THROWBACK: Manny Pacquiao Won his First World Title 22 Years Ago Today

The former eight-division champion, Manny Pacquiao, stands as one of the most loved figures in boxing. He will go down as one of the greatest in the sport. The Philippine boxer has garnered the respect of boxing fans around the world. Additionally, the senator continues to compete inside the boxing ring even at 41.

He is also the oldest welterweight champion in the division’s history. His most recent title win coming against then-undefeated Keith Thurman last year.

It was today that a young Manny Pacquiao picked up his first gold at the 112 pounds division in what started a journey like no other. Pacquiao has scaled the heights of boxing and remains at the very top of the game even today. It was in 1998 that he lifted gold for the first time. Now, after more than two decades, Pacquiao reigns as the champion at the 147-pound division.

The legend of Manny Pacquiao

During his prime, Pac Man was considered even better than Floyd Mayweather and won the fighter of the decade in 2010. Manny Pacquiao holds several records to his name. He is the only boxer who is recognized as a four-time welterweight champion. Furthermore, he has competed in over 71 professional outs and has only tasted defeat on just seven occasions.

However, these losses have come against credible opponents and former world champions. Pacquiao is expected to be back inside the boxing ring in 2021 in a potential match-up against either Terence Crawford or the winner of Errol Spence Jr. vs Danny Garcia.

Additionally, he has expressed his interest in facing former dual champion Conor McGregor after the “Notorious” called out the legend for a scrap inside the boxing ring. It’s safe to say that after nearly a quarter of a century in the sport, Pacquiao’s hunger has not diminished.