VETERAN boxing trainer Robert Garcia gave Manny Pacquiao the edge over Floyd Mayweather, Jr. when asked to compare the two boxing legends’ careers.
Speaking on the True Hustle Podcast, Garcia said Pacquiao’s willingness to take on challenging opponents, move through different weight classes and bounced back from defeats made him his choice.
“As a fan, I go with Manny Pacquiao. Because he fought everybody, he took chances, he gave us wars, he lost some fights too, never gave up,” Garcia said.
Garcia also argued that an unbeaten record should not automatically determine who ranks as the greatest fighter of an era.
“Being undefeated doesn’t make you the best of our times,” he said. “Taking chances, taking risks, even though you lose, at least you stepped it up and you took a chance and you came back and gave us a better fight. That makes a legend right there.”
He pointed to Pacquiao’s decision to move up in weight and challenged bigger opponents as one of the defining aspects of the Filipino’s career.
Garcia specifically cited Pacquiao’s 2008 victory over Oscar De La Hoya, when the Filipino moved up to the welterweight division and stopped the American star after eight rounds.
“Somebody that’s willing to move up in weight to Walter Williams, challenge Oscar De La Hoya, and beat the shit out of him,” Garcia said. “That’s a legend right there.”
Garcia also highlighted Pacquiao’s popularity among Mexican boxing fans, saying the Filipino earned their support because of his aggressive style and willingness to deliver action-packed fights.
“I think Manny Pacquiao realized that we, you know, we, he fell under the Mexican umbrella,” Garcia said.
Comparing Pacquiao with former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, Garcia said both fighters became especially popular with Mexican fans because of their fighting styles.
“Their fighting styles. Like, they were invited to every single carne asada, dude,” he said. “Because we love their fighting style. They gave us great moments.”
Pacquiao and Mayweather eventually met in the ring in 2015, with Mayweather winning their long-awaited showdown by unanimous decision.
Despite that result, Garcia maintained that Pacquiao’s willingness to take risks and pursue challenges was what ultimately gave him the edge in the career comparison. (Adrian Co)
