Why history will remember Pacquiao better than Mayweather, according to De La Hoya

If the much-awaited showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather comes to fruition, retired six-division champion Oscar De La Hoya is tapping the brash American to beat the Filipino boxing icon.

 

Negotiations for what would be the most lucrative fight in boxing history is taking place at the moment. It remains to be seen though if the bout would materialize or fall apart amew.

 

"It's one of those fights where anybody could win. Who would I give the edge to if it was today, I would have to go with Floyd. Three years ago, hands down it would have been Manny Pacquiao. But now I would go with Floyd. If he fights Pacquiao, then Floyd will erase all doubts that anybody might have," De La Hoya told Boxingscene.com.

 

De La Hoya thinks that Pacquiao has declined more than Mayweather. But even if Mayweather defeats Pacquiao, De La Hoya believes that history will remember the Filipino more favorably.

 

"Yes [Pacquiao has aged more], absolutely. Why? Because he's been in wars. But, who has more respect which is going to live on forever — that's Manny Pacquiao. There is no doubt about that. With Manny Pacquiao, they are going to say 'wow, he fought all these guys, fought tough battles and gave us [all these fights].' Now it's a matter of what matters most." —JST, GMA News