Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in the history of the sport. Over his illustrious career, the 45-year-old has won numerous titles and captivated millions of fans worldwide. Known for his speed, power, and relentless fighting spirit, Pacquiao's legacy as a champion extends far beyond the ring.
At the time of his retirement, "Pacman" had fought in a staggering 72 professional bouts, amassing an impressive record of 62 wins (39 by knockout), 2 draws, and only 8 losses. He holds numerous records, including being the only professional boxer to win twelve major world titles across eight different weight divisions—a feat that has cemented his status as a legend of the sport.
Pacquiao is also the only boxer to have won the lineal championship in five different weight divisions and one of the few to hold titles in four of the original eight divisions: flyweight, featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight. Additionally, he remains the only professional boxer in history to win world titles in four different decades (1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s), making his achievements unmatched.
However, despite his stellar career, fellow boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez recently made a controversial statement regarding Pacquiao and his contemporary, Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Floyd Mayweather hugs Mexican boxing great Julio César Chávez [@Jcchavez115]: ‘He’s a legend, he’s one of the guys that paved the way for me’ 🇲🇽#MayweatherGotti | #Boxing
— Marco Watts (@MarcoWatts_) August 25, 2024
pic.twitter.com/6siWF17Gqz
In a recent interview with PremierLiveTV, Chavez boldly claimed that he would have defeated both a prime Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. if he had the chance to fight them during his peak years.
"If Barrera and Morales defeated him, I think I would have with all due respect. He is no better than me, with all due respect," Chavez stated. "As I told you, at 135lbs, 140lbs, I definitely had the style to beat Mayweather and Pacquiao because I was a strong fighter, a fighter that could take many hits, a fighter that harassed you all the time. A fighter who beat you down high up, you know what I mean, and I definitely think I would have beaten him."
This declaration from Chavez, who is now 62 years old, has stirred up debate among boxing fans. While some agree with his assessment, many find it difficult to envision anyone overcoming Pacquiao's skill set, especially during his prime years when he was nearly unstoppable.
Chavez’s confidence is not without merit. He is celebrated as one of the greatest boxers of all time, having been inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011. His accomplishments are numerous, and his aggressive fighting style made him a formidable opponent during his era.
Ranked 17th best boxer of all time by BoxRec and 24th on ESPN’s list of the “50 Greatest Boxers of All Time,” Chavez held the World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight title from 1984 to 1987, the World Boxing Association (WBA) and WBC lightweight titles between 1987 and 1989, and the WBC light welterweight title twice between 1989 and 1996. He also held the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light welterweight title from 1990 to 1991.
Chavez was named Fighter of the Year twice, in 1987 and 1990, highlighting his dominance during those years. He retired with an outstanding professional record of 107 wins, 6 losses, and 2 draws, with 86 of his victories coming by knockout. Such was his legacy that he inspired a new generation of fighters, including his sons, Omar Chavez and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., the latter of whom became a WBC middleweight champion.
The prospect of a Chavez vs. Pacquiao fight is a boxing fan’s dream. Chavez’s relentless pressure, powerful body punches, and iron chin were the hallmarks of his fighting style. Pacquiao, on the other hand, brought an unorthodox approach with speed, quick footwork, and a southpaw stance that puzzled many opponents.
While Chavez believes his style would have been the antidote to Pacquiao's aggression, many analysts point out that Pacquiao’s speed and ability to fight off angles might have been too much for Chavez. The key question would be whether Chavez’s relentless pressure could have worn Pacquiao down or if Pacquiao’s speed and movement could have outmaneuvered the Mexican legend.
Chavez also expressed that his style would have troubled Floyd Mayweather Jr., known for his defensive prowess and counter-punching abilities. Chavez’s ability to cut off the ring and apply constant pressure might have given Mayweather a different challenge than he faced throughout his career.
Despite Chavez’s claims, it remains purely hypothetical—a "what if" scenario that adds intrigue to boxing's rich history. Fans can only imagine how a fight between Chavez and these modern-day greats would have unfolded.
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