Manny Pacquiao claims unanimous points victory on return to the ring

Pacquiao knocked Jessie Vargas down in the second and looked in good shape throughout, with two judges scoring the bout 118-109 and the other 114-113

The Philippine presidency on Sunday hailed the latest victory of the country’s boxing idol, comparing Pacquiao's resolve to its own bloody and controversial war on drugs (Getty)

Manny Pacquiao won the WBO welterweight title with a unanimous points victory over Jessie Vargas in his return to the ring.

The 37-year-old Filipino announced his retirement in April after beating Timothy Bradley but was back in the ring seven months later and claimed a decisive victory against his American opponent.

Pacquiao knocked Vargas down in the second and looked in good shape throughout, with two judges scoring the bout 118-109 and the other 114-113 in the eight-weight world champion's favour.

Floyd Mayweather was in attendance for the fight but Pacquiao was non-committal when asked whether a rematch with the 49-0 fighter was on the cards.

Pacquiao lands a blow against his American opponent (Getty)

In the post-fight interview in the ring, Pacquiao said: "I don't know, whoever the people want me to fight, I am not picking an opponent, whoever my promoter gives me I will fight.

"I'm going back to senate and the next fight I talk to Bob (Arum)."

Vargas was similarly asked if he wanted to see Pacquiao and Mayweather go at it again.

"Of course," Vargas said. "I wouldn't mind seeing it again. We are still very interested in seeing what could happen again."

But promoter Bob Arum echoed Pacquiao’s sentiment.

"Floyd Mayweather is retired. As far as we're concerned he's retired and we respect that," Arum said at the post-fight news conference.

Pacquiao readies to pounce in the ring (Getty)

Pacquiao had to skip the event because of a cut from a head butt that needed 16 stitches to repair.

Arum did mention other potential Pacquiao opponents, including Vasyl Lomachenko, Terence Crawford and Keith Thurman.

After the fight, Pacquiao was quickly challenged to a bout by British world welterweight champion Kell Brook, who tweeted: "unification fight at 147. Yes please £2017".

The Philippine presidency on Sunday hailed the latest victory of the country’s boxing idol, comparing his resolve to its own bloody and controversial war on drugs.

As with previous Pacquiao fights, the match was broadcast on large screens in public plazas and malls so the public could see their hero in action.

"Once again, Manny's triumph united and brought joy to our people and our nation," a palace statement said.

"The courage and grit displayed by our Filipino boxers in Las Vegas are the same qualities we must demonstrate as a nation to rid society of drugs, criminality and corruption," it said.

"Government has been successfully waging a war on these fronts and we as a people - emulating our boxers' toughness against all odds - must continue the strong gains as we battle towards victory."

PA.