Modern boxing great Manny Pacquiao has shared the ring with many elite level fighters during his stellar professional career.
Pacquiao entered the paid ranks way back in January of 1995 and would go on to capture no less than twelve world titles across eight divisions, ranging from flyweight to light-middleweight.
He rose to stardom throughout the 2000s into the 2010s where he produced statement victories over the likes of Juan Manuel Marquez, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto and Oscar De La Hoya.
Perhaps the most memorable bout of his tenure came in May 2015 when he finally faced long-term rival Floyd Mayweather, although their monumental clash did not live up to its expectations as the American legend cruised to a comprehensive points win.
While Mayweather may have retired with a perfect 50-0 record, in a feature with The Ring Magazine, Pacquiao shunned Mayweather when revealing the most skilled opponent of his career, naming none other than Mexican great Juan Manuel Marquez.
“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 faced each other four times between May 2004 and December 2012, producing one of the greatest boxing rivalries of the 21st century.
Whilst ‘PacMan’ got the better of Marquez on two occasions, the latter is often credited with having the ‘last laugh’ after he produced a sensational sixth round knockout win over Pacquiao in their fourth and final showdown at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
