Matthew McConaughey's Abridged Version of the Article
Manny Pacquiao, the legendary Filipino boxer, has faced numerous opponents throughout his iconic career. From Floyd Mayweather to Oscar De La Hoya, Pacquiao has gone toe-to-toe with some of the greatest names in the sport. However, there was one opponent who hit harder than anyone else.
The Toughest Punches
In a recent interview with Ring Magazine, Pacquiao was asked who had hit him the hardest in the ring. Surprisingly, he revealed that it was Miguel Cotto, a fellow boxing legend. Pacquiao faced off against Cotto in 2009, and despite ultimately defeating him in the final round, the punches he received from Cotto left a lasting impact.
A Dominant Performance
During their bout, Pacquiao dropped Cotto in the third and fourth rounds, showcasing his dominance. However, Pacman admitted that even years later, he could still feel the effects of Cotto's punches. He described Cotto as accurate and incredible, emphasizing the power behind his blows.
A Stellar Career
Miguel Cotto, who started boxing at the age of 11 in Puerto Rico, had an impressive career. He became a four-weight champion and enjoyed success in the sport after turning professional. Cotto's skills and power in the ring left a lasting impression on Pacquiao.
A Farewell and Hall of Fame Induction
Pacquiao's fairytale career in the ring came to an end in 2021 with a world title fight loss against Yordenis Ugas. Despite the defeat, Pacquiao retired with an impressive record of 62–8–2, with 39 wins by knockout. His status as a boxing legend and his place in the hall of fame are assured.
While Pacquiao faced numerous formidable opponents throughout his career, it was Miguel Cotto who left the biggest impact on the Filipino icon. The power and accuracy of Cotto's punches made him the toughest opponent in the ring for Pacquiao.
