Manny Pacquiao‘s exceptional boxing career earned him the right to be regarded as one of the greatest ever.
The 46-year-old from the Philippines captured world titles in a record breaking eight weight divisions throughout the course of his tenure, which spanned just over 25 years between 1995 and 2021.
It was revealed at the beginning of the month that ‘Pac-Man’ would be making a sensational return to the ring this summer as he gears up to face reigning WBC world welterweight champion Mario Barrios, bidding to become a world champion at 147lbs once again.
Pacquiao defeated a number of great fighters during his career, including Oscar De La Hoya, who he stopped in the eighth round of their non-title showdown which took place in Las Vegas back in 2008.
In footage captured just moments after he defeated ‘The Golden Boy’, Pacquiao paid homage to De La Hoya in an emotional exchange between the two fighters.
“You’re still my idol, you’re still my idol, whatever happens.”
De La Hoya called time on his outstanding career shortly after he was beaten by Pacquiao, in what was the 45th and final outing of his tenyre. ‘The Golden Boy’ won world titles in six weight classes between 1992 and 2008, making him one of the most decorated American fighters of all time.
Since drawing the curtain on his career, De La Hoya has had a successful campaign as a promoter under the banner of his company ‘Golden Boy Promotions.’ He has worked with an abundance of generational greats over the years, including Pacquiao himself, Canelo Alvarez, Shane Mosley and Marco Antonio Barrera.
