Manny Pacquiao Challenges Floyd Mayweather's 'GOAT' Status Ahead of Rematch Manny Pacquiao has expressed skepticism about Floyd Mayweather’s claim to being the greatest of all time, arguing that his own career achievements may surpass Mayweather’s in significance. The two boxing legends, both in their late 40s, are set to face off in a highly anticipated rematch on September 19, headlining a Netflix event at The Sphere in Las Vegas. While neither fighter is expected to deliver a career-defining performance, the bout has generated considerable interest due to its historical and competitive weight. Mayweather, known for his undefeated record of 50-0, is set to challenge Pacquiao in a fully sanctioned contest, marking a rare opportunity to test his legendary status. The American boxer, who retired with an unbeaten record after becoming a five-division world champion, has joined an elite group of fighters including Andre Ward, Joe Calzaghe, and Rocky Marciano. However, Pacquiao has questioned whether Mayweather’s record alone warrants the "GOAT" designation. Speaking to Inside the Ring, Pacquiao highlighted his own accomplishments, emphasizing his status as the only eight-division world champion in boxing history. He noted that his career spanned four different decades, a feat he believes sets him apart from Mayweather. "I’m the only fighter that became a world champion in four different decades," Pacquiao stated, underscoring his unique trajectory. Pacquiao’s journey began in 1998 when he claimed his first major title, and he retired in 2021 as an eight-division champion. Despite losing to Yordenis Ugas that same year, his legacy as a world champion in multiple weight classes remains a defining aspect of his career.#netflix #manny_pacquiao #floyd_mayweather #the_sphere #inside_the_ring
Manny Pacquiao Still Blaming Leg Cramps For Ugas Loss Manny Pacquiao continues to cite leg cramps as the primary reason for his defeat against Yordenis Ugas in 2021, describing an unusual pre-fight routine as the catalyst for his inability to perform at his usual level. The explanation has resurfaced in recent discussions, though many observers argue that the fight highlighted the challenges of an aging legend facing a younger, stronger opponent with precise timing and discipline. Pacquiao, then 42 years and eight months old, admitted the issue began before the fight even started, attributing his cramping to a new massage machine routine that left him physically compromised during the bout. Speaking to Inside the Ring, Pacquiao detailed the circumstances of the loss, stating, “For the Ugas fight, we did a routine that we did not usually do before a fight. That’s what happened to me, cramping in both legs. Before the fight, we did the massage machine. In the fight, I was cramping and could not move. It was the first time in my career that happened.” The fighter emphasized that the cramps were an unprecedented occurrence, despite his extensive experience in the ring. However, critics argue that the narrative overlooks the broader tactical and physical realities of the fight, which saw Pacquiao struggling to maintain his usual movement and positioning. The fight itself was a stark contrast between two fighters at different stages of their careers. Ugas, then 35 years old, was naturally larger at welterweight and demonstrated remarkable stamina, landing clean right hands throughout the contest. Pacquiao, despite flashes of hand speed and effort, found himself unable to close distance consistently or sustain exchanges as he once could.#boxing #manny_pacquiao #yordenis_ugas #inside_the_ring #massage_machine
