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Home » Compared: Floyd Mayweather’s 50-0 versus Manny Pacquiao’s 61-7-2

Compared: Floyd Mayweather’s 50-0 versus Manny Pacquiao’s 61-7-2

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Two of this generation’s best fighters and welterweight boxing legends Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will forever go down in history.

But who has the better record of opponents faced and fought in the most world title fights? – Plus who took on the most world champions?

World Boxing News delves deep into their respective C.V’s to give a guide on what promises to be a lifelong argument.

Granted the pair met in 2015, although this was way beyond their best and will forever be hard to gauge who would have taken the spoils if they had met in their pomp of 2010.

A shoulder injury to Pacquiao leaves a solid question mark. Something which saw a second installment considered this year.

As they both put their rivalry to bed for good, WBN takes a look at the caliber of those in the opposite corner from start to finish.

FLOYD MAYWEATHER:

The first world champion Mayweather faced was Tony Pep in June of 1998 as a 16-0 prospect. The following October, Mayweather took out the great Genaro Hernandez in eight rounds to win his maiden championship. Now WBC super-featherweight ruler, Mayweather had arrived in the big time.

Next up in the former or future world champion stakes was Gregorio Vargas in 2000. Diego Corrales, Carlos Hernandez and Jesus Chavez followed in 2001. Whilst Corrales was an established title holder, Hernandez and Chavez would go on to win titles post-Mayweather.

Two fights against Jose Luis Castillo came next for Mayweather. One of which was highly controversial. DeMarcus Corley, Arturo Gatti and Sharmba Mitchell took the ‘Money’ man into 2006 with a haul of ten.

Mayweather’s next ten opponents would then be established world champions in their own right. MMA star Conor McGregor then rounded off his career.

Record: 50-0

World Champions faced: 23

World Champions defeated: 23

Weight-class world titles: 5

World title belts: 11

World title fights: 29


MANNY PACQUIAO:

Pacquiao first stepped up in class just two months after Floyd’s win when challenging and winning a world title against Chatchai Sasakul. ‘Pacman’ picked up the WBC flyweight strap and was off and running as far as his world-class credentials are concerned.

Medgoen Singsurat 3-K Battery was next before a gap of also-ran contenders led to Pacquiao moving to the United States in 2001.

Shocking the world against Lehlo Ledwaba, the rest – as they say – is history.

A string of big-name players came into play, beginning with Agapito Sanchez . That was quickly followed up by seasoned Colombian Jorge Eliecer Julio.

Briefly returning home, Pacquiao moved back to the US in 2003. The Filipino Senator began an unprecedented run.

Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez led to Erik Morales just under a year later.

Next up was Oscar Larios either side of two more fights with Morales. David Diaz pushed Pacquiao into massive match-ups with Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton as part of a 19-fight streak facing world title holders exclusively.

They included Miguel Cotto, Joshua Clottey and Antonio Margarito. Plus Shane Mosley, Timothy Bradley, Brandon Rios, Chris Algieri and Mayweather himself.

Rounding out the list are recent foes Jessie Vargas, Jeff Horn, Lucas Matthysse and Adrien Broner.

Record: 61-7-2

World Champions faced: 24

World Champions defeated: 20

Weight-class world titles: 8

World title belts: 12

World title fights: 28

Who took on the better fighters during their careers? It’s up to you to make your own mind up.

*World Champions only include WBC, IBF, IBO, WBO and WBA titles held. Not including interim belts.

Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay