On this day in 2011, one of Manny Pacquiao’s rivals felt the repercussions of his battle with the Filipino legend.
Known for facing several opponents multiple times, Pacquiao’s intense rivalries with fighters like Erik Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez are some of boxing’s most memorable. Rumors suggest a potential rematch with Floyd Mayweather in 2026, and it’s possible Pacquiao could face new challengers too. However, one of Pacquiao’s most significant victories was so decisive that it nearly ended the chance of a rematch with that opponent.
Antonio Margarito’s fight against Miguel Cotto after his loss to Pacquiao looked different. Pacquiao made history in November 2010 by becoming the first boxer to win world titles in eight different weight divisions after defeating Margarito. Despite the size difference, Pacquiao dominated the fight. Although he said he didn’t want to cause permanent harm in the fight’s final round, Margarito suffered a fractured orbital bone that led to ongoing vision issues, including a cataract after surgery.
Margarito later attempted a comeback against Miguel Cotto in a December 2011 rematch but had to stop the fight due to further damage to his right eye. He retired at 33 but made a brief return to boxing five years later for three more fights.
A year earlier, in 2009, Pacquiao knocked out Miguel Cotto in a career-defining win, showcasing his dominance over both Cotto and Margarito, who were also fierce rivals themselves. After an impressive winning streak, Pacquiao faced consecutive defeats in 2012 against Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez, marking the only back-to-back losses of his career.
Fan Take: This history is crucial for fight fans as it highlights the immense skill and impact Pacquiao had on the sport, changing the course of his opponents’ careers. Looking ahead to a possible Mayweather rematch, these battles underscore why Pacquiao remains a key figure in boxing’s legacy and its future matchups.
