Ten Years After Mayweather-Pacquiao Fight's Mixed Legacy

The 2015 bout between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, billed as the 'Fight of the Century,' remains the most lucrative boxing event in history, drawing 4.6 million pay-per-view purchases and generating over $600 million. Despite enormous anticipation, many fans and analysts felt the match failed to live up to its hype, with Mayweather employing a defensive strategy to win by unanimous decision. The fight was delayed for years due to disputes over financial terms and drug testing, and by the time it occurred, both fighters were past their prime. Unbeknownst to many at the time, Pacquiao fought with a recurring shoulder injury, while Mayweather had received IV fluids that were not cleared by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. These factors have led to ongoing debate about how the fight might have unfolded under different circumstances. Ultimately, while Mayweather solidified his legacy and financial dominance, the bout is often remembered as a missed opportunity for a true classic.