After 73 professional fights, Manny Pacquiao is still pushing for further accolades but when reflecting on his career and his toughest contest to date, ‘Pac Man’ only had one answer.
Pacquiao remains as the only eight-division world champion in the history of boxing and is heralded as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters to have ever laced up the gloves.
However, despite his success, the now 47-year-old made a comeback to the ring back in July, as he attempted to break his own record as the oldest ever welterweight world champion (42), in a clash with WBC titleholder Mario Barrios.
Speaking to Inside Boxing Live before that contest, Pacquiao opened up on the other fights of his career, labelling the second instalment of his fabled four fights with Juan Manuel Marquez, where he won via split-decision, as his toughest bout yet.
“The Marquez fight, Marquez two.”
The Filipino icon could only muster a draw on the scorecards against Barrios – a decision which has convinced Pacquiao to stick around and try to claim world honours once again.
Now, Pacquiao continues to be linked to a second world title shot in as many fights, with WBA ruler Rolando Romero being touted as a likely dance partner, as well as WBO champion Devin Haney.
Although, Pacquiao’s next move hinges on Conor Benn’s decision to opt for either Romero or the WBC route, as he seeks a welterweight title shot of his own.
Alternatively, Pacquiao has been mentioned for a lucrative rematch against Floyd Mayweather Jr, who could return to the professional ring almost a decade on from his supposed career finale against Conor McGregor.
