Former world champion Antonio Margarito, who fought Manny Pacquiao in 2010, has offered his take on the Filipino’s expected rematch with Floyd Mayweather.
The Mexican lost a wide unanimous decision to ‘Pac Man’ in their WBC super-welterweight title clash, just two fights removed from his infamous encounter with Shane Mosley.
Prior to suffering a ninth-round stoppage defeat to Mosley, Margarito had been made to re-wrap his hands after being caught with what was described as ‘loaded’ gloves.
Since then, his fighting career has been almost entirely flung into disrepute, with many accusing Margarito of cheating against Miguel Cotto in 2009, too.
But despite being associated with controversy, the 48-year-old is perhaps better placed than most to discuss Pacquiao’s upcoming assignment with Mayweather.
The two Hall of Fame icons are set to square off on September 25, headlining a Netflix event at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, though an official announcement is still yet to emerge.
If their rematch does go ahead, however, then it is expected to be a fully-sanctioned contest, with Mayweather putting his 50-0 record on the line.
But while the American won their first encounter by unanimous decision, in 2015, Margarito has told Luis Parra that he would favour the 47-year-old Pacquiao.
“Honestly, I’ll tell you something: if they fight again, I’m with Pacquiao.
“Not because I fought him, or because he’s my friend, or because I know him. No, [it’s] because I think Pacquiao is better than Mayweather. That’s what I’ve always believed. If they face each other again, I’d say Pacquiao wins.”
Pacquiao’s latest outing saw him box to a competitive draw with Mario Barrios last July, while the 49-year-old Mayweather has not fought professionally since his 10th-round finish over Conor McGregor in 2017.
