The hypothetical outcome of a peak performance showdown between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao continues to spark intense debates in the boxing world. Although their actual confrontation in 2015, dubbed “The Fight of the Century,” was highly anticipated, it fell short of expectations, leaving fans wondering how the two would have fared in their prime years.
On May 2, 2015, Mayweather and Pacquiao faced off at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, with world titles on the line. The bout was billed as an epic clash of boxing titans.
However, the reality of the fight was far less thrilling, as it turned into a tactical, cautious contest, culminating in a unanimous decision victory for Mayweather. The fight, while significant in terms of the money it generated, left many fans disappointed by its lack of action and excitement.
A decade after their actual encounter, speculation about how a fight between a prime Mayweather and Pacquiao would have unfolded remains a hot topic. Boxing figures have weighed in, offering their views on how the fighters would have performed at their peak.
Terence Crawford’s prediction
One notable opinion comes from Terence Crawford, who expressed his firm belief that Mayweather, at his best, would have defeated Pacquiao in his prime. In an interview on the Club Shay Shay podcast, Crawford declared: “Floyd Mayweather. Floyd beat everybody.” He emphasized Mayweather’s dominance in the ring, underscoring the undefeated boxer’s superiority.
When asked if there was any fighter in history, particularly in the super lightweight or welterweight divisions, capable of defeating Mayweather, Crawford responded with conviction: “I don’t know, but it’d be tough. Floyd, man, that boy is the GOAT, that boy is bad.”
Mayweather’s unbeaten legacy
Crawford’s viewpoint aligns with the widespread reverence for Mayweather’s unbeaten record. Mayweather retired with an impeccable 50-0 record, a feat few can match in boxing history. His victories over major names like Oscar De La Hoya, Canelo Álvarez, and Miguel Cotto further solidified his claim as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
Mayweather’s retirement and the enduring hypothesis
After defeating Conor McGregor in August 2017, Mayweather announced his retirement from professional boxing, though he has since taken part in a series of exhibition matches. Despite the retirement, the debate over how Mayweather would fare against a prime Pacquiao remains a topic of lively discussion among boxing fans and experts.
SURVEY If Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao had faced each other at their absolute best, who would have come out on top?
If Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao had faced each other at their absolute best, who would have come out on top?
already voted 28 fans
Crawford’s conviction about Mayweather’s dominance in a potential prime-versus-prime matchup encapsulates the prevailing sentiment in the boxing community. While the Mayweather-Pacquiao bout of 2015 may not have lived up to the hype, the notion of what could have been between the two at their best continues to fuel passionate conversations in the sport.