The ‘Pac-Man’ is a legend of the sport thanks to his incredible performances and elite records.
Since making his debut in 1995, Manny Pacquiao has shared the ring with some huge names in the sport in various divisions and is considered one of the greatest lightweights of all time.
Facing the likes of Floyd Mayweather and record-breaking Oscar De La Hoya, the Philippine fighter retired with a professional record of 62-8-2.
A world title holder in a remarkable eight divisions, Pacquiao has the record for the most belts in different weight classes.
Not only was Pacquiao able to win so many different world titles, but he was able to do so in style too.
Among his 72 fights, ‘Pac-Man’ was able to win 39 by knockout, including one of the greatest finishes of all time.
Manny Pacquiao won super lightweight title with monstrous punch
In 2009, Pacquiao set his sights on boxing legend Ricky Hatton, who was the holder of the IBO World Super Lightweight Championship.
Fresh off a retirement victory over De La Hoya, Pacquiao was looking to claim a world super lightweight belt for the first time in his career.
As for Hatton, he was coming off of a victory over Paul Malignaggi, whom he defeated via 11th-round knockout.
However, Pacquiao would be able to hand Hatton just the second defeat of his career in brutal style.
From the opening round, it appeared as if it was not to be the British fighter’s night. In the final minute of round one, a swooping left hook would put down Hatton, before ‘The Hitman’ would go down for a second time moments later.
In the second round, it was more dominance for Pacquiao. In the final 10 seconds of the round, Pacquiao would catch Hatton with a thunderous left hand, sending ‘The Hitman’ flat on his back.
The fight was waved off, as Pacquiao emphatically stole Hatton’s world title.
Manny Pacquiao moved up a weight division after Ricky Hatton victory
Despite competing at super lightweight for the first time against Hatton, Pacquiao immediately moved up to welterweight in his next fight.
In November of 2009, six months after knocking out Hatton, Pacquiao took on Miguel Cotto.
Cotto was the WBO World Welterweight champion and had a professional record of 34-1. However, despite his impressive accolades, he would also be added to Pacquiao’s highlight reel.
Dominating the fight, the Philippine fighter was able to put an exclamation mark on his performance, scoring a stoppage in the final round.