What fighters of the past 30 years could beat Pacquiao in a firefight?

[Popkins]

Since Pacquiao came to prominence in this part of the world in 2003, and more specifically since the Roach remoulding really began to show in 2006-2008, the only nights where he has encountered close, difficult fights have been when top-class opponents have tried to box him rather than take him on at his own game (Marquez 2 & 3, Morales 1).

Whenever anyone chooses to stand their ground and trade shots with him, they seem to either get knocked out (Hatton, Diaz), ground down and stopped (Cotto, Morales 2), dropped/badly hurt and forced to change tactics (Mosley, Marquez 1, Bradley), or just overrun and sorely beaten up (Margarito, Clottey, Oscar, Barrera 1).

These guys may be competitive for a spell, but ultimately Pacquiao's chin, speed, output and power seems to break down their resistance after a while. His opponent always seems to break first and come off worse in the fiercest exchanges.


If we take the best version of Pacquiao (2008-2010 at 135,140,147), who do you think could beat him in a straight-up firefight?

- At 135, the guy from the Diaz fight '08, which lightweights could've took him on in the centre of the ring, aggressively traded shots, and came out on top?

- At 140, the guy from the Hatton fight '09, which junior-welterweights could've done likewise?

- At 147, the guy from the Cotto fight '09, which welterweights?



All answers and explanations welcome

[Hattons Hook]

I dunno, since '82 not too many. Kostya Tszyu may stand a small chance at 140 ? Massive power there and balls of steel.Trinidad would have a go at 147 but i think he'd get knocked out.

[McGrain]

I thought Morales did a great job of outfighting him for spells. So maybe Morales.

[Azzer85]

...

[Legend X]

At welterweight, I think several fighters would beat him.

[Webbiano]

Duran at 135. Floyd at 130. Hearns at 147. Mosley at 135. Cba to keep listing.

[Ramon Rojo]

Firefight means a fight with firearms. I don't know how good Pac's gun handling skills are.

[Legend X]

Originally Posted by Ramon Rojo

Firefight means a fight with firearms. I don't know how good Pac's gun handling skills are.

Good point.
I'm not even sure what a 'firefight' means in boxing terms.

[ron u.k.]

Terry Marsh

[masterold]

Post 82 these guys have the best chance:

135 - Chavez, Mosley
140 - Chavez, M. Taylor, Pryor, Arguello, Oscar
147 - Tito, Oscar, Mosley

[Legend X]

Aaron Davis would probably beat him at 147

[hookfromhell]

135 Duran Mosley Oscar. De La Hoyas jab would keep Pac at bay, and
The left hook drops Pac. Duran walks Pac down.
140 call me crazy Zab Judah. Phenomenal speed and one
punch Knockout power. Battle of the Southpaws They
can stop each other. If Pac gets caught with Zabs counter
uppercut or straight left he can get stopped, fight is 50/50.
147 Hearns Leonard, SRR.

[Legend X]

Donald Curry would have battered him.

At 147 welterweight, Pacquiao hasn't shown much. People getting a bit carried away with the hype. I guess some people think Cotto and Clottey were terrific fighters or something.

[PowerPuncher]

Depends what you mean by a firefight, because I think Marquez arguably did fight a firefight with him, he didn't rush in and continually fight in the pocket but he didn't run either. Marquez often led and landed brutal punches but he was ofcourse looking to box and counter.

However surely Arguello would fight with similar tactics but perhaps look to walk Pacquaio down a little more so. I'm torn on who wins beatween Arguello and Pacquaio, in the past I've picked Pacquaio's speed and movement to do something similar to Pryor, but Arguello's ring smarts, counter punching, power and right hand make it a 50-50 for me

Mayweather may fight coming forward or moving in and outright. He won't outright exchange but at 135 and 140 was some of his most aggressive performances where he did throw in combination

Morales outfought Pacquaio at 130 but at 135 you'd have to imagine say the Morales of the Hernandez or Chavez or even Pacquaio fight simply didn't drain those last 5lbs

Some people will pick Pryor although I think Pacquaio's superior straighter punches beat Pryor

Chavez is a better technician, but again Pacquaio's straighter faster punches may get the job done against him. That's a 50-50

Tyszu has achance, I favour Pacquaio's speed but Tyszu had a great right hand and some excellent counters and is very strong and powerful

At 147 I think Pacquaio is really up against it, we have:

Trinidad - you'd probably favour Tito's physical advantages here, but he was pretty easy to hit himself

Delahoya - obviously a much better version than he fought, I'm not sure how this goes

Mosley - see above

Vernon Forrest - Forrest would certainly win for me, that straight right is going to go Viper

Curry - I think Curry has to be favoured

Honeyghan - I really rate Honeyghan, good fight this one

Leonard/Hearns/Duran - I think they just expire the 30 years but you won't find too many to pick Pac over them

Cuevas - I think he's too good for Cuevas

[Legend X]

Simon Brown.