After his first 126 pounds bout in his hometown, Pacquaio once again defended his 122 pounds IBF super bantamweight title at the Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, United States on March 15, 2003.

The HBO Pay per view commentators are Emmanuel Steward, Larry Merchant, & Jim Lampley.

His opponent is the fresh from amateur boxing Emmanuel Lucero. The fight was very unusual. Lucero has an exaggerated crouch, almost at the level of the belt, a style which will prove to be his downfall.

Manny seeing this, pounded Lucero in the body. Lucero unable to see his opponent because of low crouching, took a beating, culminating in a knock out in the 3rd round. Pacquiao timed Lucero's movement, concentrated his power punch using his left fist on Lucero's jaw, staggering him, with just one punch. Referee Jose Cobian, seeing how wobbly and dazed Lucero, stopped the fight.

This is Manny Pacquiao's last fight at 122 pounds.