In the build up to this weekends highly anticipated rematch, Pacquiao (55-5-2, 38 knockouts), now 35, took time out from his hectic schedule to speak with ******.com about the best fighters he has faced in 10 key categories.
Best Overall
I cannot specify one. Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez and Erik Morales all had tremendous skills. They commanded respect because they were all multi-dimensional. I had to be on my toes and give them my 100 percent concentration because they were so dangerous in the ring.
Best Boxer Juan Manuel Marquez
He is the only fighter who really could figure me out and anticipate my moves. He is a brilliant counterpuncher and a tremendous warrior.
Best Jab Oscar De La Hoya
His jab is a tactical weapon. It can set up a punch or act as a weapon.
Best Defense Joshua Clottey
and not for a good reason, at least for the fans.
Best Chin Antonio Margarito
That fight was a war. It was brutal. I threw everything at him and he not only took it but came back for more. Incredible.
Best Puncher Miguel Cotto
I can still feel some of those punches he threw at me. Staying on the ropes is not the best place to be when you are fighting him. He's also accurate. He's incredible.
Fastest Hands Lehlo Ledwaba
His hands were blazing.
Fastest Feet Oscar De La Hoya
He moves so quickly and effortlessly. He is a complete athlete.
Smartest Miguel Cotto
It was hard to bait him. He has seen it all. I really had to out-hustle him. He made me work.
Strongest Antonio Margarito
Big and strong is an understatement. His body shots hurt me several times throughout our fight.
Best Overall
I cannot specify one. Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez and Erik Morales all had tremendous skills. They commanded respect because they were all multi-dimensional. I had to be on my toes and give them my 100 percent concentration because they were so dangerous in the ring.
Best Boxer Juan Manuel Marquez
He is the only fighter who really could figure me out and anticipate my moves. He is a brilliant counterpuncher and a tremendous warrior.
Best Jab Oscar De La Hoya
His jab is a tactical weapon. It can set up a punch or act as a weapon.
Best Defense Joshua Clottey
and not for a good reason, at least for the fans.
Best Chin Antonio Margarito
That fight was a war. It was brutal. I threw everything at him and he not only took it but came back for more. Incredible.
Best Puncher Miguel Cotto
I can still feel some of those punches he threw at me. Staying on the ropes is not the best place to be when you are fighting him. He's also accurate. He's incredible.
Fastest Hands Lehlo Ledwaba
His hands were blazing.
Fastest Feet Oscar De La Hoya
He moves so quickly and effortlessly. He is a complete athlete.
Smartest Miguel Cotto
It was hard to bait him. He has seen it all. I really had to out-hustle him. He made me work.
Strongest Antonio Margarito
Big and strong is an understatement. His body shots hurt me several times throughout our fight.
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