Mike Tyson’s 20-year career left an indelible mark on boxing, with his intimidating presence often unsettling opponents before they even stepped into the ring. Known for his ferocity, Tyson could dismantle opponents swiftly, especially in the early stages of his career. As one of the most captivating fighters of any era, Tyson’s views on extraordinary fights and fighters carry significant weight.

Reflecting on Manny Pacquiao’s performance in 2013, Tyson expressed admiration for Pacquiao’s masterful victory over Brandon Rios, calling it sensational. Speaking with ESPN’s Max Kellerman, Tyson highlighted Pacquiao’s exceptional speed and movement, likening him to boxing legends like Willie Pep. The bout, known as ‘The Clash in Cotai,’ saw Pacquiao reclaiming the WBO Welterweight World title after a challenging period marked by losses and doubts about his future in the sport.

Despite setbacks, Pacquiao’s resilience and speed proved decisive against Rios, leading to a unanimous decision victory with scores of 120–108, 119–109, 118–110. Pacquiao’s career continued with highs and lows, including victories over Bradley and notable losses to Mayweather and Ugas in 2021. Despite the setbacks, Pacquiao remains a figure of admiration and is currently exploring opportunities for a comeback to further cement his legacy in boxing history.