Manny Pacquiao has opened up on one fight in particular where he felt he was lucky to come out unscathed.
The Filipino boxing icon took on all comers throughout his iconic professional career, which started back in January 1995 when he was a 16-year-old.
He became a historic eight-weight world champion, and over 30 years later he still remains active, as he prepares to take on former rival Floyd Mayweather in a rematch at The Sphere in Las Vegas on September 19.
While Pacquiao’s most notable clash may have been the first meeting with Mayweather, it was a different name that came to mind when he was discussing one of the most intimidating fighters he shared the ring with.
It was back in November 2010 when Pacquiao had a vacant WBC super-welterweight title fight with Antonio Margarito, the only time in the Filipino’s career where he competed above the welterweight limit.
A catchweight of 150lbs was put in place, with Pacquiao weighing 144.6lbs, while Margarito came in at the limit of 150lbs, before the the Mexican-American rehydrated to 165lbs on fight night, compared to Pacquiao’s 148lbs.
While Pacquiao comfortably won the fight by unanimous decision, it’s clear that the fight lives long in his memory, as he revealed to The Ring.
“Big and strong is an understatement. His body shots hurt me several times throughout the fight.”
Pacquiao discussed the fight further when speaking to Marca.
“(His punch) is different. It was surprising that I survived that fight. I could take the punches, I could take the blows, but after the fight I could feel something, it was too much for me.”
Margarito was world welterweight champion on several occasions, and retired from the sport in 2017 with a record of 41 wins from 50 fights.
