Top 10 Manny Pacquiao Greatest Knockouts
Manny Pacquiao, one of the most legendary boxers of all time, has left an indelible mark on the sport with his electrifying performances and his ability to thrill fans around the world.
Known for his explosive speed, power, and relentless work ethic, Pacquiao has accumulated an incredible number of knockouts throughout his career, spanning multiple weight classes and countless epic battles.
His legacy is defined not only by his achievements inside the ring but also by the unforgettable moments that have cemented his place as a true boxing icon.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 greatest knockouts in Manny Pacquiao’s illustrious career. These stunning victories showcase his knockout power, heart, and ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes were highest.
1. Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton – Round 2 (2009)
Widely considered one of Pacquiao’s most devastating knockouts, the fight against British boxer Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton took place on May 2, 2009, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Pacquiao entered the fight as the favorite, but few could have predicted the manner in which he would win.
In the second round, Pacquiao unleashed a devastating left hook that caught Hatton flush on the chin, sending him crashing to the canvas in a brutal knockout.
Hatton was out cold for several minutes, and the knockout is often hailed as one of the most brutal in modern boxing history. This victory not only solidified Pacquiao’s status as a pound-for-pound king but also showcased his incredible power at light welterweight.
2. Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto – Round 4 (2009)
Manny Pacquiao’s battle against Puerto Rican superstar Miguel Cotto on November 14, 2009, was a statement performance for the Filipino champion. Pacquiao, who was moving up in weight to challenge Cotto for the WBO welterweight title, was in his prime and seemed unstoppable.
In the fourth round, Pacquiao landed a series of devastating punches that left Cotto reeling. Pacquiao’s speed and accuracy were on full display as he broke down Cotto, eventually forcing the referee to stop the fight.
Pacquiao won by technical knockout (TKO) in the 12th round, becoming the first boxer in history to win world titles in seven different weight classes. This victory showcased not only Pacquiao’s knockout power but also his ability to outclass and dominate elite opponents.
3. Manny Pacquiao vs. Oscar De La Hoya – Round 8 (2008)
On December 6, 2008, Pacquiao faced boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya in a catchweight bout that would go down as one of the most shocking and impressive performances in boxing history.
De La Hoya, a former world champion in multiple weight classes, was seen as the favorite, especially with his size advantage over Pacquiao.
However, Pacquiao proved the naysayers wrong. He put on a masterful performance, outlanding De La Hoya with speed and precision. In the eighth round, De La Hoya’s corner threw in the towel, officially ending the fight.
Pacquiao had battered De La Hoya relentlessly, proving that size doesn’t always matter when you have the skill and power of the Filipino superstar.
4. Manny Pacquiao vs. Antonio Margarito – Round 6 (2010)
Margarito, a former world champion, was an imposing force in the welterweight division. On November 13, 2010, Pacquiao stepped into the ring to face Margarito for the vacant WBC super welterweight title. Pacquiao, already a multiple world champion, was looking to add another title to his ever-growing collection.
In the sixth round, Pacquiao dropped Margarito with a stunning left hand, sending him to the canvas. Throughout the fight, Pacquiao displayed an unmatched combination of speed, power, and accuracy, battering Margarito with relentless combinations.
Although Margarito showed tremendous heart and resilience, Pacquiao’s dominance was undeniable. The fight ended in a unanimous decision for Pacquiao, securing him yet another title in a higher weight class.
5. Manny Pacquiao vs. Erik Morales II – Round 3 (2005)
After a hard-fought loss to Erik Morales in 2005, Pacquiao returned for a highly anticipated rematch in January 2006. Pacquiao entered the second bout with a renewed sense of determination, and in the third round, he unleashed a vicious left hand that left Morales sprawled on the canvas.
The knockout was a revenge for Pacquiao, who had faced a tough first encounter with Morales. Pacquiao’s ability to adapt and improve his game, especially after a defeat, showcased his maturity and growth as a fighter.
This win helped elevate Pacquiao’s status in the boxing world and was an essential step in his rise to superstardom.
6. Manny Pacquiao vs. David Diaz – Round 9 (2008)
In June 2008, Pacquiao fought David Diaz for the WBC lightweight title. Although Diaz was a solid champion, he was no match for the Filipino powerhouse.
Pacquiao dominated the fight from the opening bell, and in the ninth round, he landed a picture-perfect left hook that knocked Diaz to the canvas. Diaz managed to get back up, but he was completely outclassed by Pacquiao, who finished the fight with a TKO victory.
With this win, Pacquiao became the first Filipino boxer to win a world title in four different weight classes, cementing his place as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
7. Manny Pacquiao vs. Hatton (First Round Knockout) – (2019)
A year after his career-defining win over Ricky Hatton in 2009, the two squared off once again in what was a highly anticipated rematch.
Pacquiao dominated from the beginning and won in the first round against Hatton with his legendary power in his left hand yet again.