If he gets by the the schedule he has planned for 2007-2008, no doubt he will be considered a Top 10 fighter in the featherweight division(s) all-time.
Well, I'd have to set aside some time to think about it. He's probably very close to my Top 10 if not inside of it right now. I'm a big Pacquiao fan but when it comes to All-Time list, I have to put a bit of thought into it to make sure I'm not putting too much of my own bias into it. But from 122-130, I don't know of any fighter in recent memory who has crushed so many top fighters.
Manny Pacquiao is NOT a top ten featherweight right now. Please. He's fought nowhere long enough to assert himself as an all-timer in any division. But accumulatively speaking, he's not far away from general all-time status, IMO.
That's pretty much how I feel about it. I think this next year will be key in cementing his legacy. I hope Pac has been eating his rice.
For some reason, I fear that Arum will do more harm than good to his legacy. Pacquiao is finally pocketing some real money, but Arum steering him clear of the most meaningful matchups will potentially hurt Pac if/when big fights do resurface. Even with the G-Top Rank feud allegedly resolved (I still believe it's only temporary), I see the two doing far more posturing that legit business together, and either Pac or JMM will lose again before fighting one another. I don't consider the Barrera rematch a big fight. Marco should do better this time around, but between that fight and his clear loss to Marquez earlier this year, there is no justification for this fight and JMM-Barrios happening, much less headlining separate PPV's. I'd sing a different tune if Pac were facing, say Humberto Soto next, or even Joan Guzman. There's not much upside (other than financially) to facing Barrera, whom, while a great fighter and future HOFer in his own right, is someone Pac already ran through and will be expected to do more of the same. Anything less will be a letdown.
that's exactly what I've been saying. I get that pac/MAB is the biggest fight to be make money wise at 130 but you ask most fans and they all expect Paquiao to destroy Barrera easier this time around. Barrera is coming of a loss. So speaking legacy wise it doesn't do anyting for Pacquiao. I am hoping that JMM and Pacquiao will fight afterwards. I do disagree however that Soto is that meaningfull right now. I think Arum put him in with bobby Pacquiao almost to force interest in a fight with Manny because of the revenge angle. Obviously if he beats Guzman it changes everything. I just had a problem when Soto was the guy to face pacquiao later this year ahead of everyone else.
This thread makes me think of the whole Federer Sampras debate and who is the greatest. As I always state Sampras IMO is still the man but by the time Federer retires he will have eclipsed Pistol Pete. The same goes for PACMAN if he continues to do what he has being doing he will no doubt be a legend. But I’m sure MAB will have his say……
Agreed. Pac has a great resume across several divisions - with apparently a schedule that's just as good or greater to come...and he's not afraid to fight anyone. That alone - whether win or lose (as long as it's competitive) will cement his all-time status without a doubt. That being said, I am worried about Arum/G and what they will do to that legacy given where they may be steering him. Peace.
