Here’s Why Manny Pacquiao Is The Greatest Boxer Of All Time

Why Manny Pacquiao Is The Greatest Boxer Of All Time

A world-renowned boxer from the Philippines, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is considered the greatest boxer of all time. Although he has ten defeats in his 72 bouts, there are many reasons why Manny deserves to be the GOAT of boxing. Throughout boxing history, Manny Pacquiao was the only boxer to win 12 major world titles in 8 different divisions. From his powerful left hook and quick footwork to his expertise in techniques, Manny is undeniably a great boxer millions of sports fans admire around the world.

But most of all, Pacquiao is notable for his powerful punches that land on the perfect angle and every available space he finds. In his entire career, Pacquiao has showcased the prowess of his southpaw, taking every chance to hit the opponent with his left hand. Combined with his impressive footwork, Pacquiao creates an opening to perform his signature move, the right lead hook and then left straight, a destructive knockout punch enough to finish the fight.

But how did Manny Pacquiao become the greatest boxer of all time? Why did most boxing websites and sports news, like ESPN, The Ring, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo! Sports, and Sporting Life, rate Pacquiao as the best active pound-for-pound boxer in the world? Read on to find out why Manny Pacquiao is the greatest boxer of them all.

Here’s why Manny Pacquiao is the greatest boxer of all time:

1. KO Chockvivat in the 5th round

In January 1995, Manny Pacquiao was 16 years old when he became a professional boxer. In June 1997, Pacquiao fought his first title bout, where he fought with the former OPBF Flyweight Champion from Thailand, Chokchai Chockvivat. Chokchai was coming in with a record of 8 title defenses. Meanwhile, Pacquiao is a novice in the field who has yet to prove his legendary skills. See the gap between these two boxers?

Back then, Chockvivat was undefeated and considerably more skilled than Pacquiao, who merely entered the world of boxing for about two years. Pacquiao, on the other hand, fought with Torrecampo and remained undefeated in his next 15 bouts. So those titles didn’t intimidate nor make Pacquiao feel dispirited. Instead, Pacquiao made Chockvivat fall to the canvas, earning him a spotlight in boxing.

Pacquiao knockout Chockvivat in the 5th round with a left hook, bagging brought home the OPBF Flyweight title. After defeating Chockvivat, Pacquiao fought one official defense and two more non-title bouts before he competed for a world title.

2. TKO Ledwaba in the 6th round

Held on June 23, 2001, Pacquiao’s bout with Ledwaba is where his big break started. Their bout was held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Nevada, Pacquiao’s first-ever match on American soil. During that time, Pacquiao fought with the IBF Super-Bantamweight title holder, Lehlohonolo Ledwaba, while training with his latest trainer, Freddie Roach. Unlike his other bouts, Pacquiao only had two weeks to prepare for this fight since he was a replacement challenger.
Nonetheless, Pacquiao displayed greatness when he defeated Ledwaba via a technical knockout in the 6th round. This is Pacquiao’s second major boxing world title that Ledwaba defended 5 times. After winning, Pacquiao defended this title 4 times under the guidance of his head trainer, Freddie Roach. So even with a short preparation period, Pacquiao conquered this game. Not only did Pacquiao dominate the match, but he defeated Ledwaba thru a TKO.

3. TKO Barrera in the 11th round

Hailing from Mexico City, Marco Antonio Barrera and Manny Pacquiao first faced on November 15, 2003. Held at the Alamodome, Texas, this bout was Pacquiao’s first time to compete in the Featherweight division. Although Barrera made Pacquiao stumble in the 1st round after dodging a missed punch, many viewers consider this bout to define Manny’s boxing career. Pacquiao’s powerful punches made Barrera fall to the canvas.

After he stumbled, Pacquiao didn’t miss any opportunity and relentlessly punched Barrera until the referee stopped the bout. Pacquiao defeated Barrera thru a technical knockout in the 11th round. With his victory, Pacquiao became the first-ever Asian and Filipino to win a three-division world championship. But what makes this bout even more notable? Well, it’s the only KO loss in Barrera’s boxing career and probably why fans called him the Mexicutioner. Pacquiao defended this title twice and relinquished it in 2005.

4. TKO Velasquez in the 6th round

Billed as the “Double Trouble”, the bout between Pacquiao and Hector Velasquez was a Super Featherweight boxing match held on September 10, 2005. Held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, this bout is where Pacquiao took revenge after failing to defeat Erik Morales in their first match. During this bout, Pacquiao relentlessly punched Velasquez, making the Mexican boxer visibly tired.

Pacquiao’s punches mostly landed on Velasquez, so it’s no surprise he conquered this game. In the 6th round, Pacquiao defeated Velasquez thru a technical knockout and defended the title five times.

5. TKO Morales in the 10th round

While Pacquiao was defeated in their first bout, the rematch with Morales allowed him to show his greatness and get revenge. The rematch between Pacquiao and Morales was held at the Thomas Mark and Center, Las Vegas, on January 21, 2006. During this bout, Morales luckily avoided two knockouts. In the 2nd round, Morales held tightly on the ropes, while he fell on the referee in the 6th round.

But there’s no escape to Pacquiao’s revenge as he stopped Morales via a technical knockout in the 10th round. What a way to take back your honor, Manny! Also, it was the first ever knockout of Morales in his boxing career. Pacquiao dominated this bout and once again proved he’s a real Mexicutioner and a boxing legend.

6. TKO Diaz in the 9th round

Moving on to the Lightweight division, the bout between Pacquiao and David Diaz is another notable match, proving Pacquiao is the greatest boxer of all time. Held on June 28, 2008, this bout showcased Pacquiao’s powerful and swift punches despite advancing to a weight class. Pacquiao defeated Diaz thru a technical knockout in the 9th round, making him the first and only Asian and Filipino to be a five-division world champion.

Furthermore, Pacquiao is the first Filipino boxer to bag a lightweight world title. During the fight, Diaz got a cut on his right eye in the 4th round, which means Pacquiao dominated the bout. After the match, Diaz also admitted how fast was Pacquiao’s hand. Although Diaz could see Pacquiao’s punches, his speed was too fast, making him unable to dodge them.

Pacquiao held Lightweight and WBC Super-Featherweight titles before vacating the latter in July 2008. The same year, Pacquiao was also recognized as the “People’s Champ” for bringing pride to the Philippines.

7. KO Hatton in the 2nd round

Billed as “The Battle of the East and West”, this bout between Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao was held on May 2, 2009. Also, it was Pacquiao’s first time competing in the Light-welterweight division. It took place at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, which was Pacquiao’s fastest game in his boxing career. During this match, Pacquiao made Hatton fall down in the 1st round. Eager to retaliate, Hatton tried to dominate the 2nd round.

However, Pacquiao instantly recovered his power. With only 10 seconds remaining before the bell, Pacquiao knocked out Hatton with a left hook in the 2nd round, ending the game instantly. After the bout, Pacquiao won The Ring and IBO Light-welterweight titles, making him the 2nd man in the history of boxing to win world titles in six different weight divisions. Moreover, Pacquiao is the first ever boxer to win lineal world titles in four different weight classes.

8. TKO Cotto in the 12th round

A WBO Welterweight championship was held between Miguel Cotto and Manny Pacquiao on November 14, 2009. This bout was held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, where Pacquiao once again proved he was the greatest boxer of all time. Cotto dominated the match with his solid jabs during the first five rounds. Meanwhile, the odds were against Pacquiao even though Cotto stumbled in the 3rd and 4th rounds.

As the match continued, Pacquiao took over and conquered the fight. While Cotto successfully pinned Pacquiao on the ropes, the bout turned brutal in the 9th round, causing Cotto’s wife to exit the arena. At this point, Pacquiao has showcased his strength, leaving Cotto with a bloodied face. Despite his willingness to continue the fight, Pacquiao is too much for Cotto to handle, prompting the referee to end the bout.

Pacquiao defeated Cotto via a technical knockout in the 12th round, earning him his 7th world championship title, WBO Welterweight champion. Most of all, Pacquiao was the first ever boxer to receive a WBC Diamond Belt, a special belt granted to a winner of bouts between two legendary boxers. When this match ended, Bob Arum acknowledged that Pacquiao was the greatest boxer he had ever seen, saying he had met all of them, from Ali, Hagler, and Leonard.

Considering some of the highlights in Manny Pacquiao’s boxing career, Pacquiao is without a doubt the greatest boxer of all time. Although he might not compare to Floyd Mayweather’s undefeated record, 39 wins by knockout is an impressive achievement. In addition, Manny Pacquiao has plenty of notable accomplishments, from being the first Asian and only Filipino to win world boxing titles to being the first boxer to take home a WBC Diamond Belt.

Aside from that, Pacquiao’s hand speed, impressive footwork, and in-depth knowledge of techniques make him an even more remarkable boxer for the world to remember. So is Manny Pacquiao the greatest boxer of all time? In terms of play and achievements, yes, he is. Manny Pacquiao is truly the greatest boxer of all time.

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Read: Top 10 Manny Pacquiao Fights That Will Never Be Forgotten