“He’s Still Dangerous, But Time Is Undefeated”: Floyd Mayweather Gives Honest Take on Manny Pacquiao’s Power Before Comeback Fight
Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao may have shared the ring just once, but their names have been linked for over two decades. Now, as Pacquiao prepares for a surprising return to the boxing spotlight, Mayweather has offered a candid, heartfelt reflection on his old rival focusing on one key question: Does Pacquiao still have the power to win at the highest level?
In a recent sit-down interview, Mayweather ever the tactician didn’t mince words.
“Manny’s always had heart, speed, and a crazy work ethic. He can still hit hard, don’t get me wrong,” Mayweather said. “But power isn’t just about your punch it’s about timing, reflexes, endurance. And time takes all of that from us.”
Mayweather, now 47, retired undefeated at 50-0. He’s kept himself active with exhibition matches and business ventures, but he’s made it clear that his days of official competition are over. Pacquiao, however, has chosen a different path. At 46, the Filipino icon is coming out of retirement to challenge for the WBC welterweight title—facing a younger, faster, undefeated champion.
The boxing world has responded with a mix of nostalgia and concern. And Mayweather, who once shared 12 rounds with Pacquiao in their massive 2015 showdown, feels both.
“He’s earned the right to do whatever he wants,” Mayweather acknowledged. “We all love a good comeback story. But the ring is no place for fairytales—it’s a place for reality. And in this game, one wrong move can change everything.”
Their 2015 clash, famously billed as the “Fight of the Century,” was watched by millions across the globe. Though the bout didn’t deliver the explosive action fans had hoped for, it was a strategic masterclass that ended in a unanimous decision for Mayweather.
In the years since, Pacquiao continued fighting, collecting wins over younger contenders like Keith Thurman, before stepping away in 2021. He briefly pursued the Philippine presidency and remained deeply involved in humanitarian work. But the itch to compete never fully left.
Mayweather admits he understands that urge.
“When the lights fade, it’s hard. You miss the noise, the challenge, the purpose,” he said softly. “But coming back at this level… it’s dangerous.”
Still, his words weren’t cold or dismissive they carried a tone of genuine respect. The two may have had their differences over the years, but there’s clearly admiration between them now, even if laced with caution.
“I’ll always tune in when Manny fights,” Mayweather said. “He’s a legend. But legends aren’t invincible. You can have all the power in the world, but if your body doesn’t respond like it used to, power won’t save you.”
As Pacquiao’s training clips start to go viral and fans rally behind the idea of one last miracle, Mayweather’s words hang in the background not as a jab, but as a warning from someone who knows the cost of staying in the fight too long.
In the end, Mayweather’s verdict wasn’t cruel. It was honest, maybe even caring. Because when you’ve shared blood, sweat, and history with someone, you don’t root against them you just hope they’re ready for what comes next.
