How does the Classic Forum Rate Pacquiao in an all-time P4P sense?

I personally would love to see the hypothetical Pac vs Kostya Tszyu at 140, two guys we have all (I assume) seen fight. I thought KT, and in particular his devastating right hand, would be too much for Pac until last night. Now I'm not entirely sure that KT can stop Pac, and in that case, Pac's speed would overwhelm KT.

Thoughts?

 

Nowadays, it's quality of opposition rather than weight-jumping or belts, because previously 'World' champions had to beat/be the best and nowadays with four baubles that isn't always the case. Whether Cotto or Mosley are the premier Welter or not, Cotto hold a win over Mosley and Pac became the first to legitimately drop Cotto with a punch, the 2nd kd was a beautiful uppercut and I truly believe Pac is now in the upper echelon (top 20?) of alltime punchers. However, this is no Duran-Leonard 1/Ali-Foreman, but another good win for an already impressive resume. PAC proved his punch resistance last night, he can take a decent whack at Welter, though I wouldn't imagine him lasting the distance with Leonard/Duran/Napoles/Hearns/Robinson and many, many more. For me, as always based on resume+skillset is that Pac is probably anywhere between 25-35, probably about 20 on a post-war list.

 

What is your unbias opinion of Pac vs Sweet Pea at 140?

 

Cotto isn't Tszyu, not by a long stretch. Interesting fight though.

 

I heavily favor Mayweather to beat Pacquiao and you're asking me how I think he'd fare against Whitaker? Pacquiao is a great fighter, but he looks a lot better against certain styles than others. Whitaker is all wrong for him. At the very least Marquez made that clear, and I believe Floyd would as well were that fight to ever come off.

 

Peas consistent jab, superior infighting and good chin would see break Pacs rhythm, and his radar-like defence would see him ship far less artillery against primarily offensive-minded fighters like Cotto and Hatton, although Cotto has at least tried to learn defence. Why I don't feel Floyd will beat Pac now is that he lacks Pernells workrate.

 

If I had to make the call, I'd probably even favor Pacquiao over the old Mosley, but I'd bet my ESP rep that Mayweather beats him. I could see Pac taking 3 or 4 rounds in a losing effort, though.