Julio Cesar Chavez, the legendary three-weight champion, claims he would've beaten Manny Pacquiao if they had fought in their prime. The Mexican fighter respects Pacquiao but feels confident in his abilities.
Pacquiao's career spans over two decades, making him one of boxing's greatest. He climbed from poverty to stardom, becoming an eight-division world champion. His speed, power, and relentless style led him to victories over big names like Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, and Miguel Cotto.
Despite Pacquiao's impressive achievements, Chavez believes he had the tools to defeat him. In an interview with PremierLive TV, Chavez stated:
"If Barrera and Morales defeated him, I think I would have with all due respect. He is no better than me with all due respect."
Chavez explained his reasoning, focusing on his fighting style and strength:
"As I told you at 135lbs, 140lbs, I definitely had the style to beat Mayweather and Pacquiao because I was a strong fighter, a fighter that could take many hits, a fighter that harassed you all the time. A fighter who beat you down high up, you know what I mean, and I definitely think I would have beaten him."
Chavez's career boasts over 100 fights and multiple world titles across three divisions. His harassing style and ability to absorb punishment made him a formidable opponent for anyone in the ring.
Pacquiao's last fight was in 2021, where he lost to Yordenis Ugás. The Filipino legend has recently been linked with a potential return to the ring, sparking interest among boxing fans worldwide.
While we'll never know the outcome of a Chavez-Pacquiao matchup, the hypothetical clash between these two boxing icons continues to fuel discussions among fans and experts alike.