After all, Pacquiao never has been a man to waste time.

The 27-year-old Filipino phenomenon seems to be blasted from a cannon in his fights, pounding away at his opponents with a tempo and ferocity most can only admire. His interests outside the ring are varied and extensive as well _ from acting to singing, from endorsements to politics.

And in less than nine minutes Saturday night, Pacquiao (43-3-2, 33 KOs) accomplished a stunning amount of work.

He fought one of the most entertaining three-round matches in recent years, complete with knockdowns and ample violence; cemented his status as one of the world's best pound-for-pound fighters; and probably sent Morales (48-5) off to his own budding political career with a brutal thrashing ending in a knockout with three seconds left in the third round.

``I thought it was going to be a long fight, more action,'' Pacquiao said in his festive post-fight news conference moments after his victory _ while another party raged halfway across the world in the Philippines, where his fights are cause for national celebration.

``I never imagined it would be like this. I think everybody got to see something exciting.''

What the sellout crowd saw was a recital by a fighter at the top of his skills, a tornado of punching power and tenacity. Pacquiao bravely took several hard shots from Morales, but replied with many more _ until the third knockdown forced Morales to shake his head at his corner.

Pacquiao must be included in any discussion of the world's top boxers _ but in the Philippines, there's no doubt about the love for the gutsy national hero.

The fight was broadcast live in selected cinemas, malls and via the pay-per-view telecast. It also played for free in Manila sports centres, where people found out first about Manny's victory.

``My heart beats with extreme joy with another victory for the Philippines,'' President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said in a statement from Hanoi, where she was attending a summit.

``We all gathered around in our homes and places of work, in the streets and farms to pray for Manny. Manny will always be our hero, the bearer of the Filipino dream of winning the good fight in all fields of human endeavour. He will always be the people's champ.''

Morales seems resigned to retirement after four losses in his last five fights, saying afterward that he would only fight again if the match could be held in his native Tijuana, Mexico, to thank his fans.

``Erik is a proud warrior, but I pray that he will retire,'' promoter Bob Arum said. ``I don't even think it makes sense for him to take a lap in Tijuana against a nobody. He has a very bright future outside the ring. Right now, he probably can't compete with elite fighters at his weight.''

Pacquiao will fight again early next year, but it's too soon to say who he'll face _ perhaps Venezuela's Edwin Valero, if Arum has his way _ or who will promote him.

Pacquiao was promoted by Arum's Top Rank outfit for this fight _ but shortly before training camp, he signed a deal with Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, which reportedly hopes to match him with Marco Antonio Barrera in March.

But Arum announced Saturday night that Pacquiao wanted to renounce his deal with Golden Boy, even attempting to return a US$500,000 advance after recently signing a new four-year deal with Top Rank. As with most boxing disputes, it will be resolved in court.

At this point in his stellar career, perhaps only a promotion dispute could put Pacquiao on the defensive.

``I apologize,'' he said when asked about the dispute. ``I don't want to discuss that. I want to spend time with my family and go back to the Philippines to celebrate my victory.''

HBO will replay the fight Saturday night.