Manny Pacquiao secured vicious revenge on a rival he called higher than Floyd Mayweather

Top-of-the-line performances of Manny Pacquiao’s profession happened 20 years ago today.

No conversation concerning the all-time greats in boxing is complete and not using a strong mention of Pacquiao and his incredible achievements contained in the ring. Across a memorable profession that has spanned three a long time, the 47-year-old became the one fighter in history to win twelve world titles in eight different weight divisions.

Unlike his former rival Floyd Mayweather, nevertheless, the Filipino was not in a position to hold onto his ‘0’. He had already lost twice before a 3rd setback was added to his record when making his first appearance in a pay-per-view most important event in 2005.

Pacquiao’s PPV debut led to disaster, with Erik Morales getting the higher of him across 12 rounds in a controversial match — each as a result of the headbutt that left ‘PacMan’ bleeding in round five and the financial dispute he had with promoter Murad Muhammad within the aftermath.

Nevertheless it didn’t take long for the legend to exact his revenge, and he did so in devastating fashion…

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Manny Pacquiao stopped Erik Morales in the midst of arguably boxing’s best trilogy

Pacquiao’s loss to Morales in 2005 arrange a trilogy widely considered one among boxing’s best, and it was ultimately the Filipino who emerged from it with bragging rights.

Having bounced back by beating Héctor Velázquez, Pacquiao got his probability to avenge the loss to Morales of their rematch on this present day, January 21, in 2006.

‘PacMan’ ensured the judges wouldn’t be required the second time around by ending ‘El Terrible’ within the tenth round.

Pacquiao capped off the most effective performances of his profession by swarming his hurt rival with ferocious punches. After Morales returned to his feet following one knockdown, Pacquiao soon sat him down again for good.

That result is probably going among the many triumphs that Pacquiao remembers most fondly, especially given how highly he viewed Morales’ talents. The truth is, just last yr ‘PacMan’ included the Mexican over Mayweather in a listing of his top-five best opponents.

“Floyd Mayweather ran the entire 12 rounds, and he won the fight,” Pacquiao said, explaining the choice (h/t talkSPORT).

“I feel sorry for the fans since the fight was boring. That is just not what the fans expect from us.

“As a fighter, I would like to see an exciting fight,” he continued. “Not a fashion show. We want motion.”

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Things ended even quicker when ‘PacMan’ and ‘El Terrible’ accomplished their trilogy in November 2006.

Pacquiao knocked Morales out in round three to bring an end to one among the all-time top rivalries within the ring.

Manny Pacquiao’s latest boxing comeback was supported by Erik Morales

While Morales is long retired, having not entered the ring since a 2012 loss to Danny Garcia, Pacquiao is within the midst of his comeback run.

Morales knows a thing or two about putting the gloves back on. He returned from a two-and-a-half-year layoff to pursue a title in a fourth division 16 years ago.

He explained the motivation behind the Filipino’s return in 2025 and seemingly supported his ex-rival’s plans.

“Us fighters, more often than not, are crazy,” Morales told The Ring through a translator.

“Sometimes the people don’t understand that and we boxers see something that the people don’t see, but I understand as well that the people see something we don’t see.

“I believe roughly it’s him wanting to be there to win again,” he continued. “I’ve had the sensation, so I do know what he’s going through immediately and I comprehend it’s his feeling to be a champion again.”

Morales can have been pleasantly surprised by how his former rival performed, having predicted Barrios to be an excessive amount of for the 47-year-old.

The collapse of Pacquiao’s rumored fight against Rolly Romero means he’s and not using a booking for 2026 to this point, but talk continues to grow regarding a possible rematch with Mayweather.