Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao is considered equal to the world boxing legend, Muhammad Ali. The assessment was conveyed by former world boxing champion, Oscar De La Hoya, when commenting on Manny Pacquiao’s retirement decision. As is known, Manny Pacquiao has decided to retire from boxing on Wednesday (29/9/2021) last week.
Before deciding to hang up his boots, the boxer nicknamed The PacMan played his last match against Yordenis Ugas in the fight for the welterweight title last August. Apart from family reasons, Manny Pacquiao’s retirement decision was also influenced by the Filipino man’s agenda to focus on his political career. The 42-year-old man will run in the Philippines presidential election in 2022.
Manny Pacquiao’s decision to retire has attracted the attention of his former rival, Oscar De La Hoya. The six division world champion did not hesitate to express how special Manny Pacquiao was based on their match in 2008. On that occasion, Golden Boy could not continue the match in the eighth round after being beaten by Manny Pacquiao.
“Manny Pacquiao, when I decided against you I didn’t know how special you were,” Oscar De La Hoya said in a live on Instagram. Oscar De La Hoya assesses Manny Pacquiao is not an arbitrary boxer. “When you throw punches, don’t get tired and show a special talent, I know you’re going to be a different person,” said Golden Boy.
Oscar De La Hoya did not hesitate to equate the career journey of Manny Pacquiao with the heavyweight boxing legend, Muhammad Ali. Not only Muhammad Ali, Manny Pacquiao is also aligned with the legends in his fighting class, such as Floyd Mayweather Jr and Sugar Ray Leonard.
“That distinction puts you in the category of elite boxers like Muhammad Ali, like Sugar Ray Leonard, like Floyd Mayweather, and like me,” said De La Hoya. Regarding Manny Pacquiao’s candidacy as president of the Philippines, Oscar De La Hoya feels his rival deserves the responsibility. “I wish you the best in your life after ending your boxing career, be president because you deserve it,” said Oscar De La Hoya.
“You have a good heart and you will do very well for the Philippines. I love you very much, Manny,” he added, quoted from Bad Left Hook. The man from the United States showed respect. He was happy to have had a fight against Manny Pacquiao. “I appreciate your career and I love yours and thank you,” said Oscar De La Hoya
