Manny Pacquiao believes Floyd Mayweather isn’t worthy of being one of his top five opponents because their fight was ‘boring’.
Back in 2015, Mayweather and Pacquiao locked horns in the most commercially successful event in boxing history.
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The much-anticipated super fight, which had been brewing for several years, generated over $400million in revenue and eclipsed 4.6million pay-per-view buys.
It shattered multiple records before the opening bell, but the action in the ring was tame by comparison.
The bout was by no means bad, although it didn’t live up to its ‘Fight of the Century’ billing either.
Mayweather shut down Pacquiao’s offence brilliantly and controlled the fight behind the jab.
In portions, he even held his feet, where he made good use of some sharp left hooks and right-hand counters.
It was a boxing clinic from Mayweather, and while some appreciated his performance for what it was, others, like Pacquiao, found it tedious.
Ahead of his comeback fight on July 19 against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, the 46-year-old was asked to name his five best opponents of all time.
After pondering the question for a moment, he chose Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez, Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, and Antonio Margarito
Asked why Mayweather was not included on his list, Pacquiao replied: “Floyd Mayweather ran the whole 12 rounds, and he won the fight.
“I feel sorry for the fans because the fight was boring.
Manny Pacquiao’s five best opponents
Erik Morales
Juan Manuel Marquez
Oscar De La Hoya
Miguel Cotto
Antonio Margarito
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“That is not what the fans expect from us. As a fighter, I want to see an exciting fight.
“Not a fashion show. We need action.”
It is no surprise that Morales and Marquez were the first two names on Pacquiao’s lips when it came to discussing his best-ever opponents.
The lone eight-weight world champion shared epic rivalries with both.
Pacquiao edged Marquez in a thrilling four-fight series, with two wins and one draw, although the Mexican capped off their quadrilogy with a brutal knockout win.
‘Pacman’ also got the better of Morales over three fights, rebounding from a unanimous decision defeat in their inaugural encounter to stop ‘El Terrible’ twice.
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While Cotto, Margarito and De La Hoya lost in their sole fight with Pacquiao, they all made an impression on the first ballot Hall of Famer.
Cotto showed immense heart en route to the eventual 12th-round TKO, Margarito soaked up an awful lot of punishment to take Pacquiao the distance, and an ageing De La Hoya showed flashes of his former self early on before retiring on his stool at the end of the eighth round.
