Pacquiao becomes first boxer to hold world titles in four different decades

Special by Michael Mathers

In every sport, there are athletes who seem to outstay their welcome. Welterweight world titlist Manny Pacquiao, who has won world titles in eight different weight classes, the only fighter in history to ever do so, continues to slay the record books.

Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KO's), 41, who won his first world title in 1998 as a flyweight, is now the first boxer to hold a world title in four different decades.

His 2019 campaign was worthy of Fight of the Year honors. He routed former four-division world champion Adrien Broner in January by unanimous decision and followed that up with a split decision win over former 147-pound belt holder Keith Thurman.

Pacquiao now has his sights set on ex-welterweight champ Danny Garcia or former four-division titleholder Mikey Garcia for his first bout of 2020. And maybe, just maybe, the Filipino superstar could get another shot at Floyd Mayweather Jr., but a rematch has proven just as elusive as the man in the ring.

Will this be Pacquiao's final hurrah in the ring? Could it be one for the ages? We will have to wait and see.

Share this story

must see