By REYNALD MAGALLON
Manny Pacquiao landed at the 71st spot of ESPN’s top 100 athletes list of the century – a list that made quite a stir online especially from the fans of the Filipino boxing legend who they felt should have been placed higher on the list.
Pacquiao was one of the only three boxers that made the list with American greats Floyd Mayweather cracking the Top 25 and Bernard Hopkins landing at the 78th spot, as voted by ESPN’s contributors around the globe.
Fans believed Pacquiao had enough accolades and accomplishments throughout his career that spanned more than two decades to make it higher on the list that had sporting greats Michael Phelps of swimming, Serena Williams of tennis, Lionel Messi of football, Lebron James of basketball and Tom Brady of American football leading the list.
“Pacquiao was unknown when he first fought in the US in 2001, but he became a record eight-division world champion,” ESPN wrote in its article.
“His all-attack, buzz saw style, with punches thrown from all angles, overwhelmed ring greats such as Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Oscar De La Hoya and Miguel Cotto,” it added.
Pacquiao, to this day, remains the only eight division world champion and lineal championships through five different divisions. He was hailed as the World Boxing Council Boxer of the Decade and World Boxing Organization Best Pound-for-Pound Fighter of the Decade from 2001 to 2010.
He was even thrice a winner of ESPN’s own Fighter of the Year award in 2006, 2008 and 2009.
“I can’t believe Manny Pacquiao is not in the top 50. Absolutely ludicrous,” wrote former PSC chairman Noli Eala on X.
“What no Manny Pacquiao or any fighter from MMA? Manny was one of greatest boxers to step in the ring. Only boxer in history to win twelve major world titles in eight different weight divisions. This list can go pound sand,” one X user even posted.
“And them not including Manny Pacquiao in the list is kinda disrespectful,” another user echoed.
