Manny Pacquiao took aim at Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s claim to be boxing's greatest fighter of all time during a recent appearance on Inside the Ring, a show produced by The Ring and airing on DAZN. Pacquiao addressed Mayweather's undefeated record and challenged the idea that it makes him unique in the history of the sport.
The comments immediately attracted attention, as the rivalry between the two boxing icons remains one of the most discussed in modern boxing. Their 2015 fight ended with Mayweather's unanimous decision victory, but discussions regarding legacy continued. Pacquiao used the interview to explain his views and highlight his career achievements.
Manny Pacquiao questions Floyd Mayweather's undefeated record
Manny Pacquiao has squarely disputed Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s long-held claim as the greatest of all time. He added that the undefeated record does not make Mayweather the only player in boxing history to achieve this feat.
"He's a self-proclaimed goat," Pacquiao said. "The self-proclaimed GOAT, because he can't say... He can't even claim in what part can he claim he's the only one? He can't claim to be the only undefeated fighter to retire. There are a lot of fighters, at least more than 15 fighters, who have retired undefeated."
Pacquiao's comments focused on historical facts. Many fighters from different eras have ended their careers without any losses. Mayweather retired with a record of 50-0, but Pacquiao made it clear that this alone does not distinguish him as the only fighter to do so. This statement shows how different achievements are weighed when comparing fighters from different generations.
Pacquiao highlights eight-division and four-decade accomplishment
After questioning Mayweather's record, Pacquiao pointed to milestones in his career. His achievements include titles in multiple weight classes and success over a long period of time.
"But what can I claim with some of them? Only eight-divisions [world champion] And the only fighter to become world champion in four different decades,” he said.
Pacquiao's career began in the 1990s and continued through the 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s. During that time he won world titles from flyweight to welterweight. This level of success is rare in modern boxing. His ability to compete at a high level in different weight classes and time periods is one of his defining achievements.
The interview also revealed that Pacquiao still remembers his past with Mayweather. He said, "I respect what he did, but let's be honest with history."
Their 2015 fight remains a seminal moment in boxing. Mayweather won by unanimous decision in a bout that attracted global attention. Since then both the fighters have been active in different ways. Pacquiao has made limited returns to the ring, while Mayweather has competed in exhibition bouts.
Pacquiao's comments on Inside the Ring add another chapter to the long-running discussion about greatness in boxing. Their statements focus on measurable achievements and career milestones. The debate over who is the greatest continues, with the records of both fighters often compared in detail.
