For many boxing fans, Manny Pacquiao is one of the greatest fighters to have ever laced up the gloves.
The Filipino had a remarkable career that began in 1995 and ended in 2021. In that time he became the only boxer in history to win twelve major world titles across eight different weight divisions including lineal honours in five different classes from flyweight up to welterweight.
Most famously he fought Floyd Mayweather in 2015 in what was billed ‘The Fight of the Century’, though came out on the wrong side of a points decision. His career ended with a loss to Yordenis Ugás but includes wins over the likes of Keith Thurman, Adrien Broner, Timothy Bradley, Shane Mosley, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Márquez, Oscar De La Hoya, Marco Antonio Barrera and Érik Morales.
Since then he has spoken frequently of coming back for one more, and even tried hard to make it to the Paris Olympics this summer. Recent reports state that his hope of fighting Mario Barrios for the WBC world welterweight title could become a reality as the contest was given the blessings of Mauricio Sulaiman, President of the sanctioning body.
At an event in Saudi Arabia, Pacquiao ran into fellow boxing legend ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed and put his arm around him before making his declaration in a video captured by Boxing King Media.
“This is my favourite boxer.”
Hamed was just as quick as prime Pacquaio and also packed plenty of power despite fighting in the lower weight divisions. He held multiple featherweight world titles between 1995 and 2000 including being the lineal ruler from 1998 to 2001, but was arguably just as well known for his unconventional boxing antics and spectacular ring entrances.
Though now long retired, the name lives on through his son and young prospect Aadam Hamed.
