Manny Pacquiao had the opportunity to equal a vast Floyd Mayweather record when the Filipino superstar battles Errol Spence Jr.
Back in 2020, following up on Mayweather’s past admission that Pacquiao would overtake his mark of 23 world champions beaten, WBN decided to crunch the numbers. World Boxing News served Floyd Mayweather an injustice for disagreeing with his statement. He beat 23 world champions and does hold that record at present.
This scenario is another example of why you should never doubt Floyd Mayweather.
Going through both records with a fine-tooth comb, Mayweather counted two victories that flew under our radar. And if you add his two wins over Jose Luis Castillo and Marcos Maidana, that mark could be 25, depending on how you look at it.
WBN stated Mayweather had only beaten 21. We want to admit we were wrong, and here’s why.
Thanks to New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame President Henry Hascup, WBN noted a couple of victories Mayweather missed off his post when he made the statement.
One that often slips Mayweather’s net is his victory over Gregorio Vargas, the WBC champion for a brief eight-month spell in 1993. The Mexican lost his featherweight belt to Kevin Kelley. Vargas eventually faced Mayweather in 2000, losing twelve rounds for the super-featherweight version.
Tony Pep is another polarizing one for some. However, Pep was the IBO champion two years before facing Mayweather in 1998.
This fact puts Mayweather above Pacquiao by one more than can be reached if Pacquiao makes a comeback. Overall, though, and counting rematch wins, the “Pacman” does have a claim in that sense.
Pacquiao has 21 victories over recognized title holders. That number stretches to 24 with second triumphs and 25 if you count Tim Bradley as two victories.
Below is a list of all the belt holders the two rivals have overcome.
World Champions beaten by Floyd Mayweather
Tony PepGenaro HernandezGregorio VargasDiego CorralesCarlos HernandezJesus ChavezJose Luis Castillo (twice)DeMarcus CorleyArturo GattiSharmba MitchellZab JudahCarlos BaldomirOscar De La HoyaRicky HattonJuan Manuel MarquezShane MosleyVictor OrtizMiguel CottoRobert GuerreroCanelo AlvarezMarcos Maidana (twice)Manny PacquiaoAndre Berto
Mayweather’s world championship career began in 1998, just two years from his pro debut. It lasted a full nineteen years until Andre Berto in 2015. The “Money” man never suffered a loss, ending his ring stint 50-0 after beating Conor McGregor in a special cross-codes and sanctioned bout in 2017.
World Champions beaten by Manny Pacquiao
Chatchai SasakulLehlohonolo LedwabaJorge JulioMarco Antonio Barrera (twice),Erik Morales (twice)Oscar LariosJuan Manuel Marquez (twice)David DiazDe La HoyaRicky HattonMiguel CottoJoshua ClotteyAntonio MargaritoShane MosleyBrandon RiosTimothy Bradley (twice)Chris AlgieriJessie VargasLucas MatthysseAdrien BronerKeith Thurman
Pacquiao turned pro almost two years earlier than Floyd Mayweather in early 1995. He didn’t fight in a fight sanctioned for a title until two months after Mayweather. Despite this, Pacquiao rattled through the divisions and became a world title-holder at seven or eight different weight classes, depending on which sanctioning bodies you count.
Even though he has lost seven times, the boxing legend has never wavered in his greatness and still wants to reign at welterweight—even today.
The pair have consistently been linked to a second fight after their 2015 contest disappointed considerably. Slight hope came and went in 2019 when Mayweather announced Saudi Arabia talks. They faded completely when the pandemic hit.
As exhibitions enter the boxing world more regularly today, who knows if they will meet again on the new Pay Per View circuit?
WBN would like to thank President Henry Hascup of the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame for his input into this article.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010.
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