MANNY PACQUIAO had 72 professional fights and fought fellow legends Floyd Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya – but there was one opponent who hit harder than anyone.

The Filipino icon, 44, is the only eight-division world champion in boxing history and won 12 major world titles in his career.

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Manny Pacquiao enjoyed an iconic career in the ringCredit: AP:Associated Press

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The legend fought fellow icon Oscar De La Hoya back in 2008Credit: Getty

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Pacman then took on Floyd Mayweather in 2015 in Las VegasCredit: Getty

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It was his 2009 showdown with Miguel Cotto that left a lasting mark on the FilipinoCredit: Reuters
He has battled the best of the best over the years – including British hero Ricky Hatton – while defeat to Mayweather in 2015 still remains the highest grossing fight of all-time.

However, shortly after that epic showdown, he was asked by Ring Magazine who had hit him the hardest in the ring.

And he revealed that it was none other than Miguel Cotto, who he eventually beat in the final round when they faced-off in 2009.

Pacquiao even dropped him in the third and fourth in what looked to be a dominant performance.

But Pacman was adamant that he was still feeling the effects of the punches he received in that bout all those years later.

He said: “Miguel Cotto. I can still feel some of those punches he threw at me.

“Staying on the ropes is not the best place to be when you are fighting him.

“He’s also accurate. He’s incredible.”

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Cotto started boxing aged 11 in Puerto Rico and won silver at the 2000 Olympics.

He then enjoyed a great career after turning pro, becoming a four-weight champion.

Pacquiao’s fairytale in the ring ended in 2021 when he lost a world title fight against Yordenis Ugas via unanimous decision.

He retired with a record of 62–8–2, with 39 wins by knockout, and his place in the hall of fame assured.

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Manny Pacquiao stopped Miguel Cotto in the final round after knocking him down twiceCredit: Getty