Manny Pacquiao: Why Pacquiao Is Better for Boxing Than Mayweather

There is a great debate that will occur a decade from now. It will center around whether Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather furthered the cause of boxing more. The answer will without a doubt be Manny Pacquiao. 

We have to ask, what makes an icon? The easiest way is to find an athlete that is remembered long after he is retired for all the good he did for the sport. 

He leaves a lasting impression that can be felt long after he is gone. Like a giant boulder thrown into a pond, the ripples continue long after. Floyd Mayweather is a truly great fighter that will be seen slightly under Manny Pacquiao when both careers are finished. 

Pop Culture: What are both in pop culture? Floyd Mayweather is known for hanging with 50 Cent and burning cash. That is hardly the kind of athlete that shapes the very fiber of the sport. 

Pacquiao is a politician, singer and hero to millions. It is safe to say that Pacquiao wins this one by a landslide. 

Career: Let's start making some gross assumptions here. Pacquiao wins his bout with Marquez handily and answers one of the last questions of his career. 

Mayweather may have claimed May 5th as the day he fights Pacquiao, but it is all smoke and mirrors. Money May knows a fight like that is far more complex than merely stating he will fight someone. He was just tired of being called out for ducking Pacquiao. 

That will all start up again when he once again ducks Pacquiao. 

Legacy: In time we will remember that Pacquiao was the best pound-for-pound fighter that fans loved to cheer for. At the same time we will recall that Mayweather was a similar talent, but was chided far more than he was loved. 

Two tremendous talents are only different in how they have been received. Mayweather no longer has a say in that.