How great is Manny Pacquiao?

 

Ali, Robinson, Armstrong, Leonard, Pacquiao. Does Manny really deserve his place in that sort of exalted company? And is he even the best boxer in the sport today, or is that Floyd Mayweather Jr?

Certainly, after his win over Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas at the weekend, it would be churlish to deny his greatness. The lightning quick southpaw from the Philippines has won "world" titles at seven weights, winning the WBO welterweight title on Saturday night, having begun his career as a light-flyweight.

Pacquiao seems to get better the further up the scales he goes. I would certainly say that Pacquiao is the best boxer I have seen in the flesh, although Mayweather is probably the most skillful. 

But Pacquiao has had to come up the hard way, winning is first world title as an away fighter in Thailand. Mayweather, by contrast, was given a big contract after medaling in the 1996 Olympics and had the route to his first world title well plotted.

But do either of them shape up to the greatest boxers of all time? Let us know your opinions.

Comments

[Boo Rhat]

It this fight happens then it will be a boring match. Mayweather will dance away from Pacman like a beetchy ballerina. People will boo and it'll expose Mayweather as no more than a clown in the ring.

For this to truly happen, Mayweather must sign a contract that binds him to duke it out with Pacman.

[James Fairweather]

They have far outdistanced their contemporaries and in their vastly different ways, both have achieved feats that would have commended them to their illustrious predecessors. We should savour this, just as we have recently enjoyed a similar once-in a-generation thrill in horse racing, through the brilliance of Sea The Stars.

True sporting greatness rarely reveals itself, which is why withholding judgement until it is absolutely necessary is always a good idea. When Pacquiao and Mayweather enter the ring to face each other, we shall see genius emerging from both corners.

[Phill Arrowsmith]

In my opinion Manny Pacquiao is one of the all time post war boxing greats. I would place Manny in the top three of all boxers since WW2. This puts him ahead of Ali but behind the two Sugar Rays. (In terms of achievement I know it's difficult to justify Leonard's place here but on sheer talent, along with the Hagler fight, and the fact that he single handedly got me interested in boxing he's staying here.) Although he hasn't been a legitimate world champ at all seven levels he has beaten the best from Light Fly to Welter. In fact the one thing missing is a true defining fight at Lightweight. He has never shied away from a fight and truly transcends the sport. In fact one of his greatest legacies could well be that he didn't chase belts, just the best fights. It's my biggest wish (that doesn't involve Swedish twins!) that the current trend for taking big fights regardless of belts may well see the eventual demise of the alphabet bodies. Beating Hatton at 140lb proved he was the best at Light Welter, he didn't want or need a belt to provide further evidence, it was the fight that mattered not the belt.
Mayweather on the other hand is a great boxer who will never be a boxing great. He cares far too much about his unbeaten record and consequently has refused to take some of the toughest fights out there that would have proven beyond doubt whether he really was the best of his era.
If these two ever share a ring it will only happen entirely on Floyd's terms - full 147 Welter limit, huge ring etc - as he knows that unless the odds are heavily stacked in his favour he would be beaten by Pacman. I've said it before but Mayweather has one chance left to become a true boxing legend instead of just a very talented boxer - fight Manny at 140. No, of course it will never happen. When did Mayweather last fight somebody without the odds being firmly weighted in his favour?

[walter]

mayweather is a boring fighter, he always runing away from his oponent, pacquiao is the real fighter, in every fight never run.
mayweather if u r good fighter fight like a man....don't run in 2010...

[Kenny Boy]

Mr Pacquiao is special. He has a quality which is lacking in much of pro sports.....humility.
Definitely up there with the all-time greats!

[Daniel Edwards]

I would make Mayweather the favourite when and if they meet - even if he wins though, im not sure I would place him ahead of Manny in an 'all time great' list.

That said a win for Floyd over Manny would push Floyd in the top 20 or so, along with Manny.

[ANDREW LEVY]

I have to agree with a number of these great comments from Ron, James, Phil, Daniel, Kenny and Walter, this is a fascinating match up of two awesome boxers who imo both rank in the top 50 boxers of all time, if they both retired tomorrow.
Pacquiao has achieved far more so far than Mayweather without question and his fighting style is a delight to watch, he is definitely a very special person who has used Boxing to channel his greatness.
His willingness to help others holds no boundaries and he is truly inspirational.
At this stage of their careers there is possibly more miles on Manny's clock than Floyd's but it is also this difference in boxing styles which also explains why we love Manny so much more than Floyd becauses he takes risks and isn't afraid to lose or go out on his shield which is something Floyd is not willing to do.

Floyd on the other hand is a technical genius who most people care little for, yes I have enjoyed his fighting style but I thought Oscar made the blue print to beat Floyd, imo he is incredibly dull compared to the Pound for Pound King Manny Pacquiao.

I currently think Shane Mosley deserves his place as the number two welterweight ahead of Mayweather.

[Tom Lawrence]

Both are up there amongst the great in my opinion. Any boxer who can win as many belts, at as many different weight levels, as these two deserve to be considered greats.

Some may say Mayweather is a boring fighter but he has won 40 fight and beat some decent fighters on the way. He simply plays to his strengths, sticks to his gameplan and does what he has to do to win.

As for Manny, to carry the power he has up the weight divisions and still be as fast as is... unbelievable.

I hope the fight does happen between the two of them because it would be amazing to see their differing styles collide. I would probably side with Floyd but then again I've bet against Manny in his last three fights and he's proven me wrong so wouldn't really want to choose a winner.

[manny]

Manny Pacquaio...great fighter no doubt, but wheather he,s good enough to beat Mayweather, I doubt it. Mayweather's fantastic defensive skills added to his ability to change styles for different opponents sets him apart from the rest.
And as Mayweather correctly points out.. it would be more of a surprise if HE lost!

[James Mac]

Manny must be pushing top 20 of all time. With so many titles these days, it's difficult to really do anything new, but he's done it. he only division he has not realy beaten the best in so far was lightweight - although Marquez did him a favour there by beating up Diaz, who was just about the best.

[sandeep Bhatia]

Like many, i cannot wait for this to happen, so here's hoping. Agree with some that it may be not be a classic, likely to be more fascinating than explosive. Type of fight will be dictated by Mayweather, who will probably elect to box at a distance, frustrate and and pot shot smart counters. Whether this is enough against Pacquiao's higher workrate, only time will tell. Going the distance for sure, cant see a stoppage. See it very much as Leonard-Hearns in 81, Floyd may well need to rally late to overhaul a points deficit. Sugar Ray managed it, over to you Mr.Mayweather.

[mark - NZ]

Manny Pacquiao put his place together with all the greatest name in boxing history... Who do you think can beat the record 7 titles in different weight division? As for Mayweather... i love to see you kiss the floor when you fight Manny... Can't wait to see you lose man...

[jhon castro]

if manny and mayweather, i think is best fight ever for boxing sport, if mayweather he want to fight with manny. manny he s waiting for him, for pound for pound king i pick manny.

[jhon castro]

I would like to c that fight, manny and mayweather

[brence jeter]

I put Manny on top position over Mayweather. Mayweather is just boring to watch because of his style. I know there is a clamour for the MP vs. Pretty Boy Floyd fight just because people wants to shut-up Mayweather's loud thrash talking mouth and the people don't have the chance to do it except for Manny in the ring. Manny Pacquiao fist carries the people's power that's why he is called the peoples champ.

[trueboxingfan]

All time greats is manny's category
mayweather's category fight who he can easily beat and cheat against in lbs. pacquiao doesnt need mayweather to prove any more just to beat him up and what? mayweather is nothing but a scared boxer and doesnt want to fight great fighters that can beat him!
all he want is MONEY..MONEY...MONEY!!!

[larry corrompido]

manny vs floyd??? who's floyd....

[Crashing Dashing Kid]

Pacquiao is one of the top 2 fighters in the world, along with Mayweather. In past eras that made you an all time great and one of the greatest ever. Manny is up there with equivelant fighters of other eras who moved through the weights like Kid Lewis, Tony Canzoneri, Jimmy McLarnin....Alexis Arguello, Julio Cesar Chavez, Pernel Whittaker & Oscar De La Hoya. Whether he is a Henry Armstrong, Sugar Ray Robinson or Roberto Duran is another matter. Those fighters met there 'Floyd Mayweather Jnr' type opponents on many occassions. Pacquiao is an all time great but still one fight away from being in top 5 of all time.

[jun]

majority of these comments said it, all especially james fairweather's. no doubt, pacman is the better man in and out of the ring.

[Marty Price]

He is a great fighter no doubt. For dude who said Sugar Ray Robinson did not rank with Leonard, I would suggest looking at some of that old film. Hell Robinson knocked out people moving away from them! Henry Armstrong, Ali, who knows what he could have done if he had not been forbidden unfairly to fight in the prime of his career...but all of these guys did not dodge anyone. Mayweather is a technician not a great fighter.

[Paul Wickes]

Come on! Look at his CV! He has a who's who of boxing in his win column. Barrera twice. Morales twice. Marquez. Cotto. De La Hoya. Hatton. And he's stopped them all, aside from Marquez.

The man is greatness personified. He is not afraid to fight abroad; all his major wins coming on the road. He's learned his craft by bouncing back from defeats, Marvin Hagler-style (although he never faced his early conquerors in rematches, unlike the Marvelous one)

One more fight for Manny, and he's done. It has to be Floyd. Win or lose that one, he's enshrined in Canastota, in the IBHOF.

[job guico]

All comments are off the supposed to be topic. We all should be talking about if Manny may be considered a great boxer of our time. Well if he beats Mayweather in their possible match, will Manny be then considered as the greatest? Is beating Mayweather worth it? I'd rather see Manny fight Shane Mosley. Nuff said...

[sandeep Bhatia]

Pacquiao has certainly gone on a tear the last 3 years or so, and mighty impressive it has been.

I recently rewatched some big matches from the 80s, (Leonard / Hagler 87, Hearns / Hagler 85, Leonard / Hearns 81, Leonard / Duran).

Puts a little perspective on where Mayweather and Pacquiao rank.

[Alvin]

im a big fan of Pacman. ive seen all his fights from amateurs in "Blow by Blow" up to now. I know he is destined to be great 10 years ago. he knocked out bunches of boxers in seconds of the first round in his amateur days. he has an iron body. he cannot be broken down that easy. he'll demolish shane mosley. his toughest fight will be floyd mayweather. the speed of these two boxing greats will determine who will win...

[Troy!]

Manny Pacquiao has cemented his legacy already. He does not need Floyd Mayweather to do it. Mayweather, on the other hand, has proven nothing. He arrogantly compares himself to Robinson and Leonard but he shamelessly avoided Miguel Cotto while both were top welterweights.

Coming from flyweight (106), Pacquiao has nothing to prove. Having avoided top welterweights, Mayweather has much to prove. His undefeated record is meaningless because, in his case, "Undefeated" means "Untested".

I try to give Floyd credit where due but there just isn't any substance to merritt such credit.

Camp Floyd will doubtlessly try to make the negotiations for a Pacquiao fight into an ugly pre-fight war. It worked well against de La Hoya and Hatton. They hated Floyd so much, by fight time, that they fought foolish fights.

Once Floyd realizes it won't work on Pacquiao, his camp will show their ugliness.

Manny Pacquiao is a true credit to the sport and to the Philippines. Floyd Mayweather is very talented but certainly has not accomplished anything that warrents the label "Greatness". That distinction is earned by "Accomplishment" NOT Talent.

If he retires today, I don't see why Manny Pacquiao wouldn't rank alongside greats like Robinson, Armstrong, Ali, Duran, Leonard and Louis. Floyd Mayweather is a step below these immortals.

[flamin' redshaft]

I think MP shud fight Mayweather Sr. first - beat the hell out of that deranged garbage talker. Then take on PBF for the megafayt! Ayt?

[JoTowers]

Mayweather is all that big mouth in the past when faced with other lesser boxers. Now he is avoiding in every aspect when confronted with the question- How about Manny?. This guy is a big time chicken. In his own small world he still thinks he is the best pound for pound. The only time he can prove it and wake up to reality is when he fights Manny.

[Willie Mercado]

I think that Manny is really up there with the best of the best, anytime you hear him fight, you expect a brawl
not a dance war, you will see exchange of punches toe to toe and not hit and run. If you will recall his fights you will say that every fight is the fight of the decade, but if you see Mayweather fight you will say nice footwork good technique but nothing devastating... no one has seven title in seven divisions, and don't tell me that Manny fought a so so boxer. This proves how great Pacman is.

[Roju]

Yeah i agree with BOO RHAT,Mayweather is just gonna run around again,I hope Pacquiao will knock his ass out before he starts running around the ring

[Ten]

Floyd is overrated. He rarely fights world-class fighters, and he prefers to beat up on smaller guys. He backpedals and scores points by pitty-patting. He's a trapper...lures opponents to come in and he's got that right hand already cocked. He has no real power and hasn't been tested by a quality opponent. You can't say you're the P4P king just sitting on your B-hind.

[Johhny]

YEAH I THINK IT WILL BE A BORING FIGHT (like marquez vs mayweather) BECAUSE MAYWEATHER IS ALWAYS RUNNING AND DANCING. ABSOLUTELY MAYWEATHER IS NOT AN EXCITING FIGHTER TO WATCH. FOR A PERSON WHO LOVES BOXING .PEOPLE WANTS ACTION. IF FLOYD WILL FIGHT TOE TO TOE TO PACQUIAO THEN THAT WILL BE THE BEST. MANNY THINKS FIRST THE PEOPLE WHO LOVES BOXING. PEOPLE want action . NOT LIKE BOXER WHO IS ALWAYS DANCING THAT'S FLOYD. I THINK FLOYD IS THE BEST POUND FOR POUND FOR A CATEGORY OF A "DANCER" NOT A "BOXER" HE IS A BORING FIGHTER.

[JAY]

Wut dey know bout' da Pacman?!
THE BEST,PERIOD!!!!!!!

[will]

id love to see amir khan mix it up with those 2 in a few years time.

[eric brun]

How great is Pacquiao? Did someone ever think that he might even be the greatest of them all even greater than Ali? The guy just achieved something which Ali, Sugar Rays, Armstrong has never achieved. That is to win titles in seven weight divisions.

[G.I. Joe]

I would place Pacman in the top 15 and Mayweather in the top 40. I watched Henry Armstrong fight in youtube and compare to Pacman, Pacman has a better style of fight. Henry often used his head to lean against his opponent. Quite Awkward.Pacman has the best boxing style i've see so far.

[Ver]

I think the fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather will not be boring. It is because Pacquiao will be stalking Mayweather. Pacquiao can last up to round 12 with relentless punching. The problem with Mayweather is he seldom punches. He's weird shoulder roll will be perfectly cancelled out by Pacquiao's "ALL ANGLE" punching ability. As we have all observer Pacquiao with his recent fight with Cotto. Both RIGHT and LEFT hands have SPEED and POWER. I think Mayweather will be in deep trouble if this Fight Happens. Also I think recently Pacquiao made a promise ... "FOR THE RECORD, YES." But this statement has a deeper meaning so Mayweather Jr. is quite worried with this recent response. tsk tsk tsk... so long PBF. :D

[Nick Moreno]

Pacman is one of the best fighters of all-time but Mayweather will run away from Pacman just how he ran away from Marquez and De La Hoya. Mayweather went to decision with De La Hoya while Pacman annihalated him I think Pacman can be considered one of the greats.

[dlh]

mayweather is way better then pacman it doesnt matter who has the better style to watch its who outclasses its oppenents. When pacman fought marquez we all know wut happen and when mayweather fought him he probly hit him with 2 decent punches all fight so doesn't matter if he runs like the say defense wins cahmpionships and thats what mayweather has so when they do fight mayweather 8 rounds to 4 and thas at best would be surprises if you see same thing as marquez. Just cuz pretty boy is cocky doesn't mean hes not the best you guys have to realise that and stop the hating.

[fred]

pacman wins in 8.

[kenedy royi]

why should floyd change his style,its his style period !thats how he fights .if Manny is so GREAT it shouldnt matter what Floyd does!!!!!

[rockefeller_G]

in my list pacquiao is one of the greatest of all time! i put him second just behind tyson, its because tyson got me to boxing. im no boxing analyst i got to boxing in the 90's so from earlier than that im no one but a fan.

i believe if pacman was in the era of and same weight class of ali,armstrong,hearns,sugar ray's he wuda beaten themm, his boxing style is good, he's got everything and hes very exciting to watch.

in mayweather's case, i think he's a good boxer but he's not a warrior, he's style is boring aswell, its a good thing he's got a loud personality, cus he wuda been a very anonymous boxer. if they do fight it wud not be a war, cus PBF doesnt fight wars he hides, itll be a total clash of styles, right now i think PBF's got the advantage because of his style but this fight will show pacman's real skill which i think he definetly has. i'm going for late round stoppage for PACMAN.

pacman is admirable from nothing to something form zero to hero, real superstar. i mean just look at where he came from no money very poor no platform no education nothing and now he's the people's champ thats everymans fairytale. after saying that, PACQUIAO is the BEST EVER hehe

[Kevin]

The Pacman is the greatest boxer since Sugar Ray Robinson. Leonard did not come close to Manny's power. He was more of a dancer, like Mayweather. I don't want Manny to retire untill he defeats Mayweather and Williams. I'm surprised at Roach trying to pick the easy option in Foreman. Paul Williams is surely the man to beat at Light-Middleweight.

[Antonio CGN]

All I have to say is Action speaks louder than words! Floyd does a lot of unproductive trashy talks while on the other hand Manny battles as soon the bell goes right through to round 12 if need be baby! Action pack boxing entertainment that is why we are die hard fans of boxing to see real champions become legends, and like it or not you are witnessing history in the making like never before. And not only that but from one of the poorest countries in the world and above all God is along side Manny and Freddie Roach what a deserving hero.

[RHEDJHONG]

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: FROM THE RIGHT CORNER, WEIGHING 147 LBS, THE CHALLENGER WITH NO BELT???

FLOYD THE ARROGANT "CHICKEN/DANCER" MAYWEATHER......MAYWEAHTER....MAYWEATHER...WHO??? WHO???

[Prozin]

Yeah, Guys Greatness in boxing can be very tectical, if we dont put Rocky Marciano's name next to Ray Robinson's then why Pacman, I really think that one needs not to look in his last victory to conclude his grateness because he defeated the blemished Cotto anyway, Marciano had no loss, Tyson had viscious KO, but still we think Pacman is the greatest thing we ever had?, Greatness is not really about Power guys, Robinson did it with Charisma, Speed, and Intelligence.

I wont say a thing about Mayweather because no one remembers, Aaron Pryor and Pernell Whittaker except their arrogance anyway, Muhammad Ali had to do more than enough to be accepted as one of the greatest. My point is, scientific boxers are not really appreciated.

Up untill Ali took a lot of punches from Cooper, Frazier and Forman we regarded him as the greatest, when he was young fresh, fast, fleshy and talkative no one appreciated him, Ali was the greatest in the days of Cassius Clay way before his late fights. But yes Pacquiao is a special boxer not the greatest though, guys 147lb's is a very hard devision to be the greatest in, do you remember Arguello?

[Bill]

Pacquiao will outbattle Mayweather when they meet. I take him to win on points.

I wouldn't as yet rate Manny in the top ten boxers of all time. Sugar Ray Robinson was the daddy of all. Ray Leonard, to his credit has said in many interviews that people should not compare him to Robinson, as he said Robinson was in a different league to him.

Top five :

Ray Robinson, Ali, Joe Louis, Willie Pep, Henry Armstrong.

[Alan]

I think these two guys are great boxers who will rank highly on the list when all is said and done. As much as I dislike Floyd's attitude and apparent shrewdness in choice of opponents at times, he is undoubtedly an exceptional talent and I think he has the advantages to beat Manny. Manny's rise has been meteoric in comparison and I'd love to see him catch Mayweather cold and win this but if it does go ahead in March then I feel it's too soon after the Cotto war. Manny can move to top 10 all-time in my list if he beats Floyd but I suspect Floyd will win a close-ish fight with Pacquiao getting more plaudits despite the loss. At the end of the day you have to realise Pacman has blitzed his way through weight-categories in months which is truly special, most others including Mayweather need years to progress as such.

[harold]

amazed at people who maintain that ali was the greatest. the greatest heavyweight of all time was rocky marciano. he never lost a fight. ali lost lots .there was too much hype around ali.
ali did not beat liston , the mafia beat liston. how many of ali's fights were fixed ?
rocky was a true champion. ali was good but not the best.

[khan]

manny is pound for pound the best, I've never seen a guy so fast and throw so many hard punches. The Floyd Mayweather fight, I can't wait for it. Floyd should fight with him toe to toe like a man, not run around. Let's wait and see next year when manny knocks his block off!

[Tim]

I have a problem with Pacquiao, and it's the way he goes to his corner and prays, INSTANTLY after winning. It gives me the creeps. If he was such a religious person, he wouldn't be boxing. To anyone who thinks it's stupid to try to separate christian religions from boxing, I thing they're pretty stupid for thinking you can put them together. THAT would require a ridiculous, self-skewering amount of blatant hypocrisy. BTW, I hear Pacquiao might go into Politics soon.

Glad I don't live or pay taxes in the Philippines.

[Howard]

Pacquiao is a very good fighter, an all time great top 50, but not an all time great top 20.
He beat a shot Hatton, he beat a well weathered Cotto.

Mayweather is a class above Pacquiao. He will show just how much so by outpointing Pacquiao by three points. He has superior movement and defense.

[jason ames]

pacquiao is a touch of class his fast hands and raw manner when fighting is just outstanding and hes the real deal beleave it i do and so do you

[Mark Graham]

Mayweather's win against Marquez (after almost 2 years out of action) was just as impressive as the Cotto fight. Mayweather is a better technical boxer and Manny is a great, entertaining fighter. They just have different philosophies; Floyd wants to out-box his opponents and Manny wants to demolish his. If Mayweather boxes like he did against Hatton or Marquez(who are admittedly not in the same league), I think he'll have too much class and win on points. If he boxes like he did against DeLaHoya, he won't last 6 rounds. I can't wait!

[Joseph Solanoy]

After Pacman wins a unanimous decision over money mayweather, he can most certainly be grouped with the likes of Ali and Leonard. Pac is the only boxer right now in this division with the ability to penetrate the mayweather defense. His speed and unpredictable combinations will be too much for mayweather to withstand over 12 rounds. I see this fight going the distance with Manny winning a split decision. Mayweather will counter the entire fight, but Pacs busy style will edge him out towards the end, similar to the 2 questionable victories he had over Marquez. Alternatively, I can also see this fight ending at about the 6th if Manny catches mayweather with one solid punch. I believe Pac can take mayweathers punch, but mayweather will buckle after a solid Pac punch to the head.

[Art]

No one has ever accomplished what manny did, not ali, not robinson, not leonard, not dela hoya, not mayweather...no one! 7 world titles!

[Rolando Alano Jr.]

For me Manny Pacquiao's greatness in boxing is considered to be incomparable...He has conquered 7 weight classes, fought the best fighters of his time and won convincingly, his handspeed is very obvious and best thing about manny is that he does not dance away from his opponent(like mayweather haha..)he fights ferociously and inteligently using his speed and power that's why in my opinion people love to see him fight.He's not the type of a boring fighter like mayweather...I stongly believe that mayweather will surely kiss the floor this coming march 13 2010,mark my word....thank u...

[Rolando Alano Jr.]

For me Manny Pacquiao's greatness in boxing is considered to be incomparable...He has conquered 7 weight classes, fought the best fighters of his time and won convincingly, his handspeed is very obvious and best thing about manny is that he does not dance away from his opponent(like mayweather haha..)he fights ferociously and inteligently using his speed and power that's why in my opinion people love to see him fight.He's not the type of a boring fighter like mayweather...I stongly believe that mayweather will surely kiss the floor this coming march 13 2010,mark my word....thank u...

[Roc Liggins]

You know something all you Mayweather Haters out. I really wish all of you would do a history lesson so you would realize that Mayweather and Marquez have been through the same weight divisions (minus 154) throughout there careers. Mayweather fought as a featherweight in the olympics, began his career as a superfeather and remained there for his first 14 fights. He then moved up and took the 130 title from Hernandez, knocked out the then undefeated Diego Corrales and defended the title 8 times over a 3 year period before moving up and taking the 135 title from Castillo(in a bogus decision), he then took the 140 title from Arturo Gatti(after Casamayor ducked him), He then won the IBF, WBC, and WBA titles in the welterweight division before moving up to junior middleweight to beat De la Hoya. So for all of you who say he was just a big bully are just ignorant. He is not a natural welterweight as he has only fought 4 fights there. 27 of his 40 wins came in the Super featherweight division. That means he spent most of his career at 125 and 130 pounds. Just admitt that Mayweather is the guy you love to hate because you just can't beat him.

[JIBS]

You know it's not really about hating Mayweather it's just simply about who's giving a good show to all the people across the globe watching how these two great boxers deliver what the people paid for. Manny may or may not win in this fight but to me win or lose, he doesn't have to prove that he is the best boxer, because he is.

[Karl MN]

After each fight some boxers went to corner and pray, it has nothing to do with religion, just listening to this pray and think deeply : Dear master, thank you for making me a better fighter today, if i become the best fighter ever that will always remind me how great teacher you are.

[charlie M.]

I think Manny has already proved himself to be one of the greatest slugger out there, even before fighting Cotto. Now, if he beats Mayweather, well the only story here is that a lot of people would want to see how Pacquiao beat the unbeaten Floyd. What kind of style he will use against this technical and sometimes boring fighter. Most ordinary people don't see Floyds perfect record, they only see an arrogant, loudmouth, and money hungry Mayweather. I MYSELF HATE HIM! Manny Pacquiao is right, he should not be imitated by young people! Period!

[romeo lacasandile]

I am a boxing fan of any boxer who can really entertain viewers and pleased fans who paid for the fight.
MP is a boxer and an entertainer who satisfies viewers that's why all of us called him "People's Champ".
He is also humble and modest that when anyone interviews him how he did a knockout.. he just simply said... that I am lucky and not expecting the knockout... He will just smile and just say, He is only doing his job...Also inside the ring... sometimes he used to call the attention of the referre if he knows that his opponent is already hurt.. It seems that he does not want to do more damage or hurt his opponent.. he is a very gentleman and softhearted boxer...He does not know how to cheat his opponent. He wants fair fight.

MP should be a model to this sport and should be recognized for his attitude inside the ring...Not like other boxers who uses dirty tactics and never care with his opponent whether they will die just to win...

Mayweather and his dad... talk too much....Like Mayweather Sr... what happened after the Hatton fight... He left Hatton lying on the canvas and even blamed Hatton for not following the plans... Is this a kind of a coach All boxers should avoid him. Before the hatton fight... he boasted too much... now where is he now???? Are you not ashamed... or you don't have any...

To mayweather... why not just fight with MP... Rejecting Dallas Stadium is now a sign that it seems that you don't want to fight MP... If you want to prove that you are the best... there should be no "NO's" with regards to the venue or even the money...You have been comparing yourself with the robinsons or sugar ray or those boxing greats but only boasting... why not prove it....If the fight happens... you should submit yourself for weighing after the official weigh-in in order to know your approximate weigh during the fight . You need also to be at agreed 147 lb weight. You preferrred to be fined for an extra weight rather than complying the agreed weight becasue yo want always to be at your advantage... You are not fair... That's why we don't idolizes you becasue you are not agood model to the sport. I don't know why some fans are still admiring your style... Character inside the ring should be one of the criterias to idolize an atlethe.C'mmon!!!! Moneyweather... fight fair and square with MP at the middle of the ring.. don't run!!!!

[Team Pacquiao]

i'm pretty sure Freddie Roach has a game plan set for Pacman when he fights Floyd. don't be surprised to see a different Pacquiao on March 13th. lets not forget he got an aging De La Hoya to come up very close to Floyd and im sure with a fighter as primed as pacquiao is, he will be able to pull of a victory

[Pret]

How about this? Fight One Pacquiao vs Mayweather in the USA anywhere dudes then Fight Two Pacquiao vs Mayweather in Manila in the Philippines. The champ Manny Pacquiao after beating Mayweather in the USA will take Mayweather on in his own backyard, something he rarely gets to do. This is what makes Manny Pacquiao's track record so much more credible. Would Mayweather do the same, i.e. fight outside of his own backyard with the same composure and skill? It's left to be seen. Vegas , Vegas , Vegas, its pretty boring now

[Nathaniel]

If the fight would be set at 147lbs, it should be strictly followed. If Mayweather weighs 148 or 149 it would be ok, but; if he exceeds to 150lbs and up during the weigh in, he should be automatically disqualify and lose the fight. Because 3lbs and more from 147lbs limit is a very big advantage to Mayweather. I'm going for Pacquiao, he's a great fighter, full of action and excitement. Like the "Pacquiao-Cotto" fight, Pacquiao wants to feel the punches of Cotto, that's why he let Cotto hit some hard punches. Go PACMAN!

[Tony]

Mayweather has to date fought no one who can punch as hard or as fast as Manny. Floyd will have to fight the best defensive fight he has ever had to do. Manny will come forward and make the fight..Floyd will stick and move...a lot, because he will have to.
Ignore all the people saying it will cancel itself out. This fight will be the first of maybe a 3 fight classic between the two men. It is going to be a wonderful fight..This fight will be one of the all time classics..between 2 of the greatest fighters the sport has ever seen..and we are so lucky to be able to see this..as it seldom comes along..The 2 greatest fighters on the planet..regardless of weight..meeting in the prime of their lives. And make no mistake friends, these two guys are in the top 10 all time greatest fighters..so let battle commence!

[Tony]

And as a footnote..Mayweather would have beaten Leonard in his prime..he would have been too quick for Sugar Ray..and Mayweather punches harder too. Manny would have KO'd Tommy Hearns at Welterweight. Roberto Duran and Manny would have been a great fight at Lightweight..again..Manny would have had too much for old Stone Hands..but it would have been a great night. Floyd would have met his match with Ray Robinson though..The Real Sugar man would have been too sweet for Floyd.

[Box]

Floyd "the Trashtalker Dancer" GAYweather

[Rich]

I think you are all missing the point here. How many fighters moved up that far and that fast and kept their punching power? I truly think Pacquiao is taking something. Also Marquez beat Manny regardless what you think. But he couldn't touch Floyd. Just like Floyd adjusted to Zab I think he will adjust to Pacquiao. If the Pacquiao camp has nothing to hide let the man do a blood test 30 days prior to the fight. You will not be weak for 30 days. C'mon that's ridiculous. I see alot of Floyd hating here. Why should I stand toe to toe with a fighter if my plan is to out box him.

[peter innaurato]

manny pacquiao is a superb fighter.However, i am not sold on the idea that he could have beaten Roberto Duran, Alexis Arguello, Sugar Ray Leonard, Tommy Hearns or Aaron Pryor at their heights as lightweights, junior welterweights or welterweights.With that said, I am not sold either on the idea that he will defeat Floyd Mayweather.Why?Manny will be frustrated by Mayweather's tap and run style.It's not that Mayweather is a greater ring warrior than Manny.It's simply that styles make fights and Mayweather, I beleive, has the capabilities of turning what many consider a fight for the ages into a boring, run,run and run somemore sleeper.I understand that the money is what this fight is all about, but if I were in Pacquia's inner circle, I would advise him to not fight Mayweather and risk his reputation as a true fighter being marred by a guy who doesn't have the guts to truly get it on mano a mano with Manny.I would advise Manny to maintain his marketability by fighting top contenders in the 140 and 147 pound divisions, while garnering substantial purses in the process.Fighting Mayweather leaves me with the feeling that nothing good will come out of it for Pacquia.Mayweather will simply grab a giant purse by doing what he is has done most of his career---fighting like a scared rabbit.In the process, he will dim the spotlight on a brilliant FIGHTER in Manny Pacquiao.Forget Mayweather,Manny.Fight true fighters, .Not charecters who will do everything to make a night against you anything but a true, get down and rumble fight.