When the name Manny Pacquiao comes up, it’s impossible not to think about his epic 2015 showdown against Floyd Mayweather. Billed as the “Fight of the Century,” fans still debate the decision, the buildup, and who truly won that night in Las Vegas. But if you ask PacMan himself who his toughest opponent was—spoiler alert—for him, it’s not Money Mayweather.

In a recent interview with FightHype.com on YouTube, Pacquiao took fans down memory lane, not with flashy bravado, but with raw honesty, faith, and the humble charm that made him beloved across the globe. When asked, “Which one was the hardest of the eight [divisions]?” the 46-year-old didn’t hesitate. “The bigger one,” he replied. The interviewer followed up with, “(Antonio)Margarito?” to which Manny confirmed, “Yeah.”

That’s it. No dramatic pause. No drawn-out explanation. Just Antonio Margarito—the man who outweighed Pacquiao by 17 pounds during their 2010 WBC light middleweight title bout—the fight that had boxing fans flinching as much as cheering. Though by the end of the 12 rounds, Pacquiao had beaten open Margarito’s face so badly his eyes wouldn’t open, stepping into the fight was, in all likelihood, a pain. During the weigh-ins, Mannny Pacquiao could only manage to go up to 144½ lbs, whereas Antonio Margarito easily made it up to 150 lbs. Then there was the rehydration, too. Even back then, the stats were against the Filipino legend, just like they are now. Still, he went ahead and came out victorious.

And now, as Pacquiao prepares to step back into the ring on July 19, 2025, to face Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, his reflections carry a renewed sense of grit. If victorious, Pacquiao, at 46, could become the second-oldest world champion in boxing history, just behind Bernard Hopkins, who won the IBF light heavyweight title against Tavoris Cloud in 2013 at the age of 48.

What makes this revelation so powerful isn’t just who Pacquiao named, but why he named him. Margarito wasn’t the flashiest name, nor the most technically gifted. But he was the biggest, and the most punishing, and it came at a time when Manny was in his physical prime, taking the kinds of risks legends are known for.

While Manny Pacquiao’s career is paved with world titles, sold-out arenas, and record-shattering pay-per-views, the true weight of his legacy goes far beyond the ring.

The humility in Pacquiao’s tone when brushing off accolades shows that he’s not just a boxer. He’s a believer, a fighter, and a reminder that greatness doesn’t always need a grand entrance—sometimes it shows up with a smile & pure passion.

Manny Pacquiao gave away ‘billions’

In a recent off-the-cuff conversation with reporter Elie Seckbach at a modest neighborhood basketball court, Pacquiao dropped a single word that revealed more about his character than a trophy case ever could. When Seckbach asked how much he’s given away to charity—perhaps expecting a ballpark figure in the millions—Pacquiao didn’t hesitate. “Billions,” he said plainly. That one word left Seckbach stunned and inspired.

What makes this moment remarkable is not just the figure, but the humility behind it. Pacquiao didn’t boast. He wasn’t trying to one-up anyone. It was a reflection of a man who has known hunger, homelessness, and hardship. From sleeping on the streets and going days without food to starring on the cover of Time Magazine, his journey is one of the most astonishing rags-to-riches stories in all of sports. “Can you imagine sleeping in the street, like in the carton? Sometimes you eat, sometimes not,” he recalled, grounding the conversation in the reality of his past. And even now, at nearly 50, Manny Pacquiao’s physique and movement still amaze, prompting him to attribute it all to “God’s goodness.”

This quiet generosity draws a stark contrast to his longtime rival Floyd Mayweather, whose name is almost synonymous with extravagant wealth. Floyd Mayweather has boasted about owning 100 buildings, dropped $402 million on a New York real estate project, gifted his sister a Mercedes-Benz “just because,” and frequently flaunts diamond-studded jewelry and watches at NBA games.

Manny Pacquiao, on the other hand, remains free from such headlines. His wealth doesn’t shout—it serves. While others in the sport make headlines for financial excess or uncertainty, Pacquiao’s reputation is built on consistency, both in the ring and in how he uses his fortune. From building homes and hospitals in the Philippines to funding scholarships and relief efforts, his philanthropy is not a phase but a way of life. In an age where fame is often measured by what’s flaunted, Pacquiao stands out simply by what he gives. For him, greatness isn’t a brand—it’s a blessing he’s constantly paying forward.