Legendary Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao has officially named Antonio Margarito as the opponent with the Manny Pacquiao best chin he encountered throughout his illustrious career.
Pacquiao made these comments in an interview with The Ring Magazine for their “Best I’ve Faced” feature, which originally appeared in the July 2015 issue and has been recirculated online since. He reflected on their brutal 2010 super-welterweight clash, noting Margarito’s extraordinary ability to absorb punishment.
The Enduring Legacy of Manny Pacquiao
This candid admission from one of boxing’s all-time greats offers a fascinating insight into the sheer resilience required at the sport’s highest level. Margarito’s toughness pushed Pacquiao to his physical limits, even as the “PacMan” secured a historic victory in what was one of his most challenging fights.
Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao Sr. stands as a towering figure in boxing history. Born on December 17, 1978, in Kibawe, Bukidnon, Philippines, he achieved unparalleled success, becoming the only boxer ever to win world titles in eight distinct weight classes. His professional record boasts 62 wins, 8 losses, and 3 draws, with 39 victories coming by knockout.
Pacquiao’s journey saw him face a pantheon of boxing legends, including Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather, Miguel Cotto, and Juan Manuel Márquez. These bouts cemented his status as a pound-for-pound superstar and earned him the prestigious Fighter of the Decade award from the Boxing Writers Association of America.
His induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in the class of 2025 further underlines his profound impact on the sport.
Antonio Margarito: Pacquiao’s Toughest Chin
The 2010 showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito remains a pivotal moment in both fighters’ careers. Pacquiao captured the vacant WBC Super-Welterweight title, making history as the first boxer to win titles in eight divisions. Yet, the victory was anything but easy, primarily due to Margarito’s incredible durability.
Pacquiao vividly recalled the intensity of the fight in his comments. “Antonio Margarito: That fight was a war. It was brutal,” he told The Ring Magazine. “I threw everything at him and he not only took it but came back for more. Incredible.” This statement speaks volumes about the Mexican-American’s almost supernatural ability to withstand power punches.
A David vs. Goliath Encounter
Physical advantages heavily favored Margarito in the super-welterweight clash. He held a significant five-inch height advantage and a six-inch reach advantage over Pacquiao. More strikingly, Margarito reportedly weighed a substantial 17 pounds more than Pacquiao on fight night, presenting a formidable physical challenge.
Despite landing numerous impactful shots, Pacquiao found himself unable to knock Margarito down or out. In a separate interview with ESPN, Pacquiao later confessed that this particular bout pushed him to his physical “limit.” His ribs ached for an extended period after the fight, leading him to decline defending the title in that weight class.
He even suggested that the fight should have been stopped earlier given the severe punishment Margarito absorbed, highlighting the challenger’s unwavering resolve.
Beyond the Chin: “The Ring” Interview Insights
The “Best I’ve Faced” feature in The Ring Magazine, from which Pacquiao’s comments stem, delved into various aspects of his opponents’ strengths. While Margarito stood out for his chin, Pacquiao also praised his former foe’s physical prowess. He described Margarito as “Big and strong is an understatement,” adding that “His body shots hurt me several times throughout our fight.”
Pacquiao offered insights into other elite boxers he faced, providing a comprehensive look at his career challenges. For instance, he named Oscar De La Hoya for both the best jab and fastest feet he encountered. Miguel Cotto earned recognition for being the best puncher and the smartest opponent he ever fought.
He cited Lehlo Ledwaba for having the fastest hands and Joshua Clottey for possessing the best defense. Juan Manuel Marquez, one of his most storied rivals, was credited with the best skill set.
Pacquiao also mentioned several fighters as being among his best overall opponents, including Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, and Erik Morales. These detailed reflections illustrate the diverse talents Pacquiao confronted throughout his storied career, offering fans a unique perspective on his ring experiences.
Margarito’s Controversial Resilience
Antonio Margarito was a two-weight world champion known for his aggressive, front-foot style. His iron chin became legendary, particularly after withstanding Pacquiao’s onslaught. He is also known for a tampered hand wrap controversy, which was discovered before his clash with Shane Mosley.
Pacquiao’s Return and Future in Boxing
Even after a highly decorated career and a significant political stint as a Senator of the Philippines, Manny Pacquiao’s desire to compete has remained strong. He made a surprising return to the ring on July 19, 2025, at the age of 46, facing Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight world title in Las Vegas.
The bout ended in a majority draw, with Pacquiao falling short in his bid to become the oldest welterweight world champion.
Following this comeback, Pacquiao announced his intention to fight again on January 24, 2026, also in Las Vegas. His continued presence in professional boxing, even in his mid-forties, underscores his enduring passion for the sport.
Beyond boxing, Pacquiao’s political career saw him serve as a member of the Philippine House of Representatives from 2010 to 2016. He then served as a Senator from 2016 to 2022, and even ran for President of the Philippines in 2022, ultimately finishing third. These ventures highlight his influence extending far beyond the boxing ring, solidifying his status as a national icon.
A Testament to Unyielding Spirit
Manny Pacquiao’s identification of Antonio Margarito as the fighter with the best chin serves as a powerful testament to the grit and resilience inherent in boxing. It wasn’t just Margarito’s ability to absorb punches, but his relentless drive to keep coming forward, that left a lasting impression on a fighter renowned for his own indomitable will.
The fight underscored the physical and mental fortitude required to compete at the highest levels of the sport. Pacquiao’s continued willingness to step into the ring, combined with his thoughtful reflections on past opponents, ensures his legacy remains vibrant and compelling for generations of boxing fans.
