Roach Says Pacquiao’s Victories Over Hatton And De La Hoya Were The Biggest Wins Of The Filipino’s Career

Manny Pacquiao has already tested his guts and determination against the best fighters on the platform. He has not only fought the biggest names in the sport of boxing, but also scored amazing victories against them. Two of the best moments in the Filipino’s legendary boxing career were his success against Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, according to his longtime trainer Freddie Roach.

Pacquiao has clashed with some of the most ferocious fighters in history. Even before he moved up to the welterweight division, Pacquiao has gone toe-to-toe and outboxed some of the best Mexican fighters, namely, Marco Antonio Barrera (2003 and 2007), Juan Manuel Marquez (2004, 2008, 2011, and 2012), and Erik Morales (2005 and twice in 2006). Despite Pacquiao’s knockout loss to Marquez in 2012, he still leads their record 2-1-1. Pacquiao has also successfully triumphed against Miguel Cotto (2009) and Shane Mosley (2011) in a dominant fashion.

“Manny’s biggest win, I think when he knocked out (Ricky) Hatton, I love that fight,” Roach said in an exclusive interview with Boxing Insider. “I think Hatton was the best knockout, the best win was Oscar (De La Hoya)."

The only name that seems to be missing from Pacquiao’s résumé is Floyd Mayweather Jr. Pacquiao and Mayweather are arguably two of the greatest fighters in the history. Pacquiao will have a chance to give the undefeated American his first-ever professional loss. Just the same, Mayweather will also have a chance to extend his winning streak, if he beats the Filipino.

Pacquiao and Mayweather will finally meet on May 2 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas. Many say that the bout is going to be the most extravagant boxing event in recent years as it will present huge paydays for both athletes.

Roach considers the fight against Mayweather as Pacquiao’s toughest contest so far. He said that he has been training Pacquiao really hard and has devised strategic plans to try to win the fight.

“I think we’re in a rough situation,” Roach chimed in. “If we don’t win this fight, he (Mayweather) goes down as the best in the world and we go down as bums.”

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