A brief timeline in the legendary career of Manny Pacquiao
Manny Pacquiao is one of the best boxers in history. He tries to add to his legacy on Saturday, Aug. 21. Here’s a look back at some of his greatest moments.
On Saturday, Aug. 21, Manny Pacquiao steps into the boxing ring for the 72nd professional bout of his career. He takes on WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugás for the belt that many feel rightly belongs to Pacquiao.
Pacquiao has been inactive for two years, which is why the WBA stripped him of his title, but the meeting with Ugás came about through misfortune. Pacquiao was supposed to fight WBC and IBF champion Errol Spence Jr., but a serious injury to Spence’s retina allowed Ugás to take his place.
Ugás isn’t regarded as the same type of threat as Spence, but he’s still a challenging opponent that will again force Pacquiao to prove to fans that he still has it despite being 42 years old.
Pacquiao is a unique fighter that has accomplished much throughout his 26-year professional boxing career. Here’s a quick look back at some of Pacquiao’s most notable achievements in the ring.
Jan. 22, 1995
Pacquiao made his professional debut against Edmund Enting Ignacio in the mid-90s in the Philippines. He was an unknown light flyweight on the world stage and entered the pro ranks weighing 106 pounds. No one knew the storied career that lay ahead for the 16-year-old Pacquiao.
Feb. 9, 1996
Pacquiao was knocked out in round 3 against Rustico Torrecampo in the Philippines. It was his 12th career fight and his first defeat. After a moment like this, it was highly improbable that Pacquiao would transform into one of the greatest boxers in history. Pacquiao has a total of 7 losses on his record, but he always finds a way to improve and redeem himself in the ring. He was still 17 and continuing to grow in strength and size.
Dec. 4, 1998
Pacquiao scored a round 8 KO victory over Chatchai Sasakul to become the WBC flyweight champion in Thailand. It was Pacquiao’s first world title but certainly wouldn’t be his last. He’s an eight-division world champion and has collected a total of 12 championship belts.
June 23, 2001
In his first fight under the guidance of Freddie Roach, Pacquiao stopped Lehlo Ledwaba in round 6 to win the IBF super bantamweight title. Roach is credited with helping Pacquiao blossom and realize his full potential. This trainer and fighter duo is one of the most famous and productive in boxing history.
Nov. 15, 2005
Pacquiao scored a round 11 stoppage against fellow legend Marco Antonio Barrera. Pacquiao was down in round 1 but showed his moxie by stopping Barrera in the championship rounds.
Jan. 21, 2006
Avenging his 2005 loss to Erik Morales, Pacquiao got his revenge a year later. He scored a round 10 TKO over Morales in a pivotal featherweight bout. He fought Morales again in 2006 and knocked him out in three rounds.
Nov. 14, 2009
Pacquiao made a splash in the welterweight division by dominating Miguel Cotto before pounding him into submission for the round 12 TKO victory. Cotto is an amazing boxer, but Pacquiao systematically broke him down over the course of the fight to claim the WBO title.
July 20, 2019
When Pacquiao steps into the ring against Ugás in his next bout, it will be his first fight in over two years. In his last contest, he defied time by dropping Keith Thurman in round 1 on his way to a split decision victory to win the WBA welterweight title. Thurman is 11 years younger than Pacquiao, but his youth didn’t help him against Pacman. Ugás is 35 but might be in store for a similar fate as Thurman.
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