byrd had it 80-71 and Dave Moretti saw it 80-71.

- Once again Pacman won and gave recognition to the Philippines. We're so proud of him because he's been giving Filipino victory for boxing. He will always be a good influence to the Filipino people. -