Prince Naseem Hamed says Manny Pacquiao changed boxing more than anyone else. The former featherweight champion shared his thoughts backstage at a recent boxing show in Saudi Arabia.
Hamed, known for his outspoken style and flashy ring entrances, didn't hold back when praising Pacquiao. He said:
"I'm gonna be honest. Game changer has to go to the one and only Manny Pacquiao. Eight times, baby, eight times, eight different weights. He changed our sport forever, it's the truth."
Pacquiao's career stands out for its remarkable achievements. He's the only boxer to win world titles in eight different weight divisions, a feat that spans four decades. His dynamic fighting style and ability to carry power up through weight classes left a big mark on the sport.
The Filipino fighter's last bout was in 2021, when he lost on points to Yordenis Ugás. Throughout his career, Pacquiao racked up impressive wins against top opponents like Keith Thurman, Timothy Bradley, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, and Ricky Hatton.
Now 46 years old, Pacquiao has fought 72 times as a pro. He's not done yet, though. There's talk of a controversial shot at welterweight world champion Mario Barrios. This comes after his attempt to compete at the Olympic Games in Paris last year didn't work out.
Hamed's praise for Pacquiao carries weight. The British fighter was known for his wild showboating and unconventional technique during his time as a long-ruling world champion. His words, captured on video, show just how much respect Pacquiao has earned in the boxing world.
