Pacquiao isn't the same fighter he was?

I've seen this posted several times recently. I just have to ask, in which way is Pacquiao not the fighter he was in 2009-2010?

Pacquiao looks amazing when he fights guys that walk forward. Hatton, Cotto, Marg for example. He looked just as amazing as always when he fought Rios too.

If people are referring to his lack of stoppages, look at the opponents.

Joshua Clottey - Hid behind his arms for the entire fight.
Shane Mosley - Ran away the entire fight.
JMM - Defensive counter puncher. Forced Pac to come forwards.
Timothy Bradley - Pretty defensive the entire fight.
JMM - Pac looked better than ever before Vs him. JMM was throwing insane power though.

These guys, besides JMM when he KOed Pac, weren't looking to stand and trade. They all either focused on defending, or made Pac walk forwards, making it a boring enough fight.

I'm just saying, Pac Vs Rios was barley a step behind Cotto, Marg or Hatton. He didn't take punches maybe as well as he could have, but none the less, it's a joke how people are claiming Pac isn't what he used to be.

 

This isn't really what I'm talking about, but I'll indulge you.

Why would Marquez be scared? He has probably beaten Pac 5 times now. Pac looked the best he ever has against Marquez, and Marquez got the KO of his career in the same moments. Marquez is 100% satisfied and in his mind, he has put this rivalry to bed. He has nothing more to prove. I agree that I think Pac might have him if they fought again, but to insult JMM is unfair in this situation.

I just don't see the downslope yet is all I'm saying. Rios is a solid enough guy all the same. He gets unfairly treated by Mayweather fans or people who blatantly dislike Pacquiao.

He was def chosen for a reason. I actually respected that Pacquiao has never been a "handpicked" fighter. Clottey, JMM and Bradley were bad match ups for him. He was expected to win them all, but he just would never look too impressive against them. Rios was a solid dude, but he was chosen because Pac was always going to look great against him.

But can you show me where this "clearly" is coming from? I see very few differences from the Pac that KOed Hatton to the Pac that UD'd Rios.

I know you're Mayweather's number 1 fan (I remember ), but this is pretty true. Pac is one of the most impressive guys in the world, when his opponent wants to 'fight'. I'd like to see him fight some guys that everyone would ***** and moan about actually, like Khan or Brook. Guys that aren't looking to come into shots, and will actually try and box a bit. Same with Mayweather though. The first really impressive 'boxer' imo that May has fought in ages is Alvarez. People ruled Canelo out, but he uses his jab and had some advantages on Mayweather, which the greatest of all time easily laughed at inside the ring.

And I feel like I need to reiterate. Manny Pacquiao is my favourite boxer of all time, and probably always will be. Just because he's my favourite, it doesn't mean I have to be clueless to all of boxing. I want any REAL Pacquiao fans, or hell, even Mayweather fans, to read this and take some inspiration. Mayweather is probably the greatest of all time, but you can dispute that to maybe the top 5-10. Pacquiao is an excellent fighter and is one of the most entertaining boxers still around. You guys have to forget about your hatred for the clueless fans of these guys, and respect what both of them do in the ring. We have the honour of seeing two of the all time greatest boxers compete in our lifetimes. If they are to share the ring, it will be the greatest fight of all time. Don't let your opinions on stupid fans sway that.