Manny Pacquiao has reclaimed his title as WBO welterweight champion.

The 35-year old Fillipino congressman and boxing phenom defeated his rival Timothy Bradley Jr. in a decisive victory Saturday night. Over 15,000 fans and celebrities flocked to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas to see the much anticipated rematch, with most of the crowd hoping Pacquiao would take back the title that many felt was rightfully his in the first place.

The pro-Pacquiao sentiment was understandable. His last match with Bradley ended in the first loss of his career, a split decision call that was widely disputed as one of the most disgraceful displays of judging ever seen in boxing. Various fans, commentators and media members all said that Pacquiao should have won the match. Promoter Bob Arum (who represented both fighters) said that he had never been more ashamed of the sport than he was that night.

Saturday's match was to be a moment of redemption for both fighters. For Bradley, it was a chance to silence doubters and win respect in the boxing community as the rightful champion. Pacquiao not only hoped to win back his title but also his confidence as one of the best fighters on the planet.

The two came out feeling one another out, but before long, Pacquiao began to dominate the fight completely. Bradley failed to connect on most of his shots. He was swinging without success, looking for knockout and coming up short.

In the end, two judges had Pacquiao 116-112, with the third having him 118-110.

After the match, Bradley conceded defeat.

"I tried, I really tried," Bradley said according to USA Today. "I really wanted that knockout. Manny is a great fighter, one of the best in the world. I tried throwing something over the top. I knew I had to do more in this fight than the last fight."

Many were surprised to hear that Bradley pulled a calf muscle early in the first round, but Bradley refused to acknowledge that.

"I have no excuses," he said. "Pacquiao was the better man."

Pacquiao, who earned $20 million from the fight, will now likely look to take on boxer Juan Manuel Márquez.