After Manny Pacquiao’s unanimous points defeat against Yordenis Ugas on Saturday night in Las Vegas the boxing world is wondering if we have seen the last of the Filipino phenom in the ring.
If the eight-division world titlist does call it a day what will his legacy be? Boxing Social asked four of our writers to give their take…
James Oddy
“Pacquiao has been going for so long I feel like he’s been taken for granted. He’s been an amazing fighter with an amazing record. From the thrilling wars with some wonderful Mexican fighters, to running riot over the likes of Cotto and Hatton, to the old stager beating the likes of Bradley and Thurman, he’s done everything and done it in thrilling fashion.”
Luke G. Williams
“When you look at the list of opponents Pacquiao has faced and beaten across multiple weight divisions it is nothing short of awe inspiring. Ledwaba, Barrera, Morales, De La Hoya, Hatton, Cotto, Margarito, Mosley, Bradley, Matthysse, Broner, Thurman … and probably some others I’ve forgotten. We are talking all-time great status here, not ‘mere’ hall of fame status but proper all-time great status. Comparing fighters from different eras is a thankless and impossible task but he must surely figure in the all-time P4P top 20 or 30, as well as being the most significant and greatest fighter to ever emerge from Asia. (For my money, he has a greater list of accomplishments than Mayweather, although ‘Money’ is the superior boxer). Added to which, Pac Man has – far more often than not – conducted himself with good grace and class (you can’t – alas- say the same about Mayweather). We will never see the like of Pacquiao again.”
Craig Scott
“Pacquiao should be remembered as everything that’s special about boxing. He’ll be remembered as the fan-friendly, logic-defying champion and the smiling, singing politician who’d brutally knock out a top opponent, and then nip across to a neighbouring casino to belt out some of his biggest hits. There aren’t many fighters who can match his rise from random Filipino fighter turning up in America to global superstar. I remember asking pensioners from the Philippines about Pacquiao when I worked in London, and every single time their faces would light up. He’s an icon. For me, his career was more exciting and enjoyable than Floyd Mayweather’s, despite the losses and the outcome of their meeting. Pacquiao fought everybody; he fought men far too big and bloodied them, just look at his bout with Antonio Margarito. He’s my favourite fighter of my lifetime, and I’m sure I’m just one of many hundreds of thousands of admirers.”
Shaun Brown
“He will be remembered as a boxing phenomenon. What he achieved obviously defied initial expectations but logic as well. One of the most thrilling fighters of the last 20 years. He’s given fans tales which they can tell the grandkids and a back catalogue that you would switch the phone off for a day to go back and watch. An all-time great.”