Date: July 26, 2003

Location: Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States

Opponent:      Emmanuel Lucero

Results: Manny Pacquiao defeats Emmanuel Lucero TKO in the 3rd Round.

Title Belt Disputed: Defended IBF Super Bantamweight Title 

This fight versus Lucero can be better known as the fight before hs career changing fight with Barrera. Lucero was just a fresh kid coming out of amateur boxing while Pacquiao was slowly rising as a superstar.  Lucero had an unusual crouching stance and Pacquiao took advantage of it by delivering punch after punch into the mid section and ribs which culminated with a Pacquiao knock out in the 3rd round. Pacquaiao was reading Lucero all night and eventually was able to concentrate his power with a left hook to Lucero jaw that staggered and dazed Lucero. Referee Jose Cobian called the fight to prevent inevitable damage from Manny.