The former world champion says he has always believed Pacquiao was the better fighter despite Mayweather’s 2015 victory
Antonio Margarito believes Manny Pacquiao would defeat Floyd Mayweather if the two boxing legends meet again later this year. Speaking to Luis Parra, the former world champion said he has long considered Pacquiao the superior fighter and would back him in a rematch.
The bout generated enormous interest globally, though many fans criticized the contest for failing to match the years of anticipation that preceded it.
Margarito, who lost a unanimous decision to Pacquiao in their November 2010 clash for the WBC junior middleweight title, said he has long viewed the Filipino icon as the superior fighter.
“Honestly, I’ll tell you something: if they fight again, I’m with Pacquiao,” Margarito said to Luis Parra.
“Not because I fought him, or because he’s my friend, or because I know him. No, [it’s] because I think Pacquiao is better than Mayweather. That’s what I’ve always believed. If they face each other again, I’d say Pacquiao wins.”
Pacquiao and Mayweather have been linked to a rematch on September 25 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with Netflix reportedly set to distribute the event. An official announcement has yet to be made, but the contest has been discussed as a fully sanctioned bout that would see Mayweather put his 50-0 record on the line.
The pair first met in May 2015, when Mayweather used his trademark movement and counterpunching to earn a unanimous decision victory in one of the most commercially successful fights in boxing history.
Pacquiao, 47, was last seen fighting Mario Barrios to a draw last July. Mayweather, 49, has not competed professionally since stopping Conor McGregor in the 10th round of their 2017 crossover event.
