There was no repeat of the smashing knockout win four years ago but Filipino ring hero Manny Pacquiao's superior punching power and quickness once again proved too much for Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera yesterday.

Bridging the very thin line of fighting aggressively and cautiously in style, Pacquiao scored a unanimous decision victory over the retirement-bound Mexican in their WBC International super-featherweight title fight at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

A cheap shot --- a wicked right hook to Pacquiao's forehead --- just as referee Tony Weeks was breaking up the two fighters in the 11th round summed up Barrera's frustrating evening.

The foul punch, unleashed just moments after Barrera was against the ropes and seemed headed to the canvass following a rapid combination from Pacquiao, cost the Mexican a point.

But at that juncture, Pacquiao, 28, already left little doubt of the outcome.

His quick and punishing right-right-left combinations loaded with the power he was known for already did the trick.

Barrera, 33, summoned his vast experience and ring savvy to evade some of Pacquiao's heaviest flurries and push the fight to the full 12 rounds.

American judges Jerry Roth and Glenn Trowbridge each scored it 118-109, while Tom Schreck scored it 115-112.

Barrera had success counter-punching in the second and third rounds. When he wasn't on the run, he constantly threw left jabs to keep Pacquiao away.

But those were handily offset by the Filipino's awesome display in the fifth and sixth rounds, where Pacquiao cut Barrera some ring space and got the better end of fast and furious exchanges. Time and again, Pacquiao had the Mexican against the ropes.

There were pre-fight concerns over Pacquiao struggling to make the 130-lbs. limit.

But the two-division champion shrugged that off and looked good as he came out for the fight, weighing 144 lbs. Barrera tipped the scales at 138 lbs.

"Even before the fight, I knew he was going to box, that's why I prepared for that. I was not over-confident," Pacquiao said after securing his 45th win (35 KOs) against 3-losses and 2 draws.

"I was careful (to avoid a head-butt) because he was moving his head very well," he said.

Internet reports said Pacquiao outlanded Barrera, 249-111. Pacquiao connected on 37 percent of his shots, while Barrera landed just 21 percent.

"I hope Filipinos are happy with my performance," said Pacquiao, who was already looking forward for another celebration when he returns to the country this week.

Notwithstanding the cut under his right eye caused by what he claimed was a head-butt, Barrera looked and sounded a relieved man as he stayed on his feet after the 36-minute showdown witnessed by 10,112 people inside the fight venue and millions all over the world.

"I'm proud I survived Pacquiao," Barrera, an 18-year-veteran, who was knocked out by the Filipino pug in the 11th round in their November 2003 duel, said.

"I moved all the time with my jabs. But he (Pacquiao) threw so many combinations," the Mexican added.

Then, he officially declared he was hanging his gloves for good.

"I am finished with this beautiful sport," said Barrera, who ended his career with a record of 63-wins 5-losses with 42 KOs.

For Pacquiao, a possible rematch looms with reigning WBA and WBC champion Juan Manuel Marquez, who battled him to a controversial draw after getting knocked down thrice in the first round.

Marquez dealt Barrera a bloody defeat last March.

Pacquiao is riding a five-match winning streak that started against Barrera's compatriot, Erik Morales in January 2006. Pacquiao bowed Morales in March 2005.

Pacquiao defeated Morales twice and also scalped Jorge Solis and Oscar Larios, who, like Barrera also went the distance against the Filipino superstar.

Pacquiao's American trainer, Freddie Roach was quoted by internet reports as saying that he was surprised that Barrera lasted long as he did in the fight.

"He has a lot of heart and guts, and he fought a great fight. Manny boxed well. He showed good footwork," Roach said.

"When he cut him off and moved Barrera to the right, it was beautiful. I give Barrera a lot of credit. I didn't like it when Manny followed Barrera around," the trainer added.

A report on ESPN.com indicated that both fighters earned at least $2 million for the fight.*CPT

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