The legendary Manny Pacquiao has surprisingly overlooked Floyd Mayweather when tasked with naming the most skilful fighter that he ever shared a ring with.
Eight-division world champion Pacquiao faced Mayweather in what was dubbed as ‘The Fight Of The Century’ at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas back in May of 2015.
Whilst many had argued that the monumental clash came a few years too late, fans were overjoyed when the pound-for-pound duo finally locked horns in what promised to be a classic.
This did not prove to be the case on fight night however, as Mayweather cruised to a unanimous decision victory to unify the WBC, WBA and WBO welterweight titles in what was a poor showing from both men.
With many regarding Mayweather as one of the best fighters to have ever graced the sport, Pacquiao actually overlooked the five-division world champion when he was asked to reveal his most skilled opponent.
In a ‘Best I Faced’ feature with The Ring Magazine, ‘PacMan’ gave plaudits to Mexican great Juan Manuel Marquez, who he claims was the ‘only fighter’ to figure him out during his career.
“He is the only fighter who really could figure me out and anticipate my moves. He is a brilliant counterpuncher and a tremendous warrior.”
Pacquiao and Marquez shared the ring with each other on four occasions between 2004 and 2012, a legendary rivalry between two of the finest fighters of the 21st century.
After their first encounter was declared a draw, Pacquiao got the better of Marquez in their second and third bouts which came in March of 2008 and November of 2011 respectively.
However, in their fourth and final clash, Marquez finally got his revenge over Pacquiao when he produced a sensational sixth round knockout, earning himself the Knockout of the Year Award in 2012.
