5 Most Memorable Manny Pacquiao Fights

Manny Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) is undoubtedly one of the greatest fighters of all-time. He had an incredible career, which saw him win a world title in 8 different weight categories, including featherweight and welterweight. Despite advancing in years, he continued to fight and perform at a high level, as proven when he took on Keith Thurman at 40-years-old. “PacMan” had a brilliant ring IQ, and when he smelt blood, he was one of the best at ending the fight in devastating fashion. He possessed unbelievable hand speed, which often bamboozled his opponents.

“PacMan” was adept at punching from a variety of angles, making him a nightmare to defend against. He was tough and would not shy away from being dragged into a war. His performances over many years have made him one of the most respected boxers, so Big Fight Weekend wanted to bring you 5 of the best Pacquiao fights.

5 Memorable Manny Pacquiao Fights

Be strong. Stay disciplined. Never give up. 💪 pic.twitter.com/ALu9wLB9Gj

— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) August 3, 2023

Manny Pacquiao vs. Erik Morales II

Erik Morales, the first Mexican to win four world titles in different divisions, defeated Pacquiao when they first faced off in 2005. Despite advancing in years, Morales started fast, troubling Pacquiao with his speed and accuracy. However, as the fight progressed – “PacMan” inflicted punishment on his opponent with his incredibly fast hands and sheer volume of punches, overwhelming Morales and knocking him down twice in the 10th round before referee Kenny Bayless stopped the fight. This was a vital victory for Pacquiao, which paved the way for their third encounter in 2006.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez I

Manny Pacquiao shared one of the most intense rivalries with Juan Manuel Marquez, with the pair facing off four times. Marquez inflicted a devastating knockout on “PacMan” in their fourth encounter, but the other three fights were back and forth and close. Their first fight started in a whirlwind, with Pacquiao jumping all over Marquez, knocking him down three times within the first three minutes. “Dinamita“ barely made it through the opening round – but gradually clawed his way back into the fight. Both fighters went back and forth – throwing everything at each other, with Pacquiao showcasing his speed and accuracy, which was met with Marquez’s bravery and impressive counter punching, which troubled “PacMan.” When the bell sounded to end round twelve, the fight was called a draw, with many of the public differing on who won. Most importantly, this first fight between the two signalled the start of a memorable rivalry. 

Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto

Throughout his career, Pacquiao never shied away from a challenge, and he took on another when he faced off against Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. “Pacman” knocked him down in the third and fourth, with Cotto constantly troubled by the Filipinos power and work rate, leading to him taking over the fight in the later rounds, inflicting damage on Cotto. Pacquiao threw an impressive volume of punches, which resulted in the referee stopping the fight in the final round – making “PacMan” the WBO welterweight champion.

Pacquiao vs. Oscar De La Hoya

When Pacquiao was matched against Oscar De La Hoya, many predicted a win for the American fighter. The “Golden Boy” had an impressive career up to this point, never being on the end of a tough loss. “PacMan” had other ideas, inflicting a devastating defeat on De La Hoya, which sent him into retirement. The hand speed and counter-punching of Pacquiao troubled “Golden Boy” from early on.

De La Hoya had impressive speed, but Pacquiao was on a different level and outworked his opponent, stopping him in round 8.

Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton

Ricky Hatton was still considered the number one contender at light welterweight despite his defeat to Floyd Mayweather Jr. Hatton promised in the build-up that he would go to war with his Filipino opponent, and Pacquiao obliged. Hatton caught “PacMan” early on, but the Filipino superstar soon got control catching Hatton at will, with beautifully timed combinations, at a speed which seemed to confuse the Englishman.

Hatton continued to try to apply pressure, but Pacquiao made him pay, knocking him down twice, before sealing the victory with a wonderful delivered overhand left that knocked Hatton out and ended the fight – proving to the doubters he possessed the necessary power to trouble anyone in the higher weight classes.