Did Canelo fight Pacquiao? This has been a topic of immense interest and speculation in the boxing world for years. With both fighters boasting impressive records and legions of fans, the prospect of a fight between them has been eagerly anticipated. In this article, we will delve into the history, the rumors, and the possibility of this epic battle finally coming to fruition.
The debate over whether Canelo Alvarez and Manny Pacquiao would ever face off in the ring has been ongoing for years. Canelo, a Mexican boxing sensation, has held multiple world titles across different weight classes, while Pacquiao, the Filipino icon, has won world titles in eight different weight divisions. Their respective legacies have made them two of the most revered boxers of our time.
Speculation first began swirling around a potential fight between the two in 2012, when Pacquiao was still in his prime. However, numerous attempts to negotiate a bout were unsuccessful, as both fighters had their own priorities and commitments. Canelo was still relatively new to the scene, while Pacquiao was in the midst of his illustrious career, with a focus on defending his titles and fighting other top contenders.
Despite the setbacks, the idea of a Canelo-Pacquiao fight remained a dream for many boxing fans. As both fighters continued to dominate their respective divisions, the pressure to finally bring them together grew stronger. In 2015, Pacquiao even mentioned that he would consider facing Canelo, provided the Mexican fighter was willing to step up to the challenge.
Finally, in 2018, the boxing world was treated to the highly anticipated clash between Canelo Alvarez and Floyd Mayweather Jr. Many saw this fight as a stepping stone for a potential Canelo-Pacquiao matchup. However, the Mayweather fight was a financial and critical success, and it seemed that the stage was set for a fight between Canelo and Pacquiao.
In 2019, negotiations for a Canelo-Pacquiao fight seemed to be heating up. Both fighters expressed their desire to face each other, and rumors of a potential fight began to gain traction. However, despite the fanfare, the deal fell apart at the last minute. Negotiations broke down over several issues, including financial terms and promotional control.
While the dream of a Canelo-Pacquiao fight remains unfulfilled, both fighters have continued to achieve success in their careers. Canelo has defended his titles, including the WBC, WBA, and WBO super welterweight belts, while Pacquiao has remained active, most recently facing Yordenis Ugas in 2021.
Despite the setbacks, the possibility of a Canelo-Pacquiao fight still lingers. As both fighters approach the twilight of their careers, the boxing world holds out hope that this epic battle will finally take place. With their legacies at stake, the question of whether Canelo will fight Pacquiao remains one of the most compelling narratives in modern boxing.
