Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez has revealed the best fighter that he ever shared the ring with.
Marquez captured world titles in four weight classes throughout the course of his 21-year professional career which spanned between 1993 and 2014.
He shared the ring with a number of generational greats during his tenure, including the likes of Marco Antonio Barrera, Floyd Mayweather and Tim Bradley, but is often commended for his four-fight saga with Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao.
Marquez sensationally knocked out Pacquiao in the sixth round of their fourth and final encounter back in December of 2012, a highlight reel stoppage that was deemed by many as the ‘Knockout of The Year.’
In a round of ‘Best I Faced’ with The Ring Magazine, Marquez didn’t hesitate to name Pacquiao as the greatest fighter that he ever faced, paying homage to the eight-division world champion.
“Without doubt, the best pound-for-pound of his time and I faced him at his best.”
Although he got the better of Pacquiao in their fourth clash in 2012, Marquez did fall short to the Filipino great in their second and third clashes in 2008 and 2011 respectively, after their first bout in 2004 was declared a split decision draw.
Marquez announced his official retirement from boxing eight years ago, several years on from his 64th and final ring appearance which came against former WBO welterweight champion Mike Alvarado,
As for Pacquiao, the 46-year-old made a sensational return to the ring last month after taking a four year hiatus, fighting to a majority decision draw against reigning WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on July 19.
