Medgoen Singsurat
Statistics
Real name	Boonsai Sangsurat
Nickname(s)	Medgoen 3-K Battery
Rated at	Bantamweight Flyweight
Nationality	Thai
Born	(1978-06-12) June 12, 1978 (age 33) Roi Et Province, Thailand
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	80
Wins	74
Wins by KO	51
Losses	6
Draws	0 [1]

Boonsai Sangsurat a.k.a. Medgoen Singsurat (Thai: เม็ดเงิน 3เคแบตเตอรี่; born July 12, 1978 in Roi Et, Thailand) is a professional boxer from Thailand. He has assumed various ring names, including Medgoen Kratingdaenggym (Thai: เม็ดเงิน กระทิงแดงยิม) and Medgoen Lukjaopormahesak (Thai: เม็ดเงิน ลูกเจ้าพ่อมเหศักดิ์), but his real name or birth name is Boonsai Sangsurat (Thai: บุญใส สังข์สุราษฎร์). The non-Thai media also refer to him as Medgoen Singsurat or simply "Medgoen Singh".

Boxing career[link]

Medgoen is a southpaw fighter who turned pro in 1997 and in 1999, captured the Lineal Flyweight Championship with a win over Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao. Because of his win over Manny Pacquiao, Medgoen's name is always mentioned during Pacquiao's fights, because he is one of only three opponents to beat Pacquiao(the other two being Rusty Torrecampo and Erik Morales), and one of only two opponents to knock Pacquiao out. He also won the vacant WBC Flyweight title that had been stripped from Pacquiao due to him coming overweight at the weight-ins. He defended the titles once more before losing the titles in 2000 to Malcolm Tuñacao by TKO.

Medgoen is promoted by Thai Storage Battery Public Company Limited, and hence bears the 3K Battery name, as the company contracts Thai boxers to sponsor their products.

Medgoen Singsurat has a family full of boxers. His 2nd cousin, Saranyoo Tohchoodee, born April 18, 1991 in Thailand, also was a professional boxer before giving up boxing to go to America to study along with his sister. He used the fighting style Southpaw, which he learned from his cousin. He began his boxing career at the young age of 6 and continued fighting both in and out of the ring, giving him the nickname Saranyoo "Street King" Tohchoodee, until he was 13. Most of his fights took place in local venues and were shown on Blow by Blow, an evening boxing show. He had a professional record of 23-2-0 with 19 KO's which is still a record in southeast Asia.

Outside boxing[link]

Besides being one of the greatest youth boxers in Southeast Asia, he was also a soccer prodigy. He was going to play for the Thailand national team until he broke his ankle in a game and never could fully recover, but he did manage to become a very good table tennis player in the meantime. He was the top ranked youth player in Thailand for 2 years in a row.

References[link]

External links[link]

• Professional boxing record for Medgoen Singsurat from BoxRec

Manny Pacquiao
Pacquiao during the ceremonial first pitch at a baseball game
Statistics
Real name	Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao
Nickname(s)	Pac-Man, Ang Pambansang Kamao (The Nation's Fist), The Destroyer, Fighting Pride of the Philippines, Pambansang Ninong (National Godfather),[1] The Fighting Congressman[citation needed]
Rated at	Flyweight Super Bantamweight Featherweight Super Featherweight Lightweight Light Welterweight Welterweight Light Middleweight
Height	5 ft 6 1⁄2 in (1.69 m)[2]
Reach	67 in (170 cm)
Nationality	Filipino
Born	(1978-12-17) December 17, 1978 (age 33) Kibawe, Bukidnon, Philippines
Stance	Southpaw[3]
Boxing record
Total fights	59
Wins	54
Wins by KO	38
Losses	3
Draws	2
No contests	0 Official Site

Emmanuel "Manny" Dapidran Pacquiao, PLH (English pronunciation: /ˈpæki.aʊ/ PAK-ee-ow; Tagalog: [pɐkˈjaʊ];^[4] born December 17, 1978) is a Filipino professional boxer and politician. He is the first eight-division world champion; having won six world titles,^[5] as well as the first to win the lineal championship in four different weight classes.^[6] He was named "Fighter of the Decade" for the 2000s (decade) by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA). He is also a three-time The Ring and BWAA "Fighter of the Year," winning the award in 2006, 2008 and 2009.^[7]

As of 2012, Pacquiao is the WBO Welterweight Champion. He was long rated as the best pound for pound boxer in the world by some sporting news and boxing websites, including BoxRec.com, Sporting Life and The Ring.^[8][9] However, in April 2012, Pacquiao dropped to number two in the rankings, behind Floyd Mayweather Jr.^[10] In their ratings ending May 7, 2012, Ring Magazine declared the top position vacant and jointly ranked Pacquiao and Mayweather in the number two spot.^[11]

Aside from boxing, Pacquiao has participated in acting, music recording and politics. In May 2010, Pacquiao was elected to the House of Representatives in the 15th Congress of the Philippines, representing the province of Sarangani.^[12]

Personal life[link]

Pacquiao was born on December 17, 1978, in Kibawe, Bukidnon, Philippines. He is the son of Rosalio Pacquiao and Dionesia Dapidran-Pacquiao.^[13] His parents separated when he was in sixth grade, after his mother discovered that his father was living with another woman.^[13] He is the fourth among six siblings: Liza Silvestre-Onding and Domingo Silvestre (from first husband of his mother) and Isidra Pacquiao-Paglinawan, Alberto "Bobby" Pacquiao and Rogelio Pacquiao.

Pacquiao is married to Maria Geraldine "Jinkee" Jamora,^[14] and they have four children: Emmanuel Jr. "Jimuel", Michael, Princess, and Queen Elizabeth "Queenie." He resides in his hometown General Santos City, South Cotabato, Philippines.^[15] However, as a congressman of lone district of Sarangani, he is officially residing in Kiamba, Sarangani, the hometown of his wife.

Pacquiao is a devout Roman Catholic.^[16] Within the ring, he frequently makes the sign of the cross and every time he comes back from a successful fight abroad, he attends a thanksgiving Mass in Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila to kneel and pray.

Pacquiao is also a military reservist with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Reserve Force of the Philippine Army.^[17]

Education[link]

Pacquiao completed his elementary education at Saavedra Saway Elementary School in General Santos City, but dropped out of high school due to extreme poverty.^[18] He left his home at age 14 because his mother, who had six children, was not making enough money to support her family.^[18]

In February 2007 he took, and passed, a high school equivalency exam making him eligible for college education.^[19] He was awarded with a high school diploma by the Department of Education. Pacquiao enrolled for a college degree in business management at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU) in his hometown in General Santos City.

On February 18, 2009, Pacquiao was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humanities (Honoris Causa) by Southwestern University (SWU) at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Lahug, Cebu City in recognition of his boxing achievements and humanitarian work.^[20]

In preparation for his career as a lawmaker in the House of Representatives, Pacquiao enrolled in the Certificate Course in Development, Legislation and Governance at the Development Academy of the Philippines – Graduate School of Public and Development Management (DAP-GSPDM).^[21]

Amateur boxing career[link]

At the age of 14, Pacquiao moved to Manila and lived, for a time, on the streets. He started boxing and made the Philippine national amateur boxing team where his room and board were paid for by the government. Pacquiao reportedly had an amateur record of 64 fights (60–4).^[22]

Professional boxing career[link]

Light Flyweight[link]

In 1995, the death of a young aspiring boxer and close friend, Eugene Barutag, spurred the young Pacquiao to pursue a professional boxing career.^[23] Pacquiao started his professional boxing career when he was just 16 years of age, stood at 4'11'' and weighed 98 pounds (7 pounds under the minimumweight division). He admitted before American media that he put weights in his pockets to make the 105-pound weight limit.^[24] His early light flyweight division fights took place in small local venues and were shown on Vintage Sports' Blow by Blow, an evening boxing show. His professional debut was a four-round bout against Edmund "Enting" Ignacio, on January 22, 1995, which Pacquiao won via decision, becoming an instant star of the program.

Pacquiao's weight increased from 106 to 113 pounds before losing in his 12th bout against Rustico Torrecampo via a third-round knockout. Pacquiao failed to make the required weight, so he was forced to use heavier gloves than Torrecampo, thereby putting him at a disadvantage.^[25]

Flyweight[link]

Following the Torrecampo fight, Pacquiao continued undefeated for his next 15 fights. He went on another unbeaten run that saw him take on the vastly more experienced Chokchai Chockvivat in flyweight division. Pacquiao knocked out Chockvivat in the fifth round and took the OPBF Flyweight title.^[26] After one official defense and two non-title bouts, Pacquiao got his first opportunity to fight for a world title.

Pacquiao vs. Sasakul[link]

Pacquiao captured the Lineal and WBC Flyweight titles (his first major boxing world title) over Chatchai Sasakul by way of knockout in the eighth round. He defended the titles successfully against Mexican Gabriel Mira via a fourth-round technical knockout. However, Pacquiao lost the Lineal title in his second defense against Medgoen Singsurat, also known as Medgoen 3K Battery, via a third-round knockout. The bout was held in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. Singsurat got Pacquiao on the ropes and landed a flush straight right to the body, coiling Pacquiao over and keeping him there. Pacquiao lost the WBC title at the scales, as he surpassed the weight limit of 112 pounds.

Super Bantamweight[link]

Pacquiao with his trainer Freddie Roach at Pacquiao's Christmas and birthday bash in Los Angeles

Following his loss to Singsurat, Pacquiao gained weight and skipped the super flyweight and bantamweight divisions. This time, Pacquiao went to super bantamweight, or junior featherweight, division of 122 pounds, where he picked up the WBC International Super Bantamweight title. He defended this title five times before his chance for a world title fight came. Pacquiao's big break came on June 23, 2001, against IBF Super Bantamweight title holder Lehlohonolo Ledwaba. Pacquiao stepped into the fight as a late replacement on two weeks' notice but won the fight by technical knockout to win the title, his second major boxing world title. The bout was held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao went on to defend this title four times under head trainer Freddie Roach, owner of the famous Wild Card Gym in West Hollywood.

Featherweight[link]

Pacquiao vs. Barrera I[link]

On November 15, 2003, Pacquiao faced Marco Antonio Barrera at the Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, in a fight that many consider to have defined his career. Pacquiao, who was fighting at featherweight for the first time, brought his power with him and defeated Barrera via technical knockout in the eleventh round, the only knockout loss in Barrera's career, and won the Lineal & The Ring Featherweight Championship, making him the first Filipino and Asian to become a three-division world champion, a fighter who won world titles in three different weight divisions. He defended the title twice before relinquishing it in 2005.^[27]

On November 24, 2003, the then Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo conferred on Pacquiao the Presidential Medal of Merit at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañang Palace for his knockout victory over the best featherweight boxer of the world. The following day, the members of the House of Representatives of the Philippines presented the House Resolution No. 765, authored by the then House Speaker Jose De Venecia and Bukidnon Representative Juan Miguel Zubiri, which honored Pacquiao the Congressional Medal of Achievement for his exceptional achievements. Pacquiao is the first sportsman to receive such an honor from the House of Representatives.^[28][29]

Pacquiao vs. Marquez I[link]

Six months after the fight with Barrera, Pacquiao went on to challenge Juan Manuel Márquez, who at the time held both the WBA and IBF Featherweight titles. The fight took place at the MGM Grand Arena, Las Vegas, on May 8, 2004. After twelve rounds, the bout was scored a draw, which proved to be a controversial decision that outraged both camps.^[30]

In the first round, Márquez was caught cold, as he was knocked down three times by Pacquiao. However, Márquez showed great heart to recover from the early knockdowns and went on to win the majority of rounds thereafter. This was largely due to Márquez's counterpunch style, which he managed to effectively utilize against the aggressive style of Pacquiao. At the end of a very close fight, both boxers felt they had done enough to win the fight. The final scores were 115–110 for Márquez, 115–110 for Pacquiao and 113–113.^[30] One of the judges (who scored the bout 113–113) later admitted to making an error on the scorecards, having scored the first round as 10–7 in favor of Pacquiao instead of the standard 10–6 for a three-knockdown round. If he had scored the round 10–6 for Pacquiao (as the other two judges did), the result would have been a split decision in favor of Pacquiao.^[30]

Super Featherweight[link]

Pacquiao vs. Morales I[link]

On March 19, 2005, Pacquiao moved up in super featherweight, or junior lightweight, division of 130 pounds, in order to fight another Mexican legend and three-division world champion Érik Morales for the vacant WBC International and vacant IBA Super Featherweight titled. The fight took place at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas. In this fight, Pacquiao sustained a cut over his right eye from an accidental clash of heads in the fifth round. He lost the twelve-round match by a unanimous decision from the judges. All three scorecards read 115–113 for Morales.^[31]

Pacquiao vs. Velázquez[link]

On September 10, 2005, Manny Pacquiao knocked out in six rounds Héctor Velázquez at Staples Center in Los Angeles to capture the WBC International Super Featherweight title, which he went on to defend five times. On the same day, his rival, Érik Morales, fought Zahir Raheem and lost via unanimous decision.

Pacquiao vs. Morales II[link]

Despite Morales's loss to Raheem, Pacquiao got matched up against Morales in a rematch which took place on January 21, 2006 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. During the fight, Morales escaped being knocked down twice, once in the second round by holding onto the ropes and once in the sixth by falling on the referee. Pacquiao eventually knocked Morales out in the tenth, the first time Morales was knocked out in his boxing career.^[32]

Pacquiao vs. Larios[link]

On July 2, 2006, Pacquiao defended his WBC International title against Óscar Larios, a two-time Super Bantamweight Champion who had moved up two weight divisions to fight Pacquiao. Pacquiao won the fight via unanimous decision, knocking down Larios two times in the 12-round bout at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines. The three judges scored the fight 117–110, 118–108 and 120–106 all for Pacquiao.^[33]

On July 3, 2006, the day after winning the fight against Larios, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo personally bestowed the Order of Lakandula with the rank of "Champion for Life" (Kampeon Habambuhay) and the plaque of appreciation to Pacquiao in a simple ceremony at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang Palace.^[34]

Pacquiao vs. Morales III[link]

Pacquiao and Morales fought a third time (with the series tied 1–1) on November 18, 2006. Witnessed by a near record crowd of 18,276, the match saw Pacquiao defeat Morales via a third-round knockout at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.^[35] Morales' knockout losses to Pacquiao are the only knockout losses in his professional career. After the Pacquiao–Morales rubber match, Bob Arum, Pacquiao's main promoter, announced that Manny had returned his signing bonus back to Golden Boy Promotions, signaling intentions to stay with Top Rank. This prompted Golden Boy Promotions to sue Pacquiao over breach of contract.^[36]

Pacquiao vs. Solis[link]

After a failed promotional negotiation with Marco Antonio Barrera's camp, Bob Arum chose Jorge Solís as Pacquiao's next opponent among several fighters Arum offered as replacements. The bout was held in San Antonio, Texas, on April 14, 2007. In the sixth round, an accidental headbutt occurred, giving Pacquiao a cut under his left eyebrow. The fight ended in the eighth when Pacquiao knocked Solis down twice. Solis barely beat the count after the second knockdown, causing the referee to stop the fight and award Pacquiao a knockout win. The victory raised Pacquiao's win–loss–draw record to 44–3–2 with 34 knockouts. This also marked the end of Solis's undefeated streak.

Pacquiao vs. Barrera II[link]

On June 29, 2007, Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions announced that they agreed to settle their lawsuit, meaning the long-awaited rematch with Marco Antonio Barrera would occur despite Pacquiao being the top-ranked contender for Juan Manuel Márquez's WBC Super Featherweight title. On October 6, 2007, Pacquiao defeated Barrera in their rematch via an easy unanimous decision. In the eleventh round, Pacquiao's punch caused a deep cut below Barrera's right eye. Barrera retaliated with an illegal punch on the break that dazed Pacquiao, but also resulted in a point deduction for Barrera. Two judges scored the bout 118–109, whereas the third scored it 115–112.^[37]

In The Ring Magazine, Pacquiao (45–3–2) remained at the top of the super featherweight division (130 pounds). He had been in the ratings for 108 weeks.^[38][39] On November 13, 2007, he was honored by the World Boxing Council as Emeritus Champion during its 45th Annual World Convention held at the Manila Hotel.^[40]

On November 20, 2007, José Nuñez, manager of WBO Super Featherweight Champion Joan Guzmán, accused Pacquiao's handler Bob Arum of evading a match between the two boxers to protect Pacquiao.^[41] Guzmán went as far as to directly call out Pacquiao at the postfight press conference of the Pacquiao–Barrera rematch in front of the crowd at the Mandalay Bay Events Center's media room in Las Vegas.^[42]

Pacquiao vs. Marquez II[link]

On March 15, 2008, in a rematch against Juan Manuel Márquez, called "Unfinished Business," Pacquiao won via split decision. The fight was held at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. With the victory, Pacquiao won the WBC Super Featherweight and The Ring Super Featherweight titles, making him the first Filipino and Asian to become a four-division world champion, a fighter who won world titles in four different weight divisions. The fight was a close hard fought battle, during which both fighters received cuts.^[43] Throughout the fight, Márquez landed the most punches at a higher percentage; however, the decisive factor proved to be a third-round knockdown, wherein Márquez was floored by a Pacquiao left hook.^[43] At the end of the fight, the judges' scores were 115–112 for Pacquiao, 115–112 for Márquez and 114–113 for Pacquiao.^[43]

In the post-fight news conference, Márquez’s camp called for an immediate rematch. In addition, Richard Schaefer, Golden Boy Promotions CEO, offered a $6 million guarantee to Pacquiao for a rematch.^[44] However, Pacquiao ruled out a third clash with Márquez, saying, "I don't think so. This business is over."^[43] The reason that Pacquiao did not want a rematch was because he intended to move up to the lightweight division to challenge David Díaz, the reigning WBC Lightweight title holder at that time.^[43] Díaz won a majority decision over Ramón Montano that night as an undercard of the "Unfinished Business" fight.

Lightweight[link]

Pacquiao vs. Díaz[link]

On June 28, 2008, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Pacquiao defeated David Díaz in lightweight division via ninth-round knockout and won the WBC Lightweight title. With the victory, Pacquiao became the first and only Filipino and Asian to become a five-division world champion, a fighter who won world titles in five different weight divisions,^[45] and also became the first Filipino fighter to ever win a world title at lightweight.^[46] During the fight, which Pacquiao dominated, Díaz was cut badly on his right eye in the fourth round.^[47] After the bout, Díaz acknowledged Pacquiao's superior hand speed, stating "It was his speed. It was all his speed. I could see the punches perfectly, but he was just too fast."^[48]

Bob Arum reported that the fight had made 12.5 million dollars, earning Díaz his best payday of 850,000 dollars, whilst Pacquiao earned at least 3 million dollars.^[45] Official records revealed an attendance of 8,362 (out of a maximum capacity of 12,000).^[49]

Holding both the WBC Super Featherweight and Lightweight titles following the win, Pacquiao decided to vacate his super featherweight title in July 2008.^[50]

On August 7, 2008, the members of the House of Representatives of the Philippines issued a House Resolution, sponsored by South Cotabato Congresswoman Darlene Antonino-Custodio, which recognized Pacquiao as a "People’s Champ" — "for his achievements and in appreciation of the honor and inspiration he has been bringing... to the Filipino people." He received a plaque from the then House Speaker Prospero Nograles.^[51]

Welterweight[link]

Pacquiao vs. De La Hoya[link]

On December 6, 2008, Pacquiao moved up to the welterweight division in order to face the six-division world champion Oscar De La Hoya at the MGM Grand, in a fight called "The Dream Match." Presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank, the bout was scheduled as a twelve-round, non-title fight contested at the 147-pound welterweight limit. Although Pacquiao went into the fight widely recognized as the leading pound-for-pound boxer in the world, some boxing pundits had speculated that 147 pounds could be too far above his natural weight against the larger De La Hoya.^[52] However, due to rehydration after the weigh in, De La Hoya came into the fight actually weighing less than Pacquiao and close to 20 pounds under his usual fighting weight. Pacquiao dominated the fight and, after eight rounds, De La Hoya's corner was forced to throw in the towel, awarding Pacquiao the win via technical knockout.^[53]

Pacquiao was ahead on all three judges' scorecards before the stoppage, with two judges scoring the fight at 80–71 and one scoring it at 79–72.^[54] Moreover, Pacquiao landed 224 out of 585 punches, whilst De La Hoya landed only 83 out of 402 punches.^[54] After the bout, trainer Freddie Roach stated, "We knew we had him after the first round. He had no legs, he was hesitant and he was shot."^[55] The fight would be De La Hoya's last, as he announced his retirement from boxing shortly after.^[56]

Pacquiao received 15 to 30 million dollars (share of the pay-per-view), plus a guaranteed amount.^[57] Tickets reportedly sold out just hours after they went on sale. Moreover, the total gate revenue for the fight was said to be nearly 17 million dollars, making it the second largest gate revenue in boxing history.^[58]

On December 22, 2008, Pacquiao has been decorated with the Philippine Legion of Honor with the rank of "Officer" (Pinuno) in a ceremony marking the 73rd founding anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. As an army reservist, he was given recognition for bringing pride and honor to the country through his remarkable achievements in the ring.^[59]

Light Welterweight[link]

Pacquiao vs. Hatton[link]

Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton with their trainers at the Trafford Centre

On May 2, 2009, Pacquiao fought at light welterweight, or super lightweight, division for the first time against Ricky Hatton at the MGM Grand Las Vegas, in a fight billed as "The Battle of the East and West." Pacquiao won the bout via knockout to claim Hatton's The Ring and IBO Light Welterweight titles. In doing so, Pacquiao became the second man in boxing history to become a six-division world champion, a fighter who won world titles in six different weight divisions and the first man ever to win lineal world titles in four different weight classes.^[60]

The fight was originally placed in jeopardy due to disputes with both camps over the fight purse money.^[61] Eventually, the money issue was settled and the fight went on as scheduled. HBO aired the contest.^[62]

Pacquiao started the fight strong, knocking down Hatton twice in the first round.^[63] A somewhat shaken Hatton beat the count, only to be saved by the bell seconds later. In the second round, Hatton seemed to have recovered, as he stalked Pacquiao for most of the round. However, with less than ten seconds remaining in the second round, Hatton was knocked out cold by a sharp left hook, prompting the referee to award Pacquiao the win by knockout (at 2:59 of the round).^[64] The knockout won him the The Ring Magazine "Knockout of the Year" for 2009.

Return to welterweight[link]

Pacquiao vs. Cotto[link]

On November 14, 2009, Pacquiao defeated Miguel Cotto via technical knockout in the twelfth round at the MGM Grand Las Vegas in a fight billed as "Firepower." Although the bout was sanctioned as a world title fight in the welterweight division, where the weight limit is 147 pounds, Cotto agreed to fight at a catchweight of 145 pounds.^[65]

Pacquiao dominated the fight, knocking Cotto down in round three and round four, before the referee stopped the fight at 0:55 of round twelve.^[66] With this victory, Pacquiao took the WBO Welterweight title, was awarded the WBO Super Championship title and became the first seven-division world champion, the first fighter in boxing history to win world titles in seven different weight divisions.^[67] Pacquiao also won the first and special WBC Diamond Championship belt.^[68] This belt was created as an honorary championship exclusively to award the winner of a historic fight between two high-profile boxers.^[69] After the fight, promoter Bob Arum stated "Pacquiao is the greatest boxer I've ever seen, and I've seen them all, including Ali, Hagler and Sugar Ray Leonard."^[70] Miguel Cotto said in a post fight interview: "Miguel Cotto comes to boxing to fight the biggest names, and Manny is one of the best boxers we have of all time."

The fight generated 1.25 million buys and $70 million in domestic pay-per-view revenue, making it the most watched boxing event of 2009.^[71] Pacquiao earned around $22 million for his part in the fight, whilst Cotto earned around $12 million.^[71] Pacquiao–Cotto also generated a live gate of $8,847,550 from an official crowd of 15,930.^[71]

On November 20, 2009, in a simple rites at the Quirino Grandstand, President Macapagal-Arroyo conferred Pacquiao the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross) with Gold distinction (Katangiang Ginto) which usually bestowed to foreign diplomats and heads of state. It was awarded to Pacquiao for winning his historical seventh weight division world title.^[72]

Following the victory against Cotto, there was much public demand for a fight between the seven-division world champion Manny Pacquiao (the number-one pound-for-pound boxer) and the five-division world champion Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (the number-two and former number-one pound-for-pound boxer). Pacquiao reportedly agreed to fight Mayweather on March 13, 2010 for a split of $50 million up front.^[73] And it was later agreed that the venue for the fight would be the MGM Grand Las Vegas. However, the bout was put in jeopardy due to disagreements about Olympic-style drug testing. The Mayweather camp wanted random blood testing by the United States Anti-Doping Agency,^[74] whereas Pacquiao refused to have any blood testing within 30 days from the fight, because he thought it would weaken him, but he was willing to have blood taken from him before the 30-day window as well as immediately after the fight.^[75] Freddie Roach, on the other hand, commented that he would not allow blood to be taken from Pacquiao one week before the fight.^[76][77] In an attempt to resolve their differences, the two camps went through a process of mediation before a retired judge. After the mediation process Mayweather agreed to a 14-day no blood testing window. However, Pacquiao refused and instead only agreed to a 24-day no blood testing window.^[78] Consequently, on January 7, 2010, Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum declared that the fight was officially off.^[79]

Because of Pacquiao's reluctance to submit to random blood testing to the extent requested by Mayweather, despite lack of evidence, the Mayweather camp repeated their suggestion that Pacquiao was using banned substances, which resulted in Pacquiao filing a lawsuit for defamation, seeking damages in excess of 75,000 dollars.^[80] The lawsuit cited accusations made by Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Floyd Mayweather Sr., Roger Mayweather, Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer.^[80][81]

Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey shortly after the weigh in for their fight in Dallas, Texas. In the background are Bob Arum and Jerry Jones

After negotiations for the Mayweather fight fell through, other boxers were considered to replace Mayweather as Pacquiao's next opponent, including former Light Welterweight Champion Paul Malignaggi,^[82] and WBA Light Middleweight title holder Yuri Foreman.^[83] However, Pacquiao chose to fight former IBF Welterweight title holder Joshua Clottey instead.

Pacquiao vs. Clottey[link]

On March 13, 2010, at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Pacquiao defeated Clottey via unanimous decision to retain his WBO Welterweight title. The judges scored the fight 120–108, 119–109 and 119–109, all in favor of Pacquiao.^[84] During the fight, Pacquiao threw a total of 1231 punches (a career high), but landed just 246, as most were blocked by Clottey's tight defense. On the other hand, Clottey threw a total of 399 punches, landing 108.^[85]

The fight was rewarded with a paid crowd of 36,371 and a gate of $6,359,985, according to post-fight tax reports filed with Texas boxing regulators.^[86] Counting complimentary tickets delivered to sponsors, media outlets and others, the Dallas fight attracted 41,843,^[86] well short of the 50,994 that was previously announced,^[87] but still an epic number for boxing. In addition, the bout drew 700,000 pay-per-view buys and earned $35.3 million in domestic revenue.^[88]

Manny Pacquiao was named as the Fighter of the Decade for years 2000–2009 by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA). This award was presented by legendary boxer Joe Frazier, who was also a recipient of the award himself back in 1978 for defeating Muhammad Ali. Aside from this prestigious recognition, he was also named as the Sugar Ray Robinson Fighter of the Year for 2009, having received the same honor in 2006 and 2008. The awards ceremony was held at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City on June 4, 2010.^[7]

After his victory over Clottey, Pacquiao was expected to return to boxing in late 2010 with a possible matchup against Floyd Mayweather, Jr.. It was later reported that Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer and Top Rank Chief Bob Arum worked out a '"Super Fight" between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr.. However, complications arose when Mayweather requested Pacquiao undergo random blood and urine testing up until the fight day. Pacquiao responded that he would agree to undergo blood and urine testing up until 14 days before the fight (as requested by Mayweather in the first round of negotiations), stating that giving blood too close to the fight day would weaken him. On May 13, 2010, Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum announced that he had penciled in November 13, 2010 as the date of Manny Pacquiao's next fight, possibly against Mayweather. However, the stumbling block over demands that Pacquiao submit to Olympic-level random drug testing put the fight in jeopardy.^[89]

On June 12, 2010, the President of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya, stated during an interview with a Spanish network that the deal for the fight was very close and the negotiation process has been very difficult.^[90] On June 30, 2010, Arum announced that the management of both sides had agreed to terms, that all points had been settled (including Pacquiao agreeing to submit to both blood and urine testing) and only the signature of Floyd Mayweather, Jr. was needed to seal the deal that could have earned both fighters at least $40 million each. Mayweather was then given a two-week deadline for the fight contract to be signed.^[91] Arum also announced that Pacquiao accepted the terms of the random drug testing, blood and urine, leading up to the fight.^[92]

On July 15, 2010, Bob Arum announced that Pacquiao's camp would give Mayweather until Friday midnight to sign the fight. The next day, the Top Rank website embedded a countdown clock on their website with the heading "Money" Time: Mayweather's Decision.^[93] On July 17, 2010, Arum announced that there was no word from Mayweather's camp and the deal for a November 13, 2010 fight with Mayweather was not reached.

On July 19, 2010, Leonard Ellerbe, one of Floyd Mayweather, Jr.'s closest advisers, denied that negotiations for a super fight between Mayweather and Pacquiao had ever taken place. Ellerbe stated that Bob Arum was not telling the truth.^[94] Bob Arum responded, questioning that if there was no negotiation, then who imposed the gag order (referring to a gag order about the negotiation allegedly imposed on both camps) and who could there be a gag order from if there were no negotiations. He also criticized Oscar De La Hoya and his Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer for denying that negotiations took place, when De La Hoya himself had previously stated that they were "very, very close in finalizing the contracts."^[95] Arum revealed that HBO Sports President Ross Greenburg acted as the mediator between Mayweather’s handlers and those of Pacquiao’s from Top Rank Promotions.^[96] On July 26, 2010, Ross Greenburg said in a statement that he has been negotiating with a representative from each side since May 2, 2010, carefully trying to put the fight together and he did in fact act as a go-between in negotiations with the two sides, but they were unable to come to an agreement, contradicting what Arum and the Pacquiao camp had said.^[97][98] Floyd Mayweather, Jr., after the second negotiation had been officially declared off, told the Associated Press that he had fought sixty days ago and that he was not interested in rushing into anything and was not really thinking about boxing at the moment.^[99] Almost a year later, on July 8, 2011, Manny Pacquiao's top adviser Michael Koncz confirmed that Pacquiao had in fact never agreed to testing up until fight day, which contradicted what Bob Arum and the Pacquiao camp had been saying for well over a year.^[100]

Light Middleweight[link]

Pacquiao vs. Margarito[link]

On July 23, 2010, Bob Arum announced that Pacquiao would fight Antonio Margarito on November 13, 2010. The fight for the vacant WBC Light Middleweight title gave Pacquiao the chance to win a world title in his eighth weight class, the light middleweight, or super welterweight, division.^[101] A catchweight of 150 pounds was established for the fight, although the weight limit for the light middleweight division is 154 pounds. During the pre-fight, Pacquiao weighed in at a low 144.6 pounds, while Margarito weighed in at the limit of 150 pounds. Pacquiao said he was pleased with his weight because he loses too much speed when he gains pounds. During the fight itself, Pacquiao weighed 148 lbs, 17 pounds lighter than Margarito's 165.^[102]

Prior to the fight, Pacquiao's team demanded to the Texas officials to test Margarito for banned substances after a weight loss supplement, reportedly Hydroxycut, was found in his locker. It was stated that the officials would undergo testing for both boxers after the fight.^[103] In the fight, Pacquiao defeated Margarito via unanimous decision, using his superior handspeed and movement to win his 8th world title in as many divisions. In the penultimate round, Pacquiao implored referee Laurence Cole several times to stop the fight as Margarito had a swollen face and a large cut beneath the right eye, but the referee let the fight continue.^[104] Margarito had to be taken directly to the hospital after the fight, where it was discovered his orbital bone had been fractured; he had to undergo surgery.^[105]

On November 22, 2010, after winning world title in his eighth weight division, Pacquiao was awarded with another Congressional Medal of Distinction from his fellow congressmen led by House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte during the ceremony at the Philippine House of Representatives.^[106]

Because Pacquiao had no plans to defend the WBC Light Middleweight title that he won against Margarito, the WBC Board of Governors voted to declare the title vacant.^[107]

Second return to welterweight[link]

Pacquiao vs. Mosley[link]

On May 7, 2011, Pacquiao successfully defended his WBO Welterweight title against three-division world champion Shane Mosley via lopsided unanimous decision at the MGM Grand Arena. Rapper LL Cool J performed as Mosley entered first the arena, while vocalist Jimi Jamison of the rock band Survivor sang "Eye of the Tiger" as Pacquiao approached the ring. Pacquiao knocked Mosley down in the third round using a one-two capped with a left straight. Mosley was left dazed by the knockdown but managed to stand up.^[108] Mosley floored Pacquiao in the tenth round with a push, but referee Kenny Bayless inexplicably ruled it a knockdown. None of the judges seemed to have bought it judging from the scores. Replays showed that Pacquiao was throwing a punch off balance, had his right foot stepped on by Mosley's left foot and went down with a little help from Mosley's right hand. Bayless apologized to Pacquiao after the fight for the mistake. Pacquiao gained one-sided verdicts from all three judges – 119–108, 120–108 and 120–107.^[109] Pacquiao reported that the only thing preventing him from knocking out Mosley was a cramp in his legs. Freddie Roach said that Pacquiao had problems with cramping before but usually in training sessions and not in the middle of bouts.^[110] After the fight, there was much controversy over Shane Mosley reportedly telling Floyd Mayweather that he should have made Pacquiao "take the test."^[111]

Bob Arum talked about having Pacquiao's next bout at the MGM Grand on November 5, 2011 or across town at the Thomas and Mack Center on November 12, 2011. Arum listed Juan Manuel Marquez as the first choice and then mentioned Timothy Bradley and Zab Judah as other options.^[112]

Pacquiao vs. Marquez III[link]

Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum stated that a third meeting with Márquez could happen in November 2011, providing Pacquiao defeated his next opponent Shane Mosley on May 7.^[113] On May 10, Márquez accepted an offer from Top Rank to fight Pacquiao for his WBO Welterweight title at a catchweight of 144 pounds.^[114] On May 18, Márquez signed the deal to fight Pacquiao for the third time on November 12 at Las Vegas.

On November 12, Marquez lost to Pacquiao via majority decision by garnering scores 114–114, 115–113 & 116–112 from scorecards of three judges. Upon the results being announced, the crowd reaction was largely negative with thousands continuing to boo^[115] as Pacquiao spoke with Max Kellerman. Tim Smith of New York's Daily News wrote that Márquez "was robbed of a decision by judges who were either blind or corrupt."^[116] However, ringside punch stats showed Pacquiao landing more strikes, 176 to 138, and landing more power punches, 117 to 100.^[117] Michael Woods of ESPN stated that Marquez was not robbed noting the Compubox stats, all of which favored Pacquiao.^[118]

Pacquiao vs. Bradley[link]

Bob Arum announced that Pacquiao is having his next bout on June 9, 2012, following another failed negotiations for a showdown with the now WBC titleholder Floyd Mayweather, Jr. on Cinco De Mayo. Timothy Bradley, Miguel Cotto, Juan Manuel Marquez and Lamont Peterson were the names on Arum's list of his next possible opponents.

On February 5, Timothy Bradley was announced as Pacquiao's next opponent on June 9 for his WBO Welterweight title.^[119][120]

Professional boxing record[link]

54 Wins (38 knockouts, 16 decisions), 3 Losses (2 knockouts, 1 decision), 2 Draws[121]
Res.	Record	Opponent	Type	Round, Time	Date	Location	Notes
N/A	N/A	Timothy Bradley	-	? (12)	2012-06-09	MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada	Defends WBO Welterweight title.
Win	54-3-2	Juan Manuel Márquez	MD	12	2011-11-12	MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada	Retained WBO Welterweight title. Fight at 144-pound catch weight.
Win	53-3-2	Shane Mosley	UD	12	2011-05-07	MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada	Retained WBO Welterweight title.
Win	52-3-2	Antonio Margarito	UD	12	2010-11-13	Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas	Won vacant WBC Light Middleweight title. Fight at 150-pound catch weight.
Win	51-3-2	Joshua Clottey	UD	12	2010-03-13	Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas	Retained WBO Welterweight title.
Win	50-3-2	Miguel Ángel Cotto	TKO	12 (12), 0:55	2009-11-14	MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada	Won WBO Welterweight title. Awarded WBC Diamond belt. Fight at 145-pound catch weight.
Win	49-3-2	Ricky Hatton	KO	2 (12), 2:59	2009-05-02	MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada	Won The Ring & IBO Light Welterweight titles.
Win	48-3-2	Oscar De La Hoya	RTD	8 (12), 3:00	2008-12-06	MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada	A non-title welterweight bout.
Win	47-3-2	David Díaz	TKO	9 (12), 2:24	2008-06-28	Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, Nevada	Won WBC Lightweight title.
Win	46-3-2	Juan Manuel Márquez	SD	12	2008-03-15	Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, Nevada	Won WBC & vacant The Ring Super Featherweight titles.
Win	45-3-2	Marco Antonio Barrera	UD	12	2007-10-06	Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, Nevada	Retained WBC International Super Featherweight title.
Win	44-3-2	Jorge Solís	KO	8 (12), 1:16	2007-04-14	Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas	Retained WBC International Super Featherweight title.
Win	43-3-2	Érik Morales	KO	3 (12), 2:57	2006-11-18	Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada	Retained WBC International Super Featherweight title.
Win	42-3-2	Óscar Larios	UD	12	2006-07-02	Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Metro Manila	Retained WBC International Super Featherweight title.
Win	41-3-2	Érik Morales	TKO	10 (12), 2:33	2006-01-21	Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada	Retained WBC International Super Featherweight title. WBC Super Featherweight Title Eliminator.
Win	40-3-2	Héctor Velázquez	TKO	6 (12), 2:59	2005-09-10	Staples Center, Los Angeles, California	Won vacant WBC International Super Featherweight title.
Loss	39-3-2	Érik Morales	UD	12	2005-03-19	MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada	For vacant WBC International & vacant IBA Super Featherweight titles.
Win	39-2-2	Fahsan Por Thawatchai	TKO	4 (12), 1:26	2004-12-11	Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila	Retained The Ring Featherweight title. IBF Featherweight Eliminator for the #2 Spot.
Draw	38-2-2	Juan Manuel Márquez	SD	12	2004-05-08	MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada	Retained The Ring Featherweight title. For WBA (Super) and IBF Featherweight titles.
Win	38-2-1	Marco Antonio Barrera	TKO	11 (12), 2:56	2003-11-15	Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas	Won Lineal & The Ring Featherweight titles.
Win	37-2-1	Emmanuel Lucero	KO	3 (12), 0:48	2003-07-26	Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California	Retained IBF Super Bantamweight title.
Win	36-2-1	Serikzhan Yeshmagambetov	TKO	5 (10), 1:52	2003-03-15	Rizal Park, Manila, Metro Manila	A non-title featherweight bout.
Win	35-2-1	Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym	KO	1 (12), 2:46	2002-10-26	Rizal Memorial College Gym, Davao City	Retained IBF Super Bantamweight title.
Win	34-2-1	Jorge Eliecer Julio	TKO	2 (12), 1:09	2002-06-08	The Pyramid, Memphis, Memphis	Retained IBF Super Bantamweight title.
Draw	33-2-1	Agapito Sánchez	TD	6 (12), 1:12	2001-11-10	Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California	Retained IBF Super Bantamweight title. For WBO Super Bantamweight title. Bout stopped due to cut on Pacquiao's eye caused by headbutt.
Win	33–2	Lehlohonolo Ledwaba	TKO	6 (12), 0:59	2001-06-23	MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada	Won IBF Super Bantamweight title.
Win	32–2	Wethya Sakmuangklang	KO	6 (12), 2:40	2001-04-28	Kidapawan City, Cotabato	Retained WBC International Super Bantamweight title.
Win	31–2	Tetsutora Senrima	TKO	5 (12)	2001-02-24	Ynares Center, Antipolo City, Rizal	Retained WBC International Super Bantamweight title.
Win	30–2	Nedal Hussein	TKO	10 (12), 1:48	2000-10-14	Ynares Center, Antipolo City, Rizal	Retained WBC International Super Bantamweight title.
Win	29–2	Seung-Kon Chae	TKO	1 (12), 1:42	2000-06-28	Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Metro Manila	Retained WBC International Super Bantamweight title.
Win	28–2	Arnel Barotillo	KO	4 (12)	2000-03-04	Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Manila, Metro Manila	Retained WBC International Super Bantamweight title.
Win	27–2	Reynante Jamili	KO	2 (12)	1999-12-18	Elorde Sports Complex, Parañaque City, Metro Manila	Won WBC International Super Bantamweight title.
Loss	26–2	Medgoen Singsurat	KO	3 (12), 1:32	1999-09-17	Pakpanag Metropolitan Stadium, Nakhon Si Thammarat	Lost Lineal Flyweight title. Pacquiao was overweight at weigh-in and stripped of WBC Flyweight title.
Win	26–1	Gabriel Mira	TKO	4 (12), 2:45	1999-04-24	Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Metro Manila	Retained Lineal & WBC Flyweight titles.
Win	25–1	Todd Makelim	TKO	3 (10), 2:52	1999-02-20	Kidapawan City, Cotabato
Win	24–1	Chatchai Sasakul	KO	8 (12)	1998-12-04	Tonsuk College Ground, Phutthamonthon	Won Lineal & WBC Flyweight titles.
Win	23–1	Shin Terao	TKO	1 (10), 2:59	1998-05-18	Korakuen Hall, Tokyo
Win	22–1	Panomdej Ohyuthanakorn	KO	1 (12), 1:38	1997-12-06	South Cotabato Stadium, Koronadal City, South Cotabato	Retained OPBF Flyweight title.
Win	21–1	Melvin Magramo	UD	(10)	1997-09-13	Cebu Coliseum Cebu City, Cebu
Win	20–1	Chokchai Chockvivat	KO	5 (12), 2:46	1997-06-26	Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila	Won OPBF Flyweight title.
Win	19–1	Ariel Austria	TKO	6 (10)	1997-05-30	Almendras Gym, Davao City
Win	18–1	Wook-Ki Lee	KO	1 (10), 1:04	1997-04-24	Ritsy's, Makati City, Metro Manila
Win	17–1	Mike Luna	KO	1 (10), 1:56	1997-03-03	Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila
Win	16–1	Sung-Yul Lee	TKO	2 (10)	1996-12-28	Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila
Win	15–1	Ippo Gala	TKO	2 (10)	1996-07-27	Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila
Win	14–1	Bert Batiller	TKO	4 (10)	1996-06-15	General Santos City, South Cotabato
Win	13–1	John Medina	TKO	4 (10)	1996-05-05	Malabon City, Metro Manila
Win	12–1	Marlon Carillo	UD	(10)	1996-04-27	Ramada Hotel, Manila, Metro Manila
Loss	11–1	Rustico Torrecampo	KO	3 (10), 0:29	1996-02-09	Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila	Pacquiao was one pound over the specified catch weight of 111 lbs. He was penalized by wearing heavier gloves.
Win	11–0	Lito Torrejos	TD	5 (10)	1996-01-13	Parañaque City, Metro Manila
Win	10–0	Rolando Toyogon	UD	10	1995-12-09	Sampaloc Metro Manila
Win	9–0	Rudolfo Fernandez	TKO	3 (10)	1995-11-11	Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila
Win	8–0	Renato Mendones	TKO	2 (8)	1995-10-21	Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Win	7–0	Lolito Laroa	UD	8	1995-10-07	Makati City, Metro Manila
Win	6–0	Armando Rocil	KO	3 (8)	1995-09-16	Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila
Win	5–0	Acasio Simbajon	UD	6	1995-08-03	Mandaluyong Sports Complex, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila
Win	4–0	Dele Decierto	TKO	2 (6)	1995-07-01	Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila
Win	3–0	Rocky Palma	UD	6	1995-05-01	Montano Hall, Cavite City, Cavite
Win	2–0	Pinoy Montejo	UD	4	1995-03-18	Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro
Win	1–0	Edmund Enting Ignacio	UD	4	1995-01-22	Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro	Professional boxing debut at light flyweight.

Titles in boxing[link]

Major World Titles:

• WBC Flyweight Champion (112 lbs)
• IBF Super Bantamweight Champion (122 lbs)
• WBC Super Featherweight Champion (130 lbs)
• WBC Lightweight Champion (135 lbs)
• WBO Welterweight Champion (147 lbs)
• WBC Light Middleweight Champion (154 lbs)

Minor World Titles:

• IBO Light Welterweight Champion (140 lbs)

The Ring/Lineal Championship Titles:

• Lineal Flyweight Champion (112 lbs)
• The Ring Featherweight Champion (126 lbs)
• The Ring Super Featherweight Champion (130 lbs)
• The Ring Light Welterweight Champion (140 lbs)

Regional/International Titles:

• OPBF Flyweight Champion (112 lbs)
• WBC International Super Bantamweight Champion (122 lbs)
• WBC International Super Featherweight Champion (130 lbs)

Special Titles:

• WBC Emeritus Super Featherweight Champion (130 lbs)
• WBC Diamond Welterweight Champion (147 lbs)
• WBO Welterweight Super Champion (147 lbs)

Acting career[link]

Pacquiao started his acting career as an extra in some local films and guest appearances on ABS-CBN shows.

In December 2005 Pacquiao took his first lead role in Violett Films' Lisensyadong Kamao (Licensed Fist).^[122] The movie is titled so because (according to director Tony Bernal), being a Boxer, Pacquiao is licensed to use his hands.^{[citation needed]}

In 2008, Pacquiao starred with Ara Mina and Valerie Concepcion in Anak ng Kumander (Son of Commander). The movie was not a commercial success and was panned by critics.^{[citation needed]}

Pacquiao starred in the superhero/comedy film entitled Wapakman, which was released on December 25, 2009 as an entry to the 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival.^[123] Like his previous films, Wapakman was not commercially successful.^[124]

Upon the expiration of his contract with ABS-CBN, Pacquiao signed with GMA Network as an actor in September 2007. On December 17, 2007, he taped his first episode of the networks infotainment show Pinoy Records.^[125] His other projects with the network included Totoy Bato and the sitcom Show Me Da Manny in which his mother, Dionesia, also appeared.

In 2012, American actor Sylvester Stallone was reportedly in talks with Pacquiao over co-starring in one of Stallone's future films, which is in the planning stages. The project did not push through as no further updates were given after the initial report.^[126]

In 2011, Pacquiao appeared on Tosh.0 in which he was paired in a fight with Daniel Tosh. It resulted in Pacquiao winning in one punch.

On May 18, 2012 it was reported that Pacquiao will shoot his first Hollywood film after his June 9 fight with Tim Bradley. He will play a gangster in this movie that will also feature other fighters and martial artists such as Hector Echavarria, Lyoto Machida, Anderson Silva and Frank Mir. Filipino-American Rob Schneider also confirmed the report in an interview that he'll be workign with Pacquiao in a movie. The working title is Brass Knuckles and will be directed by Erick Geisler.^[127][128]

Political career[link]

Emmanuel D. Pacquiao
Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Sarangani's Lone District
Incumbent
Assumed office June 30, 2010
Preceded by	Erwin L. Chiongbian
Personal details
Political party	PDP-LABAN (2012–) Liberal Party (2007, 2010–12) Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (2008) Nacionalista Party (2009–10) People's Champ Movement (2010–)
Residence	Kiamba, Sarangani
Alma mater	Notre Dame of Dadiangas University
Profession	Professional Boxer, Actor
Religion	Evangelical Roman Catholic
Website	www.congress.gov.ph

2007 Election[link]

On February 12, 2007, Pacquiao officially announced that he would be running for a seat in the House of Representatives in the May 2007 legislative election as a candidate of the Liberal Party, aiming to represent the 1st District of South Cotabato.^[129] Pacquiao, who has been known to be supportive of the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, said that he was persuaded to run by local officials of General Santos City, who hoped he would act as a bridge between their interests and the national government.^[129] Pacquiao was defeated in the election by incumbent Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio, who said, "More than anything, I think, people weren't prepared to lose him as their boxing icon."^[130]

In September 2008, Pacquiao was sworn in as member of Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (KAMPI), a pro-administration political party.

2010 Election[link]

On November 21, 2009, Pacquiao confirmed that he would run again for the congressional seat, but this time in Sarangani province, the hometown of his wife Jinkee.^[131] He originally planned to run for congress under his own party, the People's Champ Movement, but has since joined the Nacionalista Party headed by Manny Villar. Villar said arrangements were made to accommodate Pacquiao’s People’s Champ Movement in a coalition with the Nacionalista Party for the May 2010 elections in Sarangani.^[132]

On May 13, 2010, Pacquiao was officially proclaimed congressman of the lone district of Sarangani. He scored a landslide victory over the wealthy and politically well-entrenched Chiongbian clan that had been in power in the province for more than thirty years. Pacquiao got 120,052 votes while his opponent for the seat, Roy Chiongbian, got 60,899 votes.^[133]

On June 28, 2010, Pacquiao took his oath of office as congressman before Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio in the Provincial Capitol of Sarangani in Municipality of Alabel. He announced that he will transfer to President-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III's Liberal Party from Nacionalista Party as he wants to ensure the entry of more projects to his province.^[134]

Pacquiao later moved to the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) led by Vice-President Jejomar Binay. He took his oath on April 16, 2012 in front of PDP-LABAN President and Senator Aquilino Pimentel III and Secretary-General Joey de Venecia in preparation for the upcoming 2013 elections.^[135]

In popular culture[link]

A film based on Pacquiao's life, Pacquiao: The Movie, was released on June 21, 2006, featuring Filipino actor Jericho Rosales as Manny Pacquiao and was directed by Joel Lamangan.^[136] The film flopped at the box office, grossing a total of only P4,812,191 (approximately US$99,322), as confirmed by Lamangan.

Pacquiao is featured in the boxing video games Fight Night Round 2, Fight Night Round 3, Fight Night Round 4 and Fight Night Champion. EA Sports released a limited edition demo of Fight Night Round 4, featuring Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton prior to their May 2 fight.^[137]

Pacquiao became the first Filipino athlete to appear on a postage stamp.^[138]

Pacquiao became the first Filipino Olympic non-participant to be Team Philippines’ flag-bearer during the August 8 opening ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium. Swimmer Miguel Molina, 2005 Southeast Asian Games’ Best Male Athlete, yielded the honor to Pacquiao, upon the request of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to the national sports officials on the Philippines at the 2008 Summer Olympics.^[139]

Pacquiao plays basketball as a cross-training to keep himself in shape. He is playing in the semi-professional basketball league, Liga Pilipinas, with the team he owns, the MP-Gensan Warriors. He made his debut in the Smart-Liga Pilipinas Conference II in January 16, 2009. He wears jersey number 17.^[140]

Pacquiao became an honorary member of the Boston Celtics. The honorary membership was bestowed on him in a brief ceremony and he was presented with a replica of a green and white Celtics jersey bearing his name and number 1.^[141] As a measure of gratitude, Pacquiao delivered a stockpile of red autographed boxing gloves to TD Garden. On March 10, 2010, prior to the night's game with Memphis Grizzlies, many of the Celtics had a special motivational gift waiting for them in their lockers.^[142]

With his popularity, various business sectors have solicited Manny Pacquiao's help in endorsing their products through commercial advertisements in print and in broadcast media. These include detergents, medicines, foods, beverage, garments, telecommunications and even a political ad for politicians during the 2007 and 2010 Philippine elections. His most acclaimed commercials yet were for Nike's "Fast Forward" campaign (alongside Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant, Maria Sharapova, Roger Federer, Cristiano Ronaldo and Liu Xiang)^[143] and San Miguel Beer with Jet Li^[144] and Érik Morales.^[145]

Pacquiao has been included by Time Magazine as one of the world's most influential people for the year 2009, for his exploits in boxing and his influence among the Filipino people.^[146] Pacquiao was also included by Forbes Magazine in its annual Celebrity 100 list for the year 2009, joining Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie and fellow athletes Tiger Woods and Bryant.^[147] Forbes also listed Pacquiao as the World's 6th Highest Paid Athlete, with a total of 40 Million Dollars ($40,000,000.00) or 2 Billion Pesos (₱2,000,000,000.00) from the second half of 2008 to the first half of 2009. Tied with him on the sixth spot was the NBA player LeBron James and golfer Phil Mickelson.^[148] Pacquiao was again included in Forbes' list of Highest Paid Athletes from the second half of 2009 to the first half of 2010; he was ranked 8th with an income of $42 million.^[149] Pacquiao had also won the 2009 ESPY Awards for the Best Fighter category, beating fellow boxer Shane Mosley and Brazilian mixed martial arts fighters Lyoto Machida and Anderson Silva.^[150] More recently, ESPN Magazine reported that Pacquiao is one of the two top earning athletes for 2010, alongside American Major League baseball player Alex Rodriguez. According to the magazine's annual salary report of athletes, Pacquiao earned $32 million (approximately PhP 1.38 billion) for his two 2010 boxing matches against Clottey and Margarito.^[151]

Pacquiao has also graced the cover of Time Magazine Asia for their November 16, 2009 issue. According to their five-page feature story, "(Pacquiao is) a fighter with enough charisma, intelligence and backstory to help rescue a sport lost in the labyrinth of pay-per-view. Global brands like Nike want him in their ads." They also added, "Pacquiao has a myth of origin equal to that of any Greek or Roman hero. He leaves the Philippines to make it even bigger, conquering the world again and again to bring back riches to his family and friends."^[150][152] He became the eighth Filipino to grace the cover of the prestigious magazine, after former Philippine presidents Manuel L. Quezon, Ramon Magsaysay, Ferdinand Marcos, Corazon Aquino, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Benigno Aquino III and Filipino actress and environmentalist Chin Chin Gutierrez. Pacquiao was also featured on the cover of Reader’s Digest Asia, where a seven-page story was written about the Filipino boxing superstar. The issue came out before Pacquiao’s epic match against De La Hoya on November 2008.

Recognitions[link]

International:

• 2000–09 Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Decade^[153]
• 2000–09 HBO Fighter of the Decade^[154]
• 2006, 2008 and 2009 Boxing Writers Association Fighter of the Year^[153][155]
• 2006, 2008 and 2009 ESPN Fighter of the Year^[156]
• 2006, 2008 and 2009 The Ring Fighter of the Year
• 2001–2010 World Boxing Council Boxer of the Decade ^[157]
• 2008 Sports Illustrated Boxer of the Year^[158]
• 2008 Yahoo! Sports Fighter of the Year^[159]
• 2008 and 2009 ESPN Star's Champion of Champions^[160]
• 2008 and 2009 World Boxing Council Boxer of the Year^[161][162]
• 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 The Ring No.1 Pound-for-Pound (year-end)
• 2009 Ask Men Most Influential Men (ranked 24th)^[163]
• 2009 ESPN Knockout of the Year (in Round 2 against Ricky Hatton)^[164]
• 2009 and 2011 ESPY Awards Best Fighter^[165]
• 2009 Forbes Magazine World's Highest-Paid Athletes (ranked 6th)^[166]
• 2009 Sports Illustrated Fighter of the Year^[167]
• 2009 The Ring Knockout of the Year (in Round 2 against Ricky Hatton)
• 2009 TIME 100 Most Influential People (Heroes and Icons Category)^[168]
• 2009, 2010 and 2012 Forbes Magazine Celebrity 100 (The World's Most Powerful Celebrity) (ranked 57th, 55th and 33rd)^[169]
• 2010 Bleacher Report Most Exciting Athletes of All Time (ranked 85th)^[170]
• 2010 World Boxing Organization Fighter of the Year^[171]
• 2010 Yahoo! Sports Boxing's Most Influential (ranked 25th) ^[172]

National:

• 2000–09 Philippine Sportswriters Association Athlete of the Decade^[173]
• 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2008 PSA Sportsman of the Year
• 2003 Presidential Medal of Merit
• 2003 and 2010 Congressional Medal of Achievement / Distinction / Honor
• 2006 Order of Lakandula with the rank of "Champion for Life" (Kampeon Habambuhay)^[72]
• 2008 Philippine Legion of Honor with the rank of "Officer" (Pinuno)^[174]
• 2008 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Honorary Award for Sports Excellence^[175]
• 2009 Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross with Gold Distinction)^[72]
• 2011 Gabriel "Flash" Elorde Memorial "Quintessential Athlete" Award

Filmography[link]

Discography[link]

Most of the Tagalog songs of Pacquiao were composed by Lito Camo. The following are the songs from Manny Pacquiao's albums:

• Laban Nating Lahat Ito (2006) – under Star Records
  • "Bilog" (Circle)
  • "Para Sa'Yo Ang Laban Na 'To" (This Fight is for You)
  • "Pagsubok Lamang Yan" (It's Just a Challenge)
  • "Byaheng Pag-asa" (Voyage of Hope)
  • "Ipakita Mo" (Show Them)
  • "Ikaw at Ako" (You and Me)
  • "Hindi Ko Kaya" (I Can't Do It)
  • "Kanta Tayo" (Let's Sing)
  • "Champion Sa Kantahan" (Champion in Singing)
  • "Laban Nating Lahat Ito" (This is Our Fight) (feat Francis M.)

• Pac-Man Punch (2007) – under MCA Records
  • "Pac-Man Punch" – Willie Wilcox feat. Nemesis Yankee and Manny Pacquiao
  • "Pac-Man Punch (R U Ready?)" – Willie Wilcox feat. Nemesis Yankee
  • "Pac-Man Punch (Knockout Remix)" – Willie Wilcox feat. Nemesis Yankee and Manny Pacquiao
  • "Pac-Man Punch (Minus One)"

• 2009 Single under GMA Records
  • "Lahing Pinoy"

• 2011 Single
  • Remake of Dan Hill's Sometimes When We Touch ^[177]

See also[link]

• List of current world boxing champions
• List of Filipino boxing world champions
• List of The Ring world champions
• List of WBC world champions
• List of IBF world champions
• List of WBO world champions
• List of IBO world champions
• List of flyweight boxing champions
• List of super bantamweight boxing champions
• List of super featherweight boxing champions
• List of lightweight boxing champions
• List of welterweight boxing champions
• List of super welterweight boxing champions
• List of boxing triple champions
• List of boxing quadruple champions
• List of boxing quintuple champions
• List of boxing sextuple champions
• List of boxing septuple champions
• List of left-handed boxers
• The Ring pound for pound

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Manny Pacquiao

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Manny Pacquiao

• Manny Pacquiao's Official Site
• PACLAND – Official Fan Site
• MPBoxing.com
• Professional boxing record for Manny Pacquiao from BoxRec
• Manny Pacquiao at the Internet Movie Database
• Rep. Emmanuel D. Pacquiao Official Profile
• HBO Boxing: Manny Pacquiao: Bio
• Fight Videos
• Manny Pacquiao's Fight-by-Fight Career Record
• GQ Magazine Profile
• Nike – Inside Pacquiao
• PacMan: Behind the Scenes with Manny Pacquiao: A Biography of Pacquiao, published by Da Capo Press
• The Manny Pacquiao workout, published by Men'sHealth UK

This article may require copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone, or spelling. You can assist by editing it. (December 2011)

Floyd Mayweather redirects here. For his father, see Floyd Mayweather, Sr.

Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
Statistics
Real name	Floyd Joy Mayweather, Jr.
Nickname(s)	Pretty Boy Money
Rated at	Super Featherweight Lightweight Light Welterweight Welterweight Light Middleweight
Height	5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Reach	72 in (183 cm)
Nationality	American
Born	(1977-02-24) February 24, 1977 (age 35) Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	43
Wins	43
Wins by KO	26
Losses	0
Draws	0
No contests	0 Official Site

Floyd Joy Mayweather, Jr. (born Floyd Sinclair; February 24, 1977) is an American professional boxer.^[1] He is a five-division world champion, where he has won eight world titles, as well as the Lineal Championship in three different weight classes.^[2] He is a two-time The Ring "Fighter of the Year," winning the award in 1998 and 2007^[3] also won the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) "Fighter of the Year" award in 2007 and Best Fighter ESPY Award 2007, 2008 and 2010.^[4] He is undefeated as a professional boxer.^[5]

Currently, Mayweather is the WBC Welterweight Champion,^[6] WBA (Super) Light Middleweight Champion^[7] and recipient of the WBC Diamond belt.^[8] He is also rated as the best pound for pound boxer in the world by most sporting news and boxing websites, including Sports Illustrated, ESPN, BoxRec, Fox Sports, Yahoo! Sports and About.com.^{[9][10][11][12][13][14]}

Early life[link]

Mayweather was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., into a family of boxers. His father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., was a former welterweight contender who fought Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard and his uncles, Jeff Mayweather and Roger Mayweather, were all professional boxers, with Roger – Floyd’s current trainer – winning two world championships. Mayweather was born with his mother's last name,^[15] but his last name would change to Mayweather shortly thereafter.

Boxing has been a part of Mayweather's life since his childhood. He never seriously considered any other profession. "I think my grandmother saw my potential first," Mayweather said, smiling. "When I was young, I told her, 'I think I should get a job.' She said, 'No, just keep boxing.'"^[16] "When I was about 8 or 9, I lived in New Jersey with my mother and we were seven deep in one bedroom and sometimes we didn't have electricity," Mayweather says. "When people see what I have now, they have no idea of where I came from and how I didn't have anything growing up."

It was not uncommon for young Floyd to come home from school and find used heroin needles in his front yard^{[citation needed]}. His mother was also addicted to drugs and he had an aunt who died from AIDS because of her drug use. "People don't know the hell I've been through," he says.

The most time that his father spent with him was taking him to the gym to train and work on his boxing, according to Mayweather. "I don't remember him ever taking me anywhere or doing anything that a father would do with a son, going to the park or to the movies or to get ice cream," he says. "I always thought that he liked his (Floyd's older stepsister) better than he liked me because she never got whippings and I got whippings all the time."

Floyd Sr. says Mayweather is not telling the truth about their early relationship. "Even though his daddy did sell drugs, I didn't deprive my son," Floyd Sr. says. "The drugs I sold he was a part of it. He had plenty of food. He had the best clothes and I gave him money. He didn't want for anything. Anybody in Grand Rapids can tell you that I took care of my kids."^[17]

Floyd Sr. says he did all of his hustling at night and spent his days with his son, taking him to the gym and training him to be a boxer. "If it wasn't for me he wouldn't be where he is today," Floyd Sr. says.

"I basically raised myself," Mayweather says. "My grandmother did what she could. When she got mad at me I'd go to my mom's house. My life was ups and downs." Floyd Sr. says he knows how much pain his incarceration caused his son, but insists he did the best he could. "I sent him to live with his grandmother," he says. "It wasn't like I left him with strangers."

Boxing became Mayweather's outlet – a way to deal with the absence of his father^{[citation needed]}. As his father served his time, Mayweather, with speed and an uncanny ring sense, put all his energies into boxing. He even dropped out of high school. "I knew that I was going to have to try to take care of my mom and I made the decision that school wasn't that important at the time and I was going to have to box to earn a living," Mayweather says.^[17]

Amateur career and Olympics[link]

Mayweather had an amateur record of 84–6^[18] and won national Golden Gloves championships in 1993 (at 106 lb), 1994 (at 114 lb) and 1996 (at 125 lb).^[19] He was given the nickname "Pretty Boy" by his amateur teammates because he had relatively few scars, a result of the defensive techniques that his father (Floyd Mayweather, Sr.) and uncle (Roger Mayweather) had taught him.^[20] In his orthodox defensive stance, Mayweather often utilizes the 'shoulder roll'. The shoulder roll is an old-school boxing technique in which the right hand is held normally or slightly higher than normal, the left hand is down around the midsection and the lead shoulder is raised high on the cheek in order to cover the chin and block punches. The right hand (from orthodox stance) is used as it normally would be to block punches coming from the other side, such as left hooks. From this stance, Mayweather blocks, slips and deflects most of his opponents' punches, even when cornered, by twisting left and right to the rhythm of their punches.^[21]

At the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Mayweather won a bronze medal by reaching the semi-finals of the featherweight (57 kg)^[22] division.

In the opening round, Mayweather led 10–1 on points over Bakhtiyar Tileganov of Kazakhstan before he won in Round 2 by referee stoppage. In the second round, Mayweather outpointed Artur Gevorgyan of Armenia 16–3. In the quarterfinals, the 19-year-old Mayweather, narrowly defeated the 22-year-old Lorenzo Aragon of Cuba in an all-action bout to win 12–11, becoming the first U.S boxer to defeat a Cuban in 20 years.^[23] The last time this had occurred was at 1976 Summer Olympics when the U.S Olympic boxing team captured five gold medals, among its recipients was boxing great Sugar Ray Leonard. In his semifinal bout against the eventual silver medalist, Serafim Todorov of Bulgaria, Mayweather lost by a controversial decision, similarly to the Roy Jones Jr.'s decision.^[24] Referee, Hamad Hafaz Shouman of Egypt, mistakenly raised Mayweather's hand, thinking he had won, as the decision was announced giving the bout to the Bulgarian.^[25]

The U.S team filed a protest over the Mayweather bout, claiming the judges were intimidated by Bulgaria's Emil Jetchev, head of the boxing officials, into favoring Bulgarian Serafim Todorov by a 10–9 decision in the 125-pound semifinal bout. Three of Jetchev's countrymen were in gold medal bouts. Judge Bill Waeckerle, one of the four U.S judges working the games for the International Amateur Boxing Federation, quit both as an Olympic judge and as a federation judge after Mayweather lost a decision loudly booed by the crowd at the Alexander Memorial Coliseum.^[26][27]

"I refuse to be part of an organisation that continues to conduct its officiating in this manner," Waeckerle wrote in a letter of resignation to federation President Anwar Chowdhry.^[28]

In the official protest, U.S team manager Gerald Smith said Mayweather landed punches that were not counted, while Todorov was given points without landing a punch.^[29] "The judging was totally incompetent," Waeckerle said. The judges failed to impose a mandatory two-point deduction against Todorov after he was warned five times by the referee for slapping.^[25]

"Everybody knows Floyd Mayweather is the gold-medal favorite at 57 kilograms," Mayweather said afterward. "In America, it's known as 125 pounds. You know and I know I wasn't getting hit. They say he's the world champion. Now you all know who the real world champion is."^[29]

Qualification as a Featherweight for the United States Olympic Team.

• Defeated William Jenkins RSC/TKO-3
• Defeated James Baker RSCH/TKO-1
• Lost to Augie Sanchez PTS (11–12)
• Defeated Carlos Navarro PTS (31–11)
• Defeated Augie Sanchez PTS (12–8) at the Box-offs
• Defeated Augie Sanchez PTS (20–10) at the Box-offs

Olympic Results

• Defeated Bakhtiyar Tileganov (Kazakhstan) RSCI/TKO-2
• Defeated Artur Gevorgyan (Armenia) PTS (16–3)
• Defeated Lorenzo Aragon (Cuba) PTS (12–11)
• Lost to Serafim Todorov (Bulgaria) PTS (9–10)

Controversial decision was officially protested (unsuccessfully) by the U.S. team.

Professional career[link]

Super Featherweight[link]

Mayweather fought his first professional bout on October 11, 1996 against fellow newcomer Roberto Apodaca, who was knocked out in round two. Mayweather's trainer at the time was his uncle, Roger Mayweather, because Floyd Mayweather, Sr. was still imprisoned after having been convicted of illegal drug trafficking in 1993. Mayweather, Sr. took over as Mayweather, Jr.'s trainer when he was released from prison (after Mayweather, Jr.'s fourteenth fight—a second-round knockout of Sam Girard).^[30] From 1996 to early 1998, Mayweather won most of his fights by knockout or TKO.

Early in his pro-career, Mayweather received praise from all corners of the boxing world and was touted as a prodigal pugilist.^[31]

During Floyd Mayweather vs. Tony Duran,^[32] the ESPN commentator remarked, "(IBHOF & WBHF trainer) Emmanuel Steward was quoted as saying, there have been very few who have been more talented than this kid [Mayweather], he will probably win two or three world championships, I think he will go on to be the best ever."^[33]

The IBHOF trainer and commentator, Gil Clancy, commented before Floyd Mayweather engaged in his 9th professional fight against Jesus Chavez, boldly declaring, "I thought that Floyd Mayweather was the outstanding pro prospect in the entire Olympic games."^[34]

Mayweather vs. Hernandez[link]

In 1998, within two years of entering into professional boxing, Mayweather decisively won his first world title, the WBC Super Featherweight (130 lb) Championship, with an eighth-round technical knockout of The Ring No. 1 ranked Super featherweight in the world, Genaro Hernández, after the corner of the outclassed opponent stopped the fight. Hernández had never been defeated at that weight class, until then. Hernández remarked post-fight: "He defeated me, he is quick, smart and I always knew he had the speed. I give him respect. He is a true champ."^[35]

With Mayweather's win, he became the Lineal Champion of the division as Genaro Hernández had previously beaten Azumah Nelson, whose dominance of the super featherweight division had prompted all boxing publications to give him the vacant Lineal Championship.^[36][37] The Ring stopped awarding belts to world champions in the 1990s, but began again in 2002,^[38] Azumah Nelson had won his Lineal status in the 1990s, therefore The Ring's vacant title was not awarded to him, Hernández or Mayweather, although it was not needed as Mayweather was The Ring No. 1 ranked super featherweight.

Furthermore, Mayweather became the first 1996 U.S Olympian to win a world title.^[39] Following his victory, Floyd Mayweather's promoter Bob Arum had the following to say: "We believe in our heart of hearts that Floyd Mayweather is the successor in a line that starts with Ray Robinson, goes to Muhammad Ali, then Sugar Ray Leonard," Bob Arum trumpets. "We believe that he epitomizes that style of fighting."^[40]

After capturing the title, Mayweather defended it against top contender Angel Manfredy in dominating fashion with a TKO victory in round two, giving Manfredy his first defeat in four years.^[41]

By the end of 1998, Mayweather was ranked by the The Ring as the No. 8 pound-for-pound best boxer in the world^[42] and became one of the youngest recipients of The Ring "Fighter of the Year" award, aged only 21, the same age Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali had won their first awards.^[43][44]

In 1999, Mayweather continued his domination over the super featherweight division by defending his title three more times. Mayweather's second defense of his title, was against the Argentine Carlos Rios, winning by unanimous decision. Mayweather, fighting past the eighth round for only the third time in his career, won on the judges' cards 120–110, 119–108, 120–109.^[45] Mayweather's third title defense was against Justin Juuko, winning by ninth round knockout. Juuko could not beat the count of 10 by referee Mitch Halpern and the fight was scored a knockout for Mayweather at 1 minute 20 seconds of the round.^[46] Mayweather's final title defense of 1999 was against Carlos Gerena with Mayweather winning by seventh round referee technical decision (RTD). Mayweather said post-fight, "I want to show the world that along with Oscar De La Hoya and Roy Jones, Jr., I'm the best fighter in the world."^[47] This dominance did not go unnoticed in the boxing world and by the end of the year, the 22-year-old Mayweather was ranked The Ring No. 2 pound-for-pound best boxer in the world, behind boxing great Roy Jones, Jr..^[42]

Before he made the fifth successful defense of his title against former WBC Featherweight Champion Gregorio Vargas in early 2000, Mayweather fired his father as his manager and replaced him with James Prince. A few months after the fight, the rift between the father and son grew and Mayweather, Jr. fired Mayweather, Sr. as his trainer as well.^[48] In an interview in 2004, Mayweather, Jr. said that he loves Mayweather, Sr. as his father but feels that he has better chemistry with Roger and his father had put too much pressure on him to be perfect.^[49] The younger Mayweather, in his fifth title defense, won a near shutout over 'Goyo' Vargas in Las Vegas. In the 10th round, Mayweather overheard HBO announcer Jim Lampley say that the champ had switched to a southpaw stance for the second time in the bout. Mayweather leaned ringside and said, "It was the third time." Even after a six-month layoff, Mayweather was elusive. In the sixth round Mayweather dropped Vargas with a hook to the ribs.^[50] Mayweather cruised to a comfortable unanimous decision.

Roger Mayweather returned to his role as Mayweather, Jr.'s trainer in his next bout—a non-title Lightweight fight against Emanuel Burton. Mayweather would go on to win by technical knockout in round nine.

Mayweather vs. Corrales[link]

In one of the more defining and memorable fights of Mayweather's career, Mayweather fought the hard-hitting, former IBF Super Featherweight Champion Diego Corrales (33–0 27 KO's). Coming in to the bout, both Mayweather and Corrales were undefeated and neither fighter had touched the canvas. Mayweather was at the time, The Ring No. 2 ranked super featherweight in the world and The Ring No. 7 pound-for-pound while Corrales was The Ring No. 1 ranked super featherweight in the world and The Ring No. 5 pound-for-pound.^[42][51] Before the fight was announced, Mayweather had stated he wanted to fight Corrales, who was facing jail time for allegedly beating up his pregnant wife. "I want Diego because I'm doing it for all the battered women across America," Mayweather said. "Just like he beat that woman, I'm going to beat him."^[52] While both fighters were the same age, 23, Corrales had multiple physical advantages over Mayweather, such two inches in height, an inch in reach and despite coming in to the official weight-in both at the 130 Lbs super featherweight limit, Carroles came to the ring, weighting unofficially 146 Lbs to Mayweather's 136½ Lbs; thereby making Carroles 9½ Lbs heavier.^[53] In the bout, Mayweather won every round and knocked down Corrales five times (three times in round 7 and twice in round 10). After the fifth knockdown, Corrales' cornermen climbed onto the apron and stopped the fight, thereby establishing Mayweather as one of the claimants to boxing's mythical pound-for-pound title. At the time of the stoppage, Mayweather was way ahead on the scorecards, leading by the official tallies of 89–79, 90–79, and 90–78.^[54] Throughout the Corrales fight, HBO commentators and analysts made notable comments of Mayweather, with Larry Merchant stating, "Mayweather fights in a tradition of boxing and quick handedness that goes back in Michigan, all the way to fighters like Sugar Ray Robinson." Harold Lederman commented, saying, "Jim (Lampley), I gotta tell ya, I'm terribly impressed, I don't think I've seen an exhibition of boxing like this since Willie Pep, this kid is unbelievable, great legs, great speed, unbelievable ring-generalship. I mean he's got tremendous presence in that ring, Floyd Mayweather knows where he is, every minute of this fight..."

Corrales landed 60 of 205 punches and landed no more than nine punches in a single round. Mayweather landed 220 of 414 punches.^[55] Corrales was unable to land any clean shots as he stalked Mayweather through the early rounds. He landed an average of six punches a round, according to Compubox stats – the only time that a fighter has landed in single digits in the 20 years CompuBox has been tracking punch stats.^[56]

After the fight, Mayweather remarked, "I would like to fight Prince Naseem [Hamed], hopefully we can meet at 128 (Lbs) or he can come up-to 130 (Lbs), we can fight or I can fight the winner of Casamayor..." "Prince Naseem isn't going to fight you," intervened HBO commentator Larry Merchant, "after he saw this, it aint gonna happen." "I really want to fight Prince Naseem..." Mayweather continued, "but hopefully I can face the winner of Casamayor (vs) Freites."^[57] Although both fights did not materialise, Mayweather's victim, Diego Corrales, would go on to hand Freites (the winner of the Casamayor vs. Freites fight) his first professional defeat. Corrales would also go onto defeat Casamayor in a rematch of their first bout.

Afterward Arum was ecstatic about his new star. "Better than Sugar Ray Leonard," he gushed. "And did you see him at those press conferences...?"^[58]

The fight was met with tremendous acclamation throughout the boxing world and sports in general. 'Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s speed was dazzling. His power was unexpected.' -CBS,^[55] '... a near flawless performance...' -BBC,^[59] 'Floyd Mayweather Jr., displaying blazing speed and punishing power...' -New York Daily News,^[56] '... a fistic masterpiece.' -Sports Illustrated.^[60]

On October 10, 2001, legendary boxing trainer, Eddie Futch, died aged 90. Tim Smith of the New York Daily News, recollected an encounter with the famed trainer in an article- 'One of the last times I saw Futch was before the Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Diego Corrales Junior lightweight title bout in Vegas. Futch was talking about how much he admired Mayweather's style, how Mayweather was such a beautiful boxer, able to slip along the ropes and avoid punches. Corrales said he was going to neutralize Mayweather's hand speed by hitting Mayweather on the arms.

"I guess he thinks he's going to stand there and let him hit him on the arms all night," said Futch, who correctly predicted that Mayweather would completely dismantle Corrales in a defensive masterpiece. Futch had a way of cutting to the heart of a matter. I don't know anyone in boxing who won't miss him. I don't know anyone in boxing that can take his place.'^[61]

On May 26, 2001, Floyd Mayweather, fighting in his hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan, pounded out a 12-round unanimous decision over future IBF Super Featherweight title holder Carlos Hernández to retain his WBC Super Featherweight title. Calling it "one of the toughest nights of my career," the 130-pound champion overcame injuries in both hands to improve his record to 26–0. "He is a very, very tough fighter," Mayweather said of the challenger, whose record fell to 33–3–1. "I'm disappointed in my performance." Mayweather, 24, suffered the first knockdown of his career when he hit Hernández with a left hook in round six, which caused him sufficient pain that he dropped his injured left hand to the canvas. He wasn't hit, but was given a standing eight-count by the referee.^[62]

Mayweather's last fight in the super featherweight division was against future super featherweight and lightweight title holder Jesús Chávez. Jesús Chávez was the WBC's top-ranked contender^[63] and came into the fight with a 31-fight winning streak. This was Mayweather's eighth defense of the WBC Super Featherweight title, which he had held for more than three years. He won when Chávez's corner stopped the fight after round 9. Mayweather had such difficulty making weight for this fight that he did not eat for four days before the weigh-in.^[64] Jesús Chávez stated after the fight, "He's [Mayweather] the champ! And now I become his number one fan."^[65]

Mayweather commented after the fight, "Although it will take some time to make the match, I want to fight Kostya Tszyu."^[66] Tszyu, an Australian-based Russian, by then had established himself as the best light welterweight in the world. Mayweather did not get a chance at fighting Tszyu, but he would go on to fight Ricky Hatton, the man who defeated Tszyu and won his The Ring Light Welterweight Championship.

By the end of 2001, Mayweather was still ranked The Ring No. 1 super featherweight in the world and was The Ring No. 5 pound-for-pound best boxer in the world.^[67]

Lightweight[link]

Mayweather vs. Castillo I[link]