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.
“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.
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.
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.
Though they’ve been cordial with each other, they did trade verbal jabs once or twice in the past.
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.
“And still couldn’t take me down drained and all. Love you,” wrote De La Hoya with a kissing emoji.