Last Updated on October 12, 2023 by Alex PT
Floyd Mayweather Jr. is widely considered to be a better boxer than Manny Pacquiao. Mayweather has a perfect professional record of 50-0, while Pacquiao has a record of 62-7-2. Mayweather is also known for his defensive prowess, while Pacquiao is known for his aggressive style.
Who Is A Better Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. or Manny Pacquiao?
Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, both are legendary boxers with unique styles and achievements, making it challenging to definitively declare one as better than the other. However, several factors are often considered in this debate:
Floyd Mayweather Jr.:
- Undefeated Record: Mayweather boasts an unblemished professional record of 50 wins, 27 of which were by knockout, and no losses. This remarkable feat is a testament to his defensive skills and tactical acumen.
- Defensive Genius: Mayweather is renowned for his defensive prowess. His ability to avoid punches, slip jabs, and evade opponents’ attacks is unparalleled. This defensive skill allows him to control the pace of the fight.
- Technical Mastery: Mayweather’s technical skills, including precise punching, ring generalship, and ring awareness, are often praised. His ability to adapt to different opponents is a hallmark of his career.
- World Championships: Mayweather won world championships in five different weight classes, showcasing his versatility and dominance in the sport.
- Financial Success: Mayweather’s bouts, including the “Fight of the Century” against Pacquiao, were among the highest-grossing in boxing history, underlining his commercial success.
Manny Pacquiao:
- Historic Achievements: Pacquiao is the only fighter in history to win world championships in eight different weight classes, a remarkable feat that reflects his adaptability and versatility.
- Exciting Style: Known for his relentless and aggressive fighting style, Pacquiao thrills fans with his speed, power, and willingness to engage in all-out brawls.
- Cultural Impact: Pacquiao’s success has had a profound cultural impact, particularly in the Philippines, where he’s considered a national hero. He has used his fame to engage in politics and charitable work.
- Fights of the Decade: Pacquiao has participated in several “Fight of the Decade” contenders, displaying his heart and warrior spirit in memorable battles.
- Global Appeal: Pacquiao’s fights have resonated with a diverse international audience, earning him a large and passionate fan base.
In summary, the debate between Mayweather and Pacquiao’s greatness is subjective and often depends on individual preferences. Mayweather’s unblemished record, defensive brilliance, and tactical mastery make him a strong contender for the title of the better boxer. However, Pacquiao’s historic achievements, exciting style, cultural impact, and memorable fights have also solidified his place as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Ultimately, the comparison comes down to personal criteria and the aspects of boxing that resonate most with fans.
Quality Of Opposition
Mayweather and Pacquiao took completely varied paths when it comes to the quality of opposition. Pacquiao’s opposition is chosen based on the choice made by his promoter Bob Arum. Mayweather, on the other hand, meticulously picked his opponents based on his possibility of victory. Many people criticized him for prioritizing self-preservation. They applaud Pacquiao because he made himself more susceptible to defeat than Mayweather. More of a reason why Mayweather ended his career undefeated at 50-0, while Manny still fights to date, and has been defeated seven times. In 2012, Manny suffered a devastating one-punch knockout against his long-term rival Juan Manuel Marquez. On the other hand, Mayweather has common tactics of picking up fights with inexperienced boxers, or boxers who posed no serious threats to him. More of a reason why most people criticized him for refusing to fight with young, hungry welterweights like Keith Thurmanz and experienced fighters like Antonio Margarito. By the way, you should know that Mayweather avoided the occurrence of fights with Pacquiao three times. Not until the Filipino had declined in physical strength. Pacquiao was really loved for his willingness to face the greatest Mexican fighters in their primes, including Marquez, Erik Morales, and Barrera on multiple occasions.
Fan Factor
In terms of fanfare, Mayweather and Pacquiao are comparable because they are two of the greatest boxers of our time. Let’s take a good look at how the fans receive them and who is loved the most. Pacquiao is loved by a lot of people because he’s more of a philanthropic. We’ve heard and seen him give out his match earnings to help the poor in his beloved country. The people in his hometown have testified to his charity and generosity to the needy who queue for miles outside of his home every single day. Mayweather, on the other hand, is seen as a fiend for most of his boxing career, as he normally trash-talks his opponents, shows off his lavish lifestyle on the internet, and flaunts his wealth to everyone possible. One thing we love about Mayweather is that he was so confident no one could take him down in the boxing ring. He’s undefeated during his prime and the fans love him for his technical ability. Before Mayweather took on his heel persona, he’s been loved and cherished by the people of America
Awards
Concerning accolades, the two boxers have really done great jobs by gathering lots of awards and encomiums. For the record, Pacquiao became the first and only boxer in history to win world titles across 8 weight categories from flyweight (112 lbs.) while Mayweather won world titles across 5 weight categories from super featherweight (130 lbs.) to light middleweight (154 lbs.) In terms of the BWAA “Fighter of the Decade” award, Pacquiao took home the award from 2000 to 2009 while Mayweather took the 2010 to 2019 edition. If we’re to talk about who makes more money, then Mayweather has a considerable advantage. Recently, Forbes Magazine listed Floyd Mayweather as the #1 spot of the highest-paid athletes with over $915 million. However, Manny Pacquiao only came out 8th with $435 million earned between 2010-2019. There is a clear difference as to why and how these boxer superstars fight. Pacquiao’s fights are organized by Top Rank, his promoter. More of a reason why he went home with less money compared to Mayweather whose fights are chosen based on his chances of victory and the amount of money on the table. We shouldn’t forget that Mayweather has won the Olympic medal for the United States which still proves to be an added advantage over the accolades and awards that Pacquiao has achieved.
| Boxer | Record | Weight |
| 1. Floyd Mayweather | (50-0, 27 KOs) | 147-154 pounds |
| 2. Manny Pacquiao | (57-5-2, 38 KOs) | 140-147 pounds |
| 3. Roman Gonzalez | (41-0, 35 KOs) | 112 pounds |
| 4. Wladimir Klitschko | (63-3, 53 KOs) | 243 pounds |
| 5. Timothy Bradley | (31-1, 12 KOs) | 147 pounds |
Who Has A Better Record Than Floyd Mayweather?
Julio Cesar Chavez is a Mexican professional boxer with a better record than Floyd Mayweather. He has a professional record of 107-6-2 with 88 knockouts, which is better than Mayweather’s 50-0 professional record with 27 KO. By the way, legendary boxers like Mike Tyson and Sugar Ray Robinson have great fighting records.
Is Mayweather Scared Of Pacquiao?
Not really! But there’s been a rumor that Mayweather doesn’t really want a rematch against Pacquiao. Although he boldly said he isn’t spooked or scared of the rematch against Pacquiao or any other boxer in the industry, Mayweather has been accused of being reluctant to approach the match.
Did Mayweather Lose To Pacquiao?
No! Floyd Mayweather won a boxing match against Pacquiao in May 2015. The match between these two fighters was regarded as the highest-grossing boxing event of all time. Besides, Mayweather remains the only fighter to achieve titles in eight weight categories.
Final Word – Wrapping It Up!
As we said earlier, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. will both go down as the greatest boxers of all time. But according to our review, Pacquiao is a better boxer than Mayweather. Mayweather may have a superior fighting record with (50-0, 27 KOs) and has topped the Forbes list of Professional Boxers than Manny Pacquiao with just (62-7-2, 39 KOs). We’ve reached the closing chapter of this informative article. We hope you were able to find good and reliable resources in your quest to know who is better between Pacquiao and Mayweather. If you have any questions or comments about the article topic, don’t hesitate to contact us. Thanks!
References:
https://evolve-mma.com/blog/comparing-careers-floyd-mayweather-vs-manny-pacquiao/
https://www.quora.com/Boxing-sport-Who-is-a-better-boxer-Floyd-Mayweather-Jr-or-Manny-Pacquiao
