Now to 2007

2007 was not too big of a year for Pacquiao, as he defeated unknown Jorge Solis, and then defeated Marco Antonio Barerra again in a fight where Barerra seemed content to just go the distance. This was a good win but at this point in Barerra's career he had struggled with Rocky Juarez and was soundly defeated by Juan Manuel Marquez and seemed past his prime at this point.


2007 for Mayweather was another huge year for Mayweather who seemed on a roll. He first moved up to 154 and fought Oscar De La Hoya in the biggest fight of his career and the mega fight of the year one of the hightst PPV drawing fights of all time. Mayweather soundly defeated the much bigger much heavier Oscar De La Hoya, but was awarded only a split decision. Oscar had some success in the early rounds using his jab but once again Mayweather adapted and Oscar later dispensed with it while being countered. As the fight wore on Mayweather took over and won the fight comfortably. With this win Mayweather secured his 5th title in a 5th different weight class.
Mayweather closed out 2007 with a knockout victory against WBC Welterweight Champion Ricky Hatton who people had been clamoring for him to fight for years. In another major huge PPV fight in what was supposed to be a close back and forth fight, once again Mayweather, having some issues early adapted and started to dominate Hatton later on and knocked him out in the 10th round for Hattons first stoppage loss of his career and reclaiming his welterweight title he abandoned moving up to fight Oscar De La Hoya earlier in the year. With this Victory Mayweather retired from boxing.

Advantage: Mayweather

Without a doubt, two megafights and two impressive victories, capturing his 5th championship in his 5th different weightclass. Mayweather at this point had the advantage and the better resume into retirement.


Now in 2008 Mayweather was retired, so this section will be about Pacquiao

To start off 2008 Manny Pacquiao tried once again to claim his third world title in a third different weight class in a long anticipated rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez. Many felt the new and improved Pacquiao, not as one dimensional a fighter that he was in theier previsous fight many expected Pacquiao to beat Marquez who seemed to be slowing down.

That was not the case... this fight was a lot rougher then the first fight and many believe that marquez handled Pacquiao even easier then the first time as he seemed to have him hurt on more then one occasion from his counters, Pacquiao scored a knockdown however and did some damage to Marquez as well, when the final bell rang many felt that marquez had one this fight, in a more clear fashion then the first. However Pacquiao was awarded a close split decision victory. A third fight with Marquez was put on the table, but Pacquiao and his promoter, didn't take it.

Pacquiao closed out the year moving up to 135 to defeat the WBC Lightweight champion David Diaz. Winning his 4th title in a 4th different weight class.

Then the mega fight, Pacquiao also had his mega fight against Oscar De La Hoya. Many felt that as vulnerable as Pacquiao had looked against Marquez, that Oscar the better, bigger boxer would be too much for Pacquiao.

But from the moment the bell rang, it was obvious that Oscar De La Hoya wasn't himself, that the cut to 147 had taken everything out of him as he took a beating from Manny Pacquiao over 8 one sides rounds barely getting off a punch. The eyes then shifted to Pacquiao, as the new face of boxing, after this victory.

Advantage: Pacquiao.

Mayweather was retired this year and Pacquiao achieved a lot, capturing two titles in two weight classes.