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Is Manny Pacquiao the greatest southpaw of all time?
October 23rd, 2009
By David Isaacson
Despite losing the decision, Whitaker gave Oscar De La Hoya a boxing lesson
Southpaw boxing is a relatively recent phenomenon. For nearly a century, many trainers automatically turned left-handers into orthodox fighters.
That’s partly why it took so long for a lefty to win the world heavyweight title – Michael Moorer in the 1990s.
But fans have witnessed some great southpaw fighters over the past few decades, among them Marvin Hagler, Pernell Whitaker, Naseem Hamed, Joe Calzaghe and Manny Pacquiao.
On the one extreme you had Hagler, an aggressive fighter who stalked his opponents in the ring.
On the other side you had defensive Whitaker, a brilliant mover who wasn’t appreciated in his time. ‘Sweat Pea’, as he was known, won world titles at lightweight, light-welter, welterweight and even light-middleweight.
But he was robbed against Julio Cesar Chavez, given a draw in a fight he clearly won. Against Oscar De La Hoya, Whitaker deserved nothing less than a draw.
As for the two Englishmen, Calzaghe recently retired undefeated, while Hamed was great up until he got beaten by Marco Antonio Barrera.
But could Manny Pacquiao be the greatest southpaw of all time – you decide!
Who is the greatest southpaw of all time?
Manny Pacquiao (93%, 721 Votes)
Marvin Hagler (3%, 26 Votes)
Pernell Whitaker (2%, 13 Votes)
Joe Calzaghe (1%, 9 Votes)
Naseem Hamed (1%, 0 Votes)
Total Voters: 775
October 23rd, 2009
By David Isaacson
Despite losing the decision, Whitaker gave Oscar De La Hoya a boxing lesson
Southpaw boxing is a relatively recent phenomenon. For nearly a century, many trainers automatically turned left-handers into orthodox fighters.
That’s partly why it took so long for a lefty to win the world heavyweight title – Michael Moorer in the 1990s.
But fans have witnessed some great southpaw fighters over the past few decades, among them Marvin Hagler, Pernell Whitaker, Naseem Hamed, Joe Calzaghe and Manny Pacquiao.
On the one extreme you had Hagler, an aggressive fighter who stalked his opponents in the ring.
On the other side you had defensive Whitaker, a brilliant mover who wasn’t appreciated in his time. ‘Sweat Pea’, as he was known, won world titles at lightweight, light-welter, welterweight and even light-middleweight.
But he was robbed against Julio Cesar Chavez, given a draw in a fight he clearly won. Against Oscar De La Hoya, Whitaker deserved nothing less than a draw.
As for the two Englishmen, Calzaghe recently retired undefeated, while Hamed was great up until he got beaten by Marco Antonio Barrera.
But could Manny Pacquiao be the greatest southpaw of all time – you decide!
Who is the greatest southpaw of all time?
Manny Pacquiao (93%, 721 Votes)
Marvin Hagler (3%, 26 Votes)
Pernell Whitaker (2%, 13 Votes)
Joe Calzaghe (1%, 9 Votes)
Naseem Hamed (1%, 0 Votes)
Total Voters: 775
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