Manny Pacquiao remains as passionate about boxing as ever, and despite already cementing his place among the sport’s all-time greats, the Filipino legend still finds himself reflecting on the fights that shaped his remarkable career—and one blockbuster matchup that never came to fruition.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers in history and unquestionably the Philippines’ most accomplished sporting icon, Pacquiao has built a legacy few fighters can rival. The former eight-division world champion has captured titles across an unprecedented eight weight divisions, headlined some of the biggest events in boxing history, and defeated a who’s who of elite champions during a professional career spanning nearly three decades.
After initially retiring, Pacquiao made his long-awaited return to professional boxing in 2025 when he challenged then-World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios. The comeback generated worldwide attention, with fans eager to see whether the Filipino superstar could once again compete at the highest level despite being well into his 40s.
OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.
Pacquiao produced a spirited performance against the younger Barrios, displaying flashes of the speed, footwork, and relentless aggression that made him one of boxing’s most exciting fighters. However, after 12 closely contested rounds, the judges scored the bout a majority draw—a verdict that sparked debate among boxing fans and analysts.
Speaking in a recent interview with Vibe, Pacquiao admitted he was still surprised by the official result and maintained that he believed he had done enough to earn the victory.
“That was a good fight with Mario Barrios, and I am surprised by the result. It was a draw, supposedly. It happened that way, so charge the experience and move on. People know who won the fight, even him. I know he knows. I have to move on and look forward to the future,” Pacquiao said.
Despite expressing disappointment over the decision, Pacquiao made it clear that he has accepted the outcome and remains focused on what lies ahead rather than dwelling on the past.
Another fight that had captured the imagination of the boxing world was a long-awaited rematch with longtime rival Floyd Mayweather Jr. Their first encounter in 2015, billed as the “Battle of the Century,” became one of the richest and most-watched events in boxing history. Although the contest fell short of fans’ lofty expectations inside the ring, speculation about a rematch continued for years.
“One thing that is clear is SPEED!” ⚡️
🗣️ “Manny Pacquiao might be the fastest boxer we’ve ever seen… That’s how I think Manny Pacquiao wins this fight.”
The PacMan’s speed would have caused problems for Terence Crawford in a fantasy matchup 😮💨@PlayUndisputed | ft. Todd… pic.twitter.com/vyHadxjCR2
— Ade Oladipo (@ade_oladipo1) July 1, 2026
A second meeting appeared to be gaining momentum before plans were put on hold indefinitely due to Mayweather’s legal issues, leaving another chapter in one of boxing’s biggest rivalries unresolved.
With the Mayweather rematch now unlikely to materialize anytime soon, Pacquiao was asked whether there was another dream fight that ultimately escaped him during his Hall of Fame-worthy career.
Without hesitation, the Filipino legend pointed to undefeated American superstar Terence Crawford.
“I think the Crawford fight. Yeah, the Crawford fight. Because Bob Arum preserved him. I’m under Top Rank promotions, and he was under Top Rank promotions before, so I would have loved to fight him. But it never happened. Bob didn’t give it to me,” he added.
A showdown between Pacquiao and Crawford had long been discussed during Crawford’s rise through the welterweight ranks. At the time, many viewed it as a fascinating clash between one of boxing’s most accomplished veterans and one of its emerging pound-for-pound stars. However, despite both fighters spending time under Top Rank Promotions, negotiations never progressed into an official bout.
For Pacquiao, it remains one of the biggest “what ifs” of an extraordinary career that included victories over Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito, Shane Mosley, Timothy Bradley, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Juan Manuel Marquez.
Even as retirement continues to be a frequent topic surrounding his career, Pacquiao insists he still has no desire to walk away from the sport that has defined his life. More than championships or accolades, he says boxing continues to provide him with purpose, discipline, and happiness.
At 47 years old, the Filipino icon continues to train regularly, maintaining the same dedication that carried him from humble beginnings in General Santos City to global superstardom.
“Boxing is my passion, and that’s getting me to stay in shape, to stay physically fit. So when I’m doing that, I’m happy. When you discover boxing, how it is, and how you stay active, of course, it’s a favor and blessing from God. Strength, good health, that’s the most important thing,” Pacquiao concluded.
While many athletes choose to step away once they have nothing left to prove, Pacquiao continues to be driven by his love for the sport. Whether another world title opportunity awaits or another marquee fight eventually materializes, the Filipino boxing legend has made one thing clear: as long as his passion remains, he has no plans of stepping away from the ring for good.
Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!
Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.
Leave a Reply