Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has shared the ring with the best in multiple weight classes to have an incredible and unique career.
The fighter from the Philippines has the accolade of the most world titles in different weight divisions, with eight. As well as this, Pacquiao is also the winner of three Ring Magazine ‘Fighter of the Year’ awards.
With his last fight coming in 2021, Pacquiao’s record stands at 62-8-2 as the veteran is one of the most experienced champions and greatest lightweight fighters in history.
Among his incredible resume includes names like Floyd Mayweather, Oscar De La Hoya, and Ricky Hatton. It is even one of his former opponents who Pacquiao described as his inspiration.
Manny Pacquiao idolizes a fighter he stopped
‘Pac-Man’ is an inspiration for many up-and-coming fighters in the modern day. However, the fighter himself has revealed who his inspiration is.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Pacquiao named De La Hoya as his favorite fighter.
When asked what his favorite fight of his own is, Pacquiao said, “Mine is De La Hoya,” after the two had previously spoken of his son’s favored fights.
The fighter would then go on to add that the reason it was his favorite fight was because “De La Hoya is my inspiration… He’s why I start boxing. I bet him, but I still look up to him. He’s a good fighter.”
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Manny Pacquiao fought Oscar De La Hoya in 2008
Pacquiao and De La Hoya would meet for the first and only time in December 2008.
Despite both fighters being so decorated, there was not a world title on the line between the two. Pacquiao was moving from lightweight to welterweight for the bout, while De La Hoya was coming down from super welterweight.
The fight took place in MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, and the fight would be De La Hoya’s last professional outing.
However, it was not to be a victory farewell for De La Hoya. In what was a dominant victory, Pacquiao was able to score a stoppage win. De La Hoya did not return for the ninth round, losing the fight via retirement.
De La Hoya was hurt in the fight on several occasions, as well as suffering significant damage to his eye.