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VIDEO: When Bob Arum Admitted Manny Pacquiao Is ‘The Greatest Fighter That Has Ever Lived’

Published 08/23/2021, 8:30 AM EDT

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Manny Pacquiao’s glorious boxing ride might have ended after his one-sided loss to Yordenis Ugas for the WBA welterweight title in Las Vegas. But the 42-year-old has cemented his legacy in the books, way before he appeared in the ring.

The only ever eight-division champion of boxing, Pacquiao, could have hung the gloves two years ago, after beating Keith Thurman. However, he showed valor to prepare for a bout against WBC/IBF champion Errol Spence Jr. which fell off to bring Ugas into the mix.

That said, Pacquiao delivered exceptionally well as a fighter of his age. He went against a world champion and looked promising in a few moments. Following the results, Pacquiao teased retirement as he may run for the Presidential election in the Philippines.

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Watch This Story: 5 Eye-Opening Facts About Manny Pacquiao

So, this iconic moment urged Top Rank Promotions to recall the time when Bob Arum had hailed ’Pac-Man’ as an all time-legend. Right after Pacquiao knocked out Ricky Hatton in 2009, Arum appeared in the ring and made a few claims which turned out to be true in the future.

“The Top Rank chief said, “He is a lesson for everybody because athletes sometimes reach the top and they know everything and they don’t learn anymore. This young man [Manny Pacquiao] as Freddie [Roach] will attest keeps learning and getting better. And that’s what world-class athletes should do.”

“I really believe when the full story is written. This man will be considered the greatest fighter that ever lived and I make that. That’s a wild thing to say. Not the greatest fighter of the era. The Greatest fighter that ever lived.”

VIDEO: Las Vegas Crowd Roars as They Welcome Manny Pacquiao to the Arena

Manny Pacquiao – The Giant

Coming from dirt poverty as a teenager, Pacquiao’s rise to success is another story for the books. 62-8-2 as an elite boxer, Pacquiao is also the Senator of his home country Philippines. Despite this tremendous success, Pacquiao doesn’t seem to have ended ties with his humble beginnings. Manny Pacquiao’s meek approach is a reason why he has been people’s favorite.

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Nevertheless, it seems to be the end to a glittery career that has seen all the heights of success. While Pacquiao continues to work as a politician, the post-retirement career from boxing will call for another innings in his life.

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Written by:

Raj Sarkar

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A senior boxing writer at EssentiallySports, Raj Sarkar is a mass media graduate who is currently pursuing his master’s degree in broadcast journalism. In addition to his current role, he has worked with the MMA team at EssentiallySports and has interviewed prominent fighters such as Ritu Phogat and 'The Red King' Rory MacDonald. He combined his bachelor's degree with his adoration for combat sports and has a combined 2000 plus bylines in MMA and boxing over the last two years.
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