Oscar De La Hoya makes shocking prediction: “Mayweather will easily defeat Pacquiao” causing controversy
Floyd Mayweather versus Manny Pacquiao was dubbed “The Fight of the Century” and took place in 2015 after years of anticipation. Both boxers were multi-weight world champions, but negotiations for their super fight repeatedly fell through, leading many to believe that the match happened too late in their careers. Ultimately, Mayweather won by points, skillfully using his footwork to stay away from Pacquiao and score from a distance.
Oscar De La Hoya, who had been defeated by both Mayweather and Pacquiao, shared his thoughts on the bout in an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer. He was asked who he thought would have won if the fight had occurred earlier in their careers.
“Pacquiao would have beaten him easily. In their prime? Absolutely.” De La Hoya stated, suggesting that Pacquiao’s grueling career impacted his performance on the night of the fight.
“I’ll tell you the truth – I’ll give Floyd the advantage over Manny any day because Manny has been in wars. Manny has fought better opposition in their prime. He has more wear and tear.
He has had a longer, better career than Floyd and Floyd fights once a year. He takes care of himself. He trains all the time, so Floyd is fresher. He doesn’t fight like Manny. Pacquiao gets hit and keeps coming. That just wears you down. So I have to give Floyd the advantage, as much as I love Pacquiao.”
Despite his last fight being a loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2022, ‘PacMan’ might be gearing up for a sensational comeback against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.
