BEWARE, FLOYD The “reckless” Manny Pacquiao shows off his moves for the media’s delectation at the Wild Card gym in Hollywood where he’s training for boxing’s richest fight.
MANILA, Philippines – After Manny Pacquiao’s unanimous decision victory over undefeated Chris Algieri in Macau on Sunday, Inquirer looks back at Pacquiao’s long journey before he became eight-division world champion.
Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Assistant Sports Editor Francis Ochoa (@francistjochoa) lists the #InquirerSeven Most significant fights of Pacquiao’s career.
- Pacquiao vs Ledwaba (2001)
Pacquiao’s first United States (US) foray. He was a replacement fighter and won a world title with a stunning KO victory. First time, for me, he really shocked the world.
- Pacquiao vs Barrera (2003)
I think this was the first time he really gained a cult following. (Tyson undercard?) He was vicious, relentless and the sight of Barrera’s corner frantically throwing in the towel is something one cannot forget.
- Pacquiao vs Morales III (2006)
The third fight, for me, opened the eyes of the public of how crushing Pacquiao’s combination of power and speed can be. Also, his work ethic during training was amazing. It was a sight to see the moves that they worked on were exactly the ones that spelled Morales’ doom.
- Pacquiao vs De La Hoya (2008)
This made Pacquiao a crossover star. Not only was he a boxing star, he became a sports star. This one turned him into a pop icon and opened a lot of doors for him. Might be his biggest fight ever.
- Pacquiao vs Hatton (2009)
Vicious. One of the best KOs in boxing history.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEPtojKdQuU
- Pacquiao vs Cotto (2009)
This one sealed his place in the pantheon of boxing. He became the first seven-division champ in the sport.
- Pacquiao vs Marquez (2011)
His most stunning defeat (https://sports.inquirer.net/75679/juan-manuel-marquez-knocks-out-manny-pacquiao-in-the-sixth-round). The KO ranks among the best in boxing also, but it wasn’t as brutal as the Hatton KO because Pacquiao more or less carelessly walked into Marquez’s right during that fight. Against Hatton, Pacquiao was surgical, paving the way for the brutal KO.
See also Manny Pacquiao’s Greatest Hits:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCHD9CRMV54
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