Oscar De La Hoya has named Manny Pacquiao as the best opponent of his storied boxing career. Overlooking a roster of hall-of-fame talent that includes Floyd Mayweather, Bernard Hopkins, and Julio Cesar Chavez, the six-division champion credited Pacquiao’s comprehensive skill set as superior to all other fighters he shared a ring with. De La Hoya’s career put him in against the very best of his era, but one man stands alone in his estimation.
In a recent interview, De La Hoya provided a clear and definitive ranking. He stated that when considering the best he fought, “I have to say he’s the best”. The selection of Pacquiao is rooted in a deep respect for the Filipino champion’s complete arsenal inside the ring. De La Hoya did not hesitate to detail the specific attributes that set Pacquiao apart from the rest of the elite competition he faced over 15 years.
“I would have to say Pacquiao [is the best I faced]. I think his determination, his conditioning, his skill, his power, speed, footwork … he’s one of the fighters I most appreciated,” De La Hoya explained. This assessment comes from direct, punishing experience. De La Hoya’s final professional bout was against Pacquiao in 2008. Despite being the naturally bigger man and the pre-fight favorite, he was overwhelmed by Pacquiao’s volume and speed, ultimately losing by an eighth-round retirement.
That fight effectively passed the torch, launching Pacquiao into global superstardom. De La Hoya’s praise also extends to one of boxing’s most debated hypothetical matchups. Having fought both men, he offered a firm opinion on who would have won a prime-versus-prime showdown between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather. “Mayweather-Pacquiao would have been a lot different [if they’d fought] in their primes. Pacquiao would have beat [Mayweather] easy, absolutely.” This declaration from a fighter who experienced both styles firsthand adds significant weight to the historical debate, cementing Pacquiao’s legacy through the eyes of one of his most famous opponents.
