American undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao are widely considered to be among the greatest boxers in the history of the sport due to their achievements in the ring.
There was a clamor for the two top fighters to meet in the ring and that was what happened in 2015 in what was called the “Battle of the Century” at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The highly-anticipated fight between the duo broke revenue records when it came to Pay-Per-View buys in the United States of America alone with $410 million in revenue, thereby making it the highest-grossing PPV in history.
Mayweather Jr. came out on top in the contest winning via an unanimous decision 116-112, 116-112 and 118-110 to prove to the world that he is without doubt the best boxer of his generation.
Boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya, who fought both Mayweather and Pacquiao during his illustrious career, recently opened up about the two icons. The 51-year-old had no doubts that Pacquiao vs Mayweather would have beaten his American opponent if they had fought before May, 2015 in their prime.
Ring Magazine P4P rankings in 2000 compared to 2010…
— IFL TV (@IFLTV) July 9, 2024
2000 📋
1️⃣ Shane Mosley
2️⃣ Felix Trinidad
3️⃣ Roy Jones Jr
4️⃣ Oscar De La Hoya
5️⃣ Diego Corrales
6️⃣ Prince Naseem Hamed
7️⃣ Floyd Mayweather
8️⃣ Lennox Lewis
9️⃣ Erik Morales
🔟 Bernard Hopkins
2010 📋
1️⃣ Manny Pacquiao
2️⃣ Floyd… pic.twitter.com/iPZisovkIp
Mayweather, then 38 years old, and Pacquiao, at 36, brought contrasting strengths and legacies into the ring. Mayweather's defensive mastery and tactical precision were complemented by his ability to dictate the pace of fights and capitalize on opponents' mistakes.
In contrast, Pacquiao's rise to fame was propelled by his explosive speed, relentless aggression, and capacity to overwhelm opponents with rapid combinations and footwork. De La Hoya, who fought both during his illustrious career, asserted that Pacquiao would have had the edge in their primes, citing Pacquiao's relentless offensive style and Mayweather's advancing age by the time they finally met in 2015.
"Pacquiao would have beaten him easily. In their prime? Absolutely," De La Hoya stated emphatically, reflecting on the missed opportunity for what could have been a monumental showdown in the history of boxing.
The 2015 bout shattered previous records for Pay-Per-View buys in the United States, generating a staggering $410 million in revenue. Mayweather's earnings reportedly reached $180 million, including a $120 million guaranteed purse, while Pacquiao earned a substantial $120 million from the event. Beyond financial success, the fight underscored the global appeal and enduring popularity of both fighters, transcending sport to become a cultural phenomenon.
De La Hoya's insights into a hypothetical prime matchup between Mayweather and Pacquiao delve beyond financial figures. He highlighted Pacquiao's career trajectory, noting the toll taken by his aggressive fighting style and the caliber of opponents faced throughout his career. In contrast, Mayweather's meticulous training regimen and defensive acumen allowed him to maintain peak condition and strategic advantage despite his advancing age.
"I will give Floyd the advantage over Manny any day because Manny has been in wars. Manny has fought better opposition in their prime. He has more wear and tear," De La Hoya remarked, underscoring Mayweather's ability to preserve his physical condition and adaptability in the ring.
Critics of the 2015 bout pointed to Mayweather's defensive strategy, which prioritized caution and precision over excitement, contrasting with Pacquiao's perceived decline from his prime. Despite this, the event resonated with fans globally, highlighting the enduring legacies of both fighters and their contributions to the sport.
Looking ahead, speculation persists regarding a potential Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch, with Pacquiao himself hinting at ongoing discussions. De La Hoya, now a prominent figure in boxing promotion, remains cautious about such a reunion, citing Pacquiao's evolved fighting style and Mayweather's continued dominance and conditioning.
In conclusion, while the 2015 showdown solidified Mayweather's legacy in boxing history, Oscar De La Hoya's remarks invite reflection on the tantalizing prospect of a prime Pacquiao vs. prime Mayweather clash. As discussions and debates continue, the enduring allure and legacy of both fighters continue to captivate boxing enthusiasts worldwide.
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