Soto was good fighter, but peak Pacquiao was running through guys like this. It could be competitive for first 3-4 rounds, but Soto wouldn't be able to hang in there with Manny beyond that. You needed a special fighter - or perhaps just a very good fighter with the right style - to beat MP at that time and Soto was neither.
Manny 2008 was the beginning of his incredible run. And Manny at 135, yes he only fought one fight there vs David Diaz and it was a brutal beat down. Manny's speed and durability were truly elite at 135. He sliced and glided around Diaz so easily and looked to finish the fight from the early rounds. Soto had a decent jab, combination punching and conditioning. He's just a level below Manny to win here. In 2007 Soto lost to Guzman in a good fight, but Guzman who had hand speed had no problem landing on Soto. I think Manny outspeeds him later in the fight, by the 6th round its very one sided. Manny had huge power at those lighter weights and looked best against come forward types. Soto was a hard tough guy, I think he takes a beating but makes the final bell. I have a firm belief that Manny at 135 is a true challenge to any ATG there.
Humberto Soto actually fought Pacquiao's younger brother Bobby and stopped him. It would have been fitting to see Manny take on Soto. Soto was a really good fighter and fun to watch but I don’t think he would have been able to hang with Pacquiao at 135.
I visited Gensan in 2005. I went to a local pool hall. Across from me was this guy with a huge head mean mugging me. It was Bobby Pacquiao and a whole entourage. He was the man there, surrounded by all these women and about 10 of his boys.
Yeah I was watching the Cotto-Judah card the other night and man that was a battle. Would have loved to see Pac fight Soto around that time, it would have been a great fight.
