As far as modern day boxing greats go, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are up there with the very best.
‘Money’ Mayweather is widely considered to be one of, if not the greatest fighter to have ever graced the sport. The Michigan-native became a world champion in five divisions during his professional career, walking away with an unblemished record of 50-0 back in 2017.
As for Pacquiao, the Filipino icon has held world titles in a record-breaking eight divisions during his own career to date. The 46-year-old made a sensational return to the ring earlier this year after a four-year hiatus, fighting to a majority draw against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.
Mayweather and Pacquiao crossed paths in a bout that was dubbed as ‘The Fight Of The Century’ back in 2015, although the fight itself failed to live up to expectations as ‘Money’ cruised to a unanimous decision victory to unify the WBC, WBA and WBO titles at 147lbs.
In a resurfaced interview, legendary heavyweight Mike Tyson claimed that he believes Pacquiao has a better legacy than Mayweather in a surprising admission.
“Pacquiao looks better than Mayweather. You know, he overcame adversity. He’s been knocked cold, came back and had sensational fights with opponents that supersede any opponent that Mayweather’s fought.”
It has actually been speculated in recent weeks that the legendary duo could face each other in a rematch next year, although there is some uncertainty surrounding this.
Instead, Pacquiao could go on to face reigning WBA world welterweight champion Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero in 2026, as he sets his sights on breaking his own record as the oldest welterweight champion ever, having set it back in 2019 when he defeated Keith Thurman.
