Boxing Legend Juan Manual Marquez Reveals Who Was The Best Fighter He Ever Faced, And It’s Not Floyd Mayweather

Boxing great Juan Manuel Marquez recently revealed the best fighter he ever faced inside the ring, and surprisingly it was not undefeated “sweet science” icon Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Mexico has developed some of the greatest boxers of all time. From Julio Cesar Chavez to Canelo Alvarez , the country has always been a hotbed for fantastic fighters. And Juan Manuel Marquez is among the very best ever produced.

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Although he didn’t reach the peaks of popularity that Alvarez and Chavez hit, he holds a special place in the hearts of many boxing fans. Not only because he was an outstanding boxer, but he fought many of the best boxers of his era at four different weight classes.

Two of the most notable the Mexican legend battled inside the ring were two of the greatest to ever do it, Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao. And that’s why when Ring Magazine recently quizzed him on the best fighter he ever faced, the answer may surprise some.

• Juan Manuel Marquez record: 56-7-1 (40 knockouts)

Manny Pacquiao the greatest fighter Juan Manuel Marquez he ever fought, not Floyd Mayweather

“Without doubt, the best pound-for-pound of his time and I faced him at his best,” Marquez said about Manny Pacquiao.

Mayweather is viewed as the best fighter of his era by many boxing fans. Especially since he holds victories over Marquez and Pacquiao. However, when Mayweather and Pacquiao faced off in 2015, it was not the prime version of the Filipino. And at his peak, Pacquiao was a true site to behold.

Related: Manny Pacquiao Reveals Hardest Puncher He Ever Faced In His Legendary Career – ‘I Can Still Feel Some Of Those Punches’

Juan Manuel Marquez faced Pacquiao in four amazing and close bouts between 2004 and 2012. The Mexican won just once — in their final bout by knockout — but the first three were all extremely close fights.

Along with Manny Pacquiao being the best overall fighter he fought, he also said the Filipino sports icon had the best chin, hands, footwork, strength, defense, and punching power of any man he faced.

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