Manny Pacquiao: Boxing’s one and only four-decade champion.
The fact Manny Pacquiao won titles in a record eight divisions – of 17 total – is generally cited as his greatest accomplishment. Another of them might never be topped.
Pacquiao, who announced his retirement on Tuesday, is believed to be the first fighter to hold major titles in four decades. The Filipino icon, who turned pro at 16 in 1995 and is now 42, won his first world title (flyweight) when he stopped Chatchai Sasakul in eight rounds in 1998 and his most-recent belt (welterweight) when he defeated Keith Thurman by a split decision this in July 2019.
Here are Pacquiao’s major titles by decade:
1990s
WBC flyweight (1998) – KO 8 Chatchai Sasakul
2000s
IBF junior featherweight (2001) – TKO 6 Lehlo Ledwaba
*-Featherweight (2003) – TKO 11 Marco Antonio Barrera
WBC junior lightweight (2008) – SD 12 Juan Manuel Marquez
Manny Pacquiao: Boxing’s one and only four-decade champion.
The fact Manny Pacquiao won titles in a record eight divisions – of 17 total – is generally cited as his greatest accomplishment. Another of them might never be topped.
Pacquiao, who announced his retirement on Tuesday, is believed to be the first fighter to hold major titles in four decades. The Filipino icon, who turned pro at 16 in 1995 and is now 42, won his first world title (flyweight) when he stopped Chatchai Sasakul in eight rounds in 1998 and his most-recent belt (welterweight) when he defeated Keith Thurman by a split decision this in July 2019.
Here are Pacquiao’s major titles by decade:
1990s
WBC flyweight (1998) – KO 8 Chatchai Sasakul
2000s
IBF junior featherweight (2001) – TKO 6 Lehlo Ledwaba
*-Featherweight (2003) – TKO 11 Marco Antonio Barrera
WBC junior lightweight (2008) – SD 12 Juan Manuel Marquez
Building greatness: Five fights that define Manny Pacquiao.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in April of last year. We’re posting it again after Manny Pacquiao announced his retirement from boxing.
Greatness is achieved step by painstaking step over a substantial period of time.
Few get there. And those who do can generally point to defining victories that served as those rare stepping stones that lead directly to the International Boxing Hall of Fame. All great fighters have that in common.
With that in mind, Boxing Junkie is initiating an occasional series called “Building Greatness,” in which we select a special fighter and provide five stepping-stone victories that demonstrated his greatness.
Our first subject: Manny Pacquiao, who over more than two decades proved over and over again that he is one of the best fighters of all time.
Here are five fights that helped define him:
LEHLO LEDWABA
Manny Paquiao (right) arrived as an important fight by knocking out Lehlo Ledwaba in 2001. Jed Jacobsohn / Allsport
Date / site: June 23, 2001 / MGM Grand, Las Vegas Division: Junior featherweight Records: Pacquiao 32-2; Ledwaba 33-1-1 At stake: Ledwaba’s IBF title Result: Pacquiao TKO 6 Background: Ledwaba, a talented South African, was one of the hottest fighters in the world when he agreed to defend his 122-pound title against Pacquiao on the Oscar De La Hoya vs. Javier Castillejo card. Some believed he was a future pound-for-pounder. Pacquiao? Trainer Freddie Roach had an inkling that his little Filipino was special but few others were aware of his potential. Until this fight. Pacquiao, throwing quick, hard punches from impossible angles and at a remarkable rate, stunned Ledwaba and everyone watching by dominating the champion in every conceivable way en route to a spectacular knockout. Pacquiao won every round on all three cards through five rounds. The future Hall of Famer was a secret no more. He had arrived.
***
MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA
Pacquiao returned to a homecoming parade after his first victory over Marco Antonio Barrera. Joel Nito / AFP via Getty Images
Date / site: Nov. 15, 2003 / Alamodome, San Antonio Division: Featherweight Records: Pacquiao 37-2-1; Barrera 57-3 At stake: Nothing Result: Pacquiao TKO 11 Background: This was only the first of Pacquiao’s nine fights against one of the great Mexican trio of Barrera, Erik Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez. But he proved in this fight — the main event at the Alamodome — that he was capable of dominating a truly great opponent. Pacquiao, too fast, too powerful, too good for Barrera, had wide leads on all three cards and was pounding Barrera at will when the victim’s corner ended the slaughter with four seconds remaining in the penultimate round. “This is a fight that will shake up the boxing world,” HBO commentator Larry Merchant said toward the end of the fight. And indeed it did. A star was born that night. Pacquiao would end up with a record of 6-2-1 against the Mexican Hall of Famers.
***
OSCAR DE LA HOYA
Pacquiao (right) established himself as a superstar with his victory over Oscar De La Hoya. AP Photo / Mark J. Terrill
Date / site: Dec. 6, 2008 / MGM Grand, Las Vegas Division: Welterweight Records: Pacquiao 47-3-2; De La Hoya 39-5 At stake: Nothing Result: Pacquiao TKO 8 Background: In retrospect, Pacquiao’s knockout victory over De La Hoya makes sense. The Mexican-American superstar was 35, in decline and dropped considerable weight to make the fight happen. However, at the time, it was difficult to imagine the diminutive Pacquiao beating such a gifted, experienced and naturally bigger opponent. We learned quickly that the young, dynamic Filipino was too much for this version of De La Hoya, who had neither the reflexes nor wherewithal to cope with Pacquiao’s speed and accurate punching. He battered his one-time idol for eight rounds – losing only one round on one card – before De La Hoya’s handlers decided enough was enough and he didn’t come out for Round 9. The victory proved to be Pacquiao’s threshold to superstardom.
***
MIGUEL COTTO
Miguel Cottos face tells the story of his one-sided fight against Pacquiao. Mark Ralston / AFP via Getty Images
Date / site: Nov. 14, 2009 / MGM Grand, Las Vegas Division: Welterweight Records: Pacquiao 49-3-2; Cotto 34-1 At stake: Cotto’s WBO title Result: Pacquiao TKO 12 Background: Pacquiao followed his stunning victory over De La Hoya with perhaps his greatest knockout, a breathtaking, one-punch stoppage of the durable Ricky Hatton on May 2, 2009. However, his victory over Cotto was more important. The Puerto Rican had built a reputation as one of the best fighters in the world over the previous half decade. And, frankly, Pacquiao had his way with him. Cotto felt Pacquiao’s power early – going down in Rounds 3 and 4 – and had no appetite to exchange punches from then on. Instead, he turned to his formidable skill set and dancing ability but even that failed him in the end. Cotto, his face a battered mess, was taking a pounding when referee Kenny Bayless finally stopped the fight.
***
KEITH THURMAN
Pacquiao (right) fooled those who though he was too old by outpointing Keith Thurman last year. John Gurzinski / AFP via Getty Images
Date / site: July 20, 2019 Division: Welterweight Records: Pacquiao 61-7-2; Thurman 29-0 At stake: Thurman’s WBA title Result: Pacquiao SD 12 Background: Pacquiao had many more-dominating performances than this one in his nearly quarter-century career. The elements that made this one special? Pacquiao’s age (40) and Thurman’s perceived ability. Pacquiao certainly wasn’t a has-been, having beaten Adrien Broner in his previous fight, but he was relatively old, couldn’t fight at the same pace he once did and was a small 147-pounder. All that figured to work in favor of Thurman, a big, strong welterweight who was in the second fight of a comeback from injuries. Turned out that even a diminished version of Pacquiao could still beat an elite 147-pounder. Pacquiao got off to a quick start by putting Thurman down in Round 1 and then fought in energy-conserving bursts to win rounds and ultimate the fight, albeit by a narrow margin. Surprise, surprise. The great one still had more to give.
Building greatness: Five fights that define Manny Pacquiao.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in April of last year. We’re posting it again after Manny Pacquiao announced his retirement from boxing.
Greatness is achieved step by painstaking step over a substantial period of time.
Few get there. And those who do can generally point to defining victories that served as those rare stepping stones that lead directly to the International Boxing Hall of Fame. All great fighters have that in common.
With that in mind, Boxing Junkie is initiating an occasional series called “Building Greatness,” in which we select a special fighter and provide five stepping-stone victories that demonstrated his greatness.
Our first subject: Manny Pacquiao, who over more than two decades proved over and over again that he is one of the best fighters of all time.
Here are five fights that helped define him:
LEHLO LEDWABA
Manny Paquiao (right) arrived as an important fight by knocking out Lehlo Ledwaba in 2001. Jed Jacobsohn / Allsport
Date / site: June 23, 2001 / MGM Grand, Las Vegas Division: Junior featherweight Records: Pacquiao 32-2; Ledwaba 33-1-1 At stake: Ledwaba’s IBF title Result: Pacquiao TKO 6 Background: Ledwaba, a talented South African, was one of the hottest fighters in the world when he agreed to defend his 122-pound title against Pacquiao on the Oscar De La Hoya vs. Javier Castillejo card. Some believed he was a future pound-for-pounder. Pacquiao? Trainer Freddie Roach had an inkling that his little Filipino was special but few others were aware of his potential. Until this fight. Pacquiao, throwing quick, hard punches from impossible angles and at a remarkable rate, stunned Ledwaba and everyone watching by dominating the champion in every conceivable way en route to a spectacular knockout. Pacquiao won every round on all three cards through five rounds. The future Hall of Famer was a secret no more. He had arrived.
***
MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA
Pacquiao returned to a homecoming parade after his first victory over Marco Antonio Barrera. Joel Nito / AFP via Getty Images
Date / site: Nov. 15, 2003 / Alamodome, San Antonio Division: Featherweight Records: Pacquiao 37-2-1; Barrera 57-3 At stake: Nothing Result: Pacquiao TKO 11 Background: This was only the first of Pacquiao’s nine fights against one of the great Mexican trio of Barrera, Erik Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez. But he proved in this fight — the main event at the Alamodome — that he was capable of dominating a truly great opponent. Pacquiao, too fast, too powerful, too good for Barrera, had wide leads on all three cards and was pounding Barrera at will when the victim’s corner ended the slaughter with four seconds remaining in the penultimate round. “This is a fight that will shake up the boxing world,” HBO commentator Larry Merchant said toward the end of the fight. And indeed it did. A star was born that night. Pacquiao would end up with a record of 6-2-1 against the Mexican Hall of Famers.
***
OSCAR DE LA HOYA
Pacquiao (right) established himself as a superstar with his victory over Oscar De La Hoya. AP Photo / Mark J. Terrill
Date / site: Dec. 6, 2008 / MGM Grand, Las Vegas Division: Welterweight Records: Pacquiao 47-3-2; De La Hoya 39-5 At stake: Nothing Result: Pacquiao TKO 8 Background: In retrospect, Pacquiao’s knockout victory over De La Hoya makes sense. The Mexican-American superstar was 35, in decline and dropped considerable weight to make the fight happen. However, at the time, it was difficult to imagine the diminutive Pacquiao beating such a gifted, experienced and naturally bigger opponent. We learned quickly that the young, dynamic Filipino was too much for this version of De La Hoya, who had neither the reflexes nor wherewithal to cope with Pacquiao’s speed and accurate punching. He battered his one-time idol for eight rounds – losing only one round on one card – before De La Hoya’s handlers decided enough was enough and he didn’t come out for Round 9. The victory proved to be Pacquiao’s threshold to superstardom.
***
MIGUEL COTTO
Miguel Cottos face tells the story of his one-sided fight against Pacquiao. Mark Ralston / AFP via Getty Images
Date / site: Nov. 14, 2009 / MGM Grand, Las Vegas Division: Welterweight Records: Pacquiao 49-3-2; Cotto 34-1 At stake: Cotto’s WBO title Result: Pacquiao TKO 12 Background: Pacquiao followed his stunning victory over De La Hoya with perhaps his greatest knockout, a breathtaking, one-punch stoppage of the durable Ricky Hatton on May 2, 2009. However, his victory over Cotto was more important. The Puerto Rican had built a reputation as one of the best fighters in the world over the previous half decade. And, frankly, Pacquiao had his way with him. Cotto felt Pacquiao’s power early – going down in Rounds 3 and 4 – and had no appetite to exchange punches from then on. Instead, he turned to his formidable skill set and dancing ability but even that failed him in the end. Cotto, his face a battered mess, was taking a pounding when referee Kenny Bayless finally stopped the fight.
***
KEITH THURMAN
Pacquiao (right) fooled those who though he was too old by outpointing Keith Thurman last year. John Gurzinski / AFP via Getty Images
Date / site: July 20, 2019 Division: Welterweight Records: Pacquiao 61-7-2; Thurman 29-0 At stake: Thurman’s WBA title Result: Pacquiao SD 12 Background: Pacquiao had many more-dominating performances than this one in his nearly quarter-century career. The elements that made this one special? Pacquiao’s age (40) and Thurman’s perceived ability. Pacquiao certainly wasn’t a has-been, having beaten Adrien Broner in his previous fight, but he was relatively old, couldn’t fight at the same pace he once did and was a small 147-pounder. All that figured to work in favor of Thurman, a big, strong welterweight who was in the second fight of a comeback from injuries. Turned out that even a diminished version of Pacquiao could still beat an elite 147-pounder. Pacquiao got off to a quick start by putting Thurman down in Round 1 and then fought in energy-conserving bursts to win rounds and ultimate the fight, albeit by a narrow margin. Surprise, surprise. The great one still had more to give.
For example, he got caught with punches he probably shouldn’t have taken. That might’ve been the result of overconfidence, which is something that can bite a fighter in the behind. He’s only 24. He’ll learn.
And he might not want to run in the final round, as he did. Fans expect their heroes to at least try to finish the show.
Here’s the thing, though. Colbert, as imperfect as he was, still won 10 of 12 rounds on two cards and nine on the third, although those scores might’ve been generous to the gallant, but overmatched Mongolian. I scored it 119-109, 11 rounds to one.
That’s how dominating the young man was.
And remember: He wasn’t fighting a pushover. Nyambayar took the fight on short notice and moved up in weight, which were disadvantages. That’s the downside. The upside is that the 2012 Olympic silver medalist has a polished skill set, he has power and he’s durable. He’s a damn good fighter.
And Colbert (16-0, 6 KOs0 made him look ordinary. The winner controlled the fight with one of the best jabs in the business, elite quickness and footwork that drove Nyambayar crazy. As a result, Colbert landed three times as many punches as Nyambayar overall, twice as many power shots.
He didn’t get the knockout – he usually doesn’t – but he made another strong statement just the same. He made it clear that it will take a special fighter just to compete with him, let alone beat him.
Does that kind of opponent exist at 130 pounds? Possibly. That’s where formidable Oscar Valdez, Jamel Herring and Shakur Stevenson campaign, although it might be difficult for him to get one of them into the ring anytime soon because of competing loyalties.
He’ll get the big fights eventually, though. And I’m not sure they’re going to look much different than his victory over Nyambayar did.
***
BAD
Tugstsogt Nyambayar (left) had some positive moments against Chris Colbert on Saturday night. John McCoy / Getty Images
I feel for Nyambayar, who lost a wide decision to 126-pound champ Gary Russell Jr. in February of last year, narrowly outpointed Cobia Breedy in September and then was overmatched against Colbert.
That’s a tough stretch for any top fighter, one that will be difficult to overcome.
I think he’ll be back, though. One, he lost to two of the most-gifted fighters in the world, the second one in a fight he took on less than two weeks’ notice. There’s no shame in that.
And, again, he’s good. You don’t win a silver medal in the Olympics and then succeed as a professional if you’re not talented and well-trained. Even in defeat against Russell and Colbert you could see that he has ability, one that might allow him to beat highly ranked opponents not named Russell or Colbert.
I’m also guessing that his confidence will not have taken too big of a hit. He knows how good Russell and Colbert are. And he knows that his mission was particularly difficult on Saturday because he didn’t have much time to prepare.
Plus, as Colbert suggested before the fight, Nyambayar probably took the fight in part because of the payday. That’s understandable. I think his goal was to earn the money by fighting as hard as he could under difficult circumstances. He did that.
Nyambayar will now take some time off, get back in the gym and begin the rebuilding process against a more-beatable opponent at his natural weight, 126 pounds. I believe he’ll succeed.
Indeed, we haven’t seen the best of Tugstsogt Nyambayar.
***
WORSE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1_rw1HNf1Q
I’ll never forget Lehlo Ledwaba, who reportedly died from COVID-19 at 49 Saturday.
It was early summer of 2001. The talented South African was the IBF 122-pound titleholder and about to make his sixth defense against a relatively unknown late replacement from the Philippines on the Oscar De La Hoya-Javier Castillejo card at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Some knowledgeable observers thought the quick, hard-punching champion was on the doorstep of the pound-for-pound list. That’s the kind of respect he had gained until that point.
Then he ran head first into a tornado and was never the same. That Filipino? Manny Pacquiao.
The future Hall of Famer baffled Ledwaba (31-1-1, 22 KOs) with his in-and-out style and legendary quickness before stopping him 59 seconds into Round 6. It was a spectacular performance that served to introduce Pacquiao (32-2, 23 KOs) to the American audience, which would soon embrace wholeheartedly.
Ledwaba, so hot entering that fight, was only 3-4 the remainder of his career. His promoter, Rodney Berman, said he wouldn’t have taken the fight if he knew how good Pacquiao was.
“I think Ledwaba lost all his motivation after that fight,” Berman told The Ring. “Ledwaba was a great fighter. He was definitely among the South African elite with Welcome Ncita, Vuyani Bungu, etc.
“He was an all-rounder, he could punch and he had charisma. He was all encompassing.”
RIP, champ.
***
RABBIT PUNCHES
Michel Riveramade a strong statement on the Colbert-Nyambayar undercard. The 23-year-old contender from the Dominican Republic overcame adversity – a knockdown in Round 6 – to stop tough Jon Fernandez (21-2, 18 KOs) with a single right hand in Round 8, which was a Knockout of the Year candidate. Rivera (21-0, 14 KOs) will have learned a great deal from the fight and he gave fans a knockout to remember. Not a bad night for him. … I try not to get too excited when I hear or read that two fighters are in serious or advanced negotiations but two such situations have my hopes up. Two fights reportedly in the works: Mikey Garcia vs. Regis Prograis and Jamel Herring vs. Shakur Stevenson. The thing I like best about the potential Garcia-Prograis matchup is that it will take place at 140 pounds, which is a natural weight for Garcia. He should be at his best. And Prograis is a special fighter, which makes this a special matchup. Herring would be making the fourth defense of his 130-pound title. He’s 35 but still near the top of his game. Stevenson, 24, is a rare talent on the rise. Early predictions: Garcia and Stevenson by decisions. It’s easy to forget how good Garcia is after his one-sided loss to Errol Spence Jr. And Stevenson’s natural gifts are off the charts. …
Eddy Reynoso, Canelo Alvarez’s trainer and manager, has said those who want his protégé to move up to 175 pounds only want to see him lose. Well, Alvarez apparently is in that group. Eddie Hearn, his promoter, says Alvarez has expressed an interest in facing imposing light heavyweight titleholder Artur Beterbiev. That fight stirs the imagination because it’s one that Alvarez could lose. Beterbiev is no Sergey Kovalev, who was past his prime when he lost to Alvarez. The two-time Olympian from Russia is skillful and a physical monster, as his 16 knockouts in 16 fights indicates. Kudos to Alvarez for even considering it. Of course, the Mexican star has some business to tend to beforehand. He’s in talks to fight Caleb Planet for the undisputed 168-pound championship in September. …
Good news. Undisputed lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez reportedly passed a COVID-19 test and will start training for his title defense against George Kambosos in August or September. The fight had been scheduled for June 19 but was postponed when Lopez contracted the virus. The fiery Kambosos is a genuine threat to Lopez. The fight should be a competitive and entertaining. If Lopez wins, next up for him could be a rematch with Vasiliy Lomachenko. … Now it’s Riddick Bowe’s turn. The former heavyweight champ reportedly is returning to the ring for an exhibition on Oct. 23 in Miami. No opponent has been selected. I don’t begrudge former champions a chance to make some money. I just don’t get why anyone would want to pay to see the geezers spar.
For example, he got caught with punches he probably shouldn’t have taken. That might’ve been the result of overconfidence, which is something that can bite a fighter in the behind. He’s only 24. He’ll learn.
And he might not want to run in the final round, as he did. Fans expect their heroes to at least try to finish the show.
Here’s the thing, though. Colbert, as imperfect as he was, still won 10 of 12 rounds on two cards and nine on the third, although those scores might’ve been generous to the gallant, but overmatched Mongolian. I scored it 119-109, 11 rounds to one.
That’s how dominating the young man was.
And remember: He wasn’t fighting a pushover. Nyambayar took the fight on short notice and moved up in weight, which were disadvantages. That’s the downside. The upside is that the 2012 Olympic silver medalist has a polished skill set, he has power and he’s durable. He’s a damn good fighter.
And Colbert (16-0, 6 KOs0 made him look ordinary. The winner controlled the fight with one of the best jabs in the business, elite quickness and footwork that drove Nyambayar crazy. As a result, Colbert landed three times as many punches as Nyambayar overall, twice as many power shots.
He didn’t get the knockout – he usually doesn’t – but he made another strong statement just the same. He made it clear that it will take a special fighter just to compete with him, let alone beat him.
Does that kind of opponent exist at 130 pounds? Possibly. That’s where formidable Oscar Valdez, Jamel Herring and Shakur Stevenson campaign, although it might be difficult for him to get one of them into the ring anytime soon because of competing loyalties.
He’ll get the big fights eventually, though. And I’m not sure they’re going to look much different than his victory over Nyambayar did.
***
BAD
Tugstsogt Nyambayar (left) had some positive moments against Chris Colbert on Saturday night. John McCoy / Getty Images
I feel for Nyambayar, who lost a wide decision to 126-pound champ Gary Russell Jr. in February of last year, narrowly outpointed Cobia Breedy in September and then was overmatched against Colbert.
That’s a tough stretch for any top fighter, one that will be difficult to overcome.
I think he’ll be back, though. One, he lost to two of the most-gifted fighters in the world, the second one in a fight he took on less than two weeks’ notice. There’s no shame in that.
And, again, he’s good. You don’t win a silver medal in the Olympics and then succeed as a professional if you’re not talented and well-trained. Even in defeat against Russell and Colbert you could see that he has ability, one that might allow him to beat highly ranked opponents not named Russell or Colbert.
I’m also guessing that his confidence will not have taken too big of a hit. He knows how good Russell and Colbert are. And he knows that his mission was particularly difficult on Saturday because he didn’t have much time to prepare.
Plus, as Colbert suggested before the fight, Nyambayar probably took the fight in part because of the payday. That’s understandable. I think his goal was to earn the money by fighting as hard as he could under difficult circumstances. He did that.
Nyambayar will now take some time off, get back in the gym and begin the rebuilding process against a more-beatable opponent at his natural weight, 126 pounds. I believe he’ll succeed.
Indeed, we haven’t seen the best of Tugstsogt Nyambayar.
***
WORSE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1_rw1HNf1Q
I’ll never forget Lehlo Ledwaba, who reportedly died from COVID-19 at 49 Saturday.
It was early summer of 2001. The talented South African was the IBF 122-pound titleholder and about to make his sixth defense against a relatively unknown late replacement from the Philippines on the Oscar De La Hoya-Javier Castillejo card at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Some knowledgeable observers thought the quick, hard-punching champion was on the doorstep of the pound-for-pound list. That’s the kind of respect he had gained until that point.
Then he ran head first into a tornado and was never the same. That Filipino? Manny Pacquiao.
The future Hall of Famer baffled Ledwaba (31-1-1, 22 KOs) with his in-and-out style and legendary quickness before stopping him 59 seconds into Round 6. It was a spectacular performance that served to introduce Pacquiao (32-2, 23 KOs) to the American audience, which would soon embrace wholeheartedly.
Ledwaba, so hot entering that fight, was only 3-4 the remainder of his career. His promoter, Rodney Berman, said he wouldn’t have taken the fight if he knew how good Pacquiao was.
“I think Ledwaba lost all his motivation after that fight,” Berman told The Ring. “Ledwaba was a great fighter. He was definitely among the South African elite with Welcome Ncita, Vuyani Bungu, etc.
“He was an all-rounder, he could punch and he had charisma. He was all encompassing.”
RIP, champ.
***
RABBIT PUNCHES
Michel Riveramade a strong statement on the Colbert-Nyambayar undercard. The 23-year-old contender from the Dominican Republic overcame adversity – a knockdown in Round 6 – to stop tough Jon Fernandez (21-2, 18 KOs) with a single right hand in Round 8, which was a Knockout of the Year candidate. Rivera (21-0, 14 KOs) will have learned a great deal from the fight and he gave fans a knockout to remember. Not a bad night for him. … I try not to get too excited when I hear or read that two fighters are in serious or advanced negotiations but two such situations have my hopes up. Two fights reportedly in the works: Mikey Garcia vs. Regis Prograis and Jamel Herring vs. Shakur Stevenson. The thing I like best about the potential Garcia-Prograis matchup is that it will take place at 140 pounds, which is a natural weight for Garcia. He should be at his best. And Prograis is a special fighter, which makes this a special matchup. Herring would be making the fourth defense of his 130-pound title. He’s 35 but still near the top of his game. Stevenson, 24, is a rare talent on the rise. Early predictions: Garcia and Stevenson by decisions. It’s easy to forget how good Garcia is after his one-sided loss to Errol Spence Jr. And Stevenson’s natural gifts are off the charts. …
Eddy Reynoso, Canelo Alvarez’s trainer and manager, has said those who want his protégé to move up to 175 pounds only want to see him lose. Well, Alvarez apparently is in that group. Eddie Hearn, his promoter, says Alvarez has expressed an interest in facing imposing light heavyweight titleholder Artur Beterbiev. That fight stirs the imagination because it’s one that Alvarez could lose. Beterbiev is no Sergey Kovalev, who was past his prime when he lost to Alvarez. The two-time Olympian from Russia is skillful and a physical monster, as his 16 knockouts in 16 fights indicates. Kudos to Alvarez for even considering it. Of course, the Mexican star has some business to tend to beforehand. He’s in talks to fight Caleb Planet for the undisputed 168-pound championship in September. …
Good news. Undisputed lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez reportedly passed a COVID-19 test and will start training for his title defense against George Kambosos in August or September. The fight had been scheduled for June 19 but was postponed when Lopez contracted the virus. The fiery Kambosos is a genuine threat to Lopez. The fight should be a competitive and entertaining. If Lopez wins, next up for him could be a rematch with Vasiliy Lomachenko. … Now it’s Riddick Bowe’s turn. The former heavyweight champ reportedly is returning to the ring for an exhibition on Oct. 23 in Miami. No opponent has been selected. I don’t begrudge former champions a chance to make some money. I just don’t get why anyone would want to pay to see the geezers spar.
Here are five victories that defined Manny Pacquiao as one of the greatest fighters of his generation.
Greatness is achieved step by painstaking step over a substantial period of time.
Few get there. And those who do can generally point to defining victories that served as those rare stepping stones that lead directly to the International Boxing Hall of Fame. All great fighters have that in common.
With that in mind, Boxing Junkie is initiating an occasional series called “Building Greatness,” in which we select a special fighter and provide five stepping-stone victories that demonstrated his greatness.
Our first subject: Manny Pacquiao, who over more than two decades proved over and over again that he is one of the best fighters of all time.
Here are five fights that helped define him:
LEHLO LEDWABA
Manny Paquiao (right) arrived as an important fight by knocking out Lehlo Ledwaba in 2001. Jed Jacobsohn / Allsport
Date / site: June 23, 2001 / MGM Grand, Las Vegas Division: Junior featherweight Records: Pacquiao 32-2; Ledwaba 33-1-1 At stake: Ledwaba’s IBF title Result: Pacquiao TKO 6 Background: Ledwaba, a talented South African, was one of the hottest fighters in the world when he agreed to defend his 122-pound title against Pacquiao on the Oscar De La Hoya vs. Javier Castillejo card. Some believed he was a future pound-for-pounder. Pacquiao? Trainer Freddie Roach had an inkling that his little Filipino was special but few others were aware of his potential. Until this fight. Pacquiao, throwing quick, hard punches from impossible angles and at a remarkable rate, stunned Ledwaba and everyone watching by dominating the champion in every conceivable way en route to a spectacular knockout. Pacquiao won every round on all three cards through five rounds. The future Hall of Famer was a secret no more. He had arrived.
***
MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA
Pacquiao returned to a homecoming parade after his first victory over Marco Antonio Barrera. Joel Nito / AFP via Getty Images
Date / site: Nov. 15, 2003 / Alamodome, San Antonio Division: Featherweight Records: Pacquiao 37-2-1; Barrera 57-3 At stake: Nothing Result: Pacquiao TKO 11 Background: This was only the first of Pacquiao’s nine fights against one of the great Mexican trio of Barrera, Erik Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez. But he proved in this fight — the main event at the Alamodome — that he was capable of dominating a truly great opponent. Pacquiao, too fast, too powerful, too good for Barrera, had wide leads on all three cards and was pounding Barrera at will when the victim’s corner ended the slaughter with four seconds remaining in the penultimate round. “This is a fight that will shake up the boxing world,” HBO commentator Larry Merchant said toward the end of the fight. And indeed it did. A star was born that night. Pacquiao would end up with a record of 6-2-1 against the Mexican Hall of Famers.
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OSCAR DE LA HOYA
Pacquiao (right) established himself as a superstar with his victory over Oscar De La Hoya. AP Photo / Mark J. Terrill
Date / site: Dec. 6, 2008 / MGM Grand, Las Vegas Division: Welterweight Records: Pacquiao 47-3-2; De La Hoya 39-5 At stake: Nothing Result: Pacquiao TKO 8 Background: In retrospect, Pacquiao’s knockout victory over De La Hoya makes sense. The Mexican-American superstar was 35, in decline and dropped considerable weight to make the fight happen. However, at the time, it was difficult to imagine the diminutive Pacquiao beating such a gifted, experienced and naturally bigger opponent. We learned quickly that the young, dynamic Filipino was too much for this version of De La Hoya, who had neither the reflexes nor wherewithal to cope with Pacquiao’s speed and accurate punching. He battered his one-time idol for eight rounds – losing only one round on one card – before De La Hoya’s handlers decided enough was enough and he didn’t come out for Round 9. The victory proved to be Pacquiao’s threshold to superstardom.
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MIGUEL COTTO
Miguel Cottos face tells the story of his one-sided fight against Pacquiao. Mark Ralston / AFP via Getty Images
Date / site: Nov. 14, 2009 / MGM Grand, Las Vegas Division: Welterweight Records: Pacquiao 49-3-2; Cotto 34-1 At stake: Cotto’s WBO title Result: Pacquiao TKO 12 Background: Pacquiao followed his stunning victory over De La Hoya with perhaps his greatest knockout, a breathtaking, one-punch stoppage of the durable Ricky Hatton on May 2, 2009. However, his victory over Cotto was more important. The Puerto Rican had built a reputation as one of the best fighters in the world over the previous half decade. And, frankly, Pacquiao had his way with him. Cotto felt Pacquiao’s power early – going down in Rounds 3 and 4 – and had no appetite to exchange punches from then on. Instead, he turned to his formidable skill set and dancing ability but even that failed him in the end. Cotto, his face a battered mess, was taking a pounding when referee Kenny Bayless finally stopped the fight.
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KEITH THURMAN
Pacquiao (right) fooled those who though he was too old by outpointing Keith Thurman last year. John Gurzinski / AFP via Getty Images
Date / site: July 20, 2019 Division: Welterweight Records: Pacquiao 61-7-2; Thurman 29-0 At stake: Thurman’s WBA title Result: Pacquiao SD 12 Background: Pacquiao had many more-dominating performances than this one in his nearly quarter-century career. The elements that made this one special? Pacquiao’s age (40) and Thurman’s perceived ability. Pacquiao certainly wasn’t a has-been, having beaten Adrien Broner in his previous fight, but he was relatively old, couldn’t fight at the same pace he once did and was a small 147-pounder. All that figured to work in favor of Thurman, a big, strong welterweight who was in the second fight of a comeback from injuries. Turned out that even a diminished version of Pacquiao could still beat an elite 147-pounder. Pacquiao got off to a quick start by putting Thurman down in Round 1 and then fought in energy-conserving bursts to win rounds and ultimate the fight, albeit by a narrow margin. Surprise, surprise. The great one still had more to give.
Manny Pacquiao, 41, is believed to be the first boxer to hold major titles in four decades.
Only Manny Pacquiao can make boxing history without lifting a hand.
Pacquiao is believed to be the first fighter to hold major titles in four decades. The Filipino icon, who turned pro at 16 in 1995 and is now 41, won his first world title (flyweight) when he stopped Chatchai Sasakul in eight rounds in 1998 and his most-recent belt (welterweight) when he defeated Keith Thurman by a split decision this past July 20.
Here are Pacquiao’s major titles by decade:
1990s
WBC flyweight (1998) – KO 8 Chatchai Sasakul
2000s
IBF junior featherweight (2001) – TKO 6 Lehlo Ledwaba
*-Featherweight (2003) – TKO 11 Marco Antonio Barrera
WBC junior lightweight (2008) – SD 12 Juan Manuel Marquez
