Pacquiao: De La Hoya fight is my greatest victory | Inquirer Sports

Pacquiao: De La Hoya fight is my greatest victory

By: - Reporter / @BLozadaINQ
/ 09:57 PM August 20, 2021

Pacquiao de la hoya

FILE – Manny Pacquiao (R) hits Oscar De La Hoya in the fifth round of their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena December 6, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP

MANILA, Philippines—Manny Pacquiao tore through legends in his illustrious career but there’s one name he’s put atop the list of his most memorable opponents and that’s the Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya.

Pacquiao said that beating De La Hoya will always be his greatest victory after the two faced each other in 2008.

Article continues after this advertisement

“The greatest victory is the De La Hoya fight,” said Pacquiao whose eighth round stoppage of De La Hoya led the Golden Boy Promotions CEO into retirement.

FEATURED STORIES

Pacquiao’s fight against De La Hoya was also the first time that he competed at welterweight from his previous bout at lightweight, making it even more special for the Filipino champion.

“You know why? Because I came from 135 to 147. That’s unusual. I mean, not many boxers can do that. I mean, from 122, 126 to 135, and then moving up to 147, what?” said Pacquiao.

Article continues after this advertisement
 Manny Pacquiao speaks during a news conference at MGM Grand Garden Arena on August 18, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao will challenge WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas for his title at T-Mobile Arena on August 21 in Las Vegas.

Manny Pacquiao speaks during a news conference at MGM Grand Garden Arena on August 18, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao will challenge WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas for his title at T-Mobile Arena on August 21 in Las Vegas. Steve Marcus/Getty Images/AFP

While Pacquiao moved up two divisions for the fight, De La Hoya moved down one as he was fighting at super welterweight since 2006.

Article continues after this advertisement

Though they’ve been cordial with each other, they did trade verbal jabs once or twice in the past.

Article continues after this advertisement

De La Hoya, back in March, announced that he would be returning to active competition and in that same day Pacquiao decided to post a GIF of their lopsided contest.

Ever the fighter, De La Hoya commented with a cheeky response.

Article continues after this advertisement

“And still couldn’t take me down drained and all. Love you,” wrote De La Hoya with a kissing emoji.

RELATED STORIES

De La Hoya jabs back at Pacquiao: ‘Couldn’t take me down, drained and all’

‘Thrilla in Manila’, Pacquiao-De La Hoya among Arum’s most memorable fights

Oscar De La Hoya: Manny Pacquiao best fighter I’ve faced

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.