Oscar De La Hoya: Prime Pacquiao Would Have Beaten Prime Mayweather Easily

Photo: Instagram/Oscar De La Hoya

Oscar De La Hoya has voiced a strong opinion on a hypothetical match-up between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in their primes. According to De La Hoya, Pacquiao would have won "easily."

The real fight between Mayweather and Pacquiao in 2015, known as "The Fight of the Century," saw Mayweather win on points. Both boxers were world champions in multiple weight classes, but many fans felt the fight happened too late in their careers.

De La Hoya, who has fought and lost to both Mayweather and Pacquiao, discussed the match-up in an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer. He believes Pacquiao's rigorous career and tough fights wore him down, giving Mayweather an edge in their actual bout.

Photo: Instagram/Oscar De La Hoya

“Pacquiao would have beaten him easily. In their prime? Absolutely,” De La Hoya stated. He explained that Pacquiao's more demanding career left him with more wear and tear, while Mayweather's careful approach kept him fresher. "Floyd fights once a year. He takes care of himself. He trains all the time, so Floyd is fresher. Pacquiao gets hit and keeps coming. That just wears you down."

Despite not having fought since his loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2022, there are rumors that Pacquiao might make a comeback against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.

Read Next: "He's All Attack, He Has No Defense": Last Man To Beat Alex Pereira Speaks Out

Source: Seconds Out 

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