Recognised as an all-time great by almost every boxing fan, Manny Pacquiao is undeniably one of the most talented and adored fighters to have graced the sport. When asked to name his own top three greatest fighters, there was a common theme amongst the names selected by the Filipino icon.
Pacquiao remains as boxing’s only eight-division world champion, having first claimed world honours as a flyweight and then repeated the feat as high as super-welterweight during an arduous and ongoing three-decade long career.
At 47-years-old, ‘Pac Man’ is attempting to further enhance his legacy, with plans to break his own world record as the oldest welterweight champion in boxing history, having previously won the title at the record-breaking age of 40 years and 215 days, and held it for two additional years.
Whilst unsuccessful in his challenge for Mario Barrios’ WBC welterweight crown upon his comeback to the sport, Pacquiao had been rumoured for a shot at Rolando Romero’s WBA title, before talks collapsed.
Although, Pacquiao is now preparing for a shock rematch with perennial rival Floyd Mayweather, but there remains some uncertainty surrounding that bout, as to whether it will be an exhibition contest or a fully professional encounter.
Pacquiao continues to build hype for the event and pile pressure on Mayweather to agree to a sanctioned bout and in an interview with Inside The Ring, the beloved veteran refused to name Mayweather amongst his top three fighters of all time.
Instead, Pacquiao picked those who, like himself, were truly loved by fight fans around the globe during their respective careers.
“Excluding me; Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez.”
It’s no surprise to see the Filipino icon select the legendary trio, with each of Ali, Leonard and Chavez widely regarded as three of the greatest boxers to ever lace up a pair of gloves.
Pacquiao is scheduled to face Mayweather on Saturday, September 19, with further details regarding the fight expected to emerge in the coming weeks.
