Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez is one of the few men to have faced both Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather when they were arguably in their prime.
Pacquiao is the only fighter to ever win world titles in eight weight divisions. Marquez fought ‘PacMan’ four times between 2004 and 2012, drawing one, losing two and, in the last encounter, inflicting a heavy knockout defeat on the Filipino great.
Mayweather, who goes by TBE – ‘The Best Ever’ – famously retired with a perfect record of 50 wins and no losses and is regarded as one of the best defensive fighters ever. Marquez faced Mayweather, who was the naturally bigger man, in 2009. He was knocked down by the American in the second round and lost a wide unanimous decision on the scorecards.
After years of hype, Mayweather and Pacquiao eventually stepped in the ring against each other in 2015 in a bout billed as the ‘Fight of the Century’. Although ‘Money’ won a clear decision on the scorecards, many argued that the clash came too late for Pacquiao.
Speaking on to the media about both fighters in their prime, Marquez was quick to say that Mayweather was the better of the two.
“I think Mayweather because he has a difficult style. I said for a fight you need two fighters and Mayweather is very, very difficult to connect [with] punches. He’s a top fighter.”
Mayweather still entertains fans in the ring through his exhibition bouts and Pacquiao has been linked with many high profile opponents for a potential ring return.
