Was Manny Pacquiao Injured Before the Floyd Mayweather Fight?

For years before the fight was even announced, fans of the sport had always rooted for a mega-heavyweight clash between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather. 2nd May 2015 was perhaps the biggest day for all combat sports, as the two legends of boxing were finally going head to head to compete for the welterweight throne.

Manny Pacquiao was always considered as a favorite to defeat the undefeated Floyd Mayweather. However, on fight night, fans knew that ‘Pretty Boy’ was not facing the ‘actual’ Pacquiao. In his prime, the Filipino Senator was fast, agile, active on his feet, and showed world-class defense at all times. Things clearly seemed different on 2nd May 2015, as Mayweather had dominated the fight right from the get-go.

Hours after his defeat against ‘Money’ Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao issued a statement highlighting that he had stepped into the fight with a shoulder injury. Three days after the fight, Pacman underwent successful surgery for his shoulder rotator cuff injury. This medical procedure sidelined Manny Pacquiao from the sport for nearly a year.

Floyd Mayweather had shared with Stephen A. Smith that he wanted to fight Pacquiao once again after his recovery. However, negotiations for a rematch between the two never really worked out. Manny Pacquiao picked himself back up and returned to the boxing ring in April 2016 and secured a unanimous decision win over Timothy Bradey Jr.

Manny Pacquiao is still waiting for Floyd Mayweather

Even six years later, Manny Pacquiao has still not hung up the gloves. He still wants to continue challenging the best in the sport before finally calling it a day. He is now all set to face WBA (Super) champion Yordenis Ugas on August 21. While Pacquiao’s initial matchup with Errol Spence Jr fell through because of an eye injury, the new Cuban opponent is also a tough opponent.

Read More: Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Belts Comparison: Who Won More Titles?

Ahead of this mega welterweight clash, Manny Pacquiao’s coach Freddie Roach recently said in an interview that they would welcome a rematch with Floyd Mayweather. However, he added that Pacquiao will not entertain an exhibition fight as that is what the Filipino boxer’s fans expect from him.

“We would like to fight Mayweather one more time. 

“But exhibitions? No. Manny is not into that.

“Manny has boxing fans. That’s what we’re after,” said Freddie Roach.

With Pacquiao fighting Yordenis Ugas now and Mayweather’s last fight being against YouTuber-turned-boxer Logan Paul in June, a rematch between the two boxing legends would still be very competitive.

Would you like to see the two icons run it back?

Also Read: Why Did Floyd Mayweather Sucker Punch Victor Ortiz in 2011?