Antonio Margarito Admits: “I Underestimated Manny Pacquiao!” After Historic Loss, Margarito Acknowledges Pacquiao’s Incredible Power and Speed

In a stunning admission that has shocked the boxing world, former world champion Antonio Margarito has finally confessed that he vastly underestimated Manny Pacquiao ahead of their highly anticipated showdown in 2010. Margarito, known for his toughness and relentless fighting style, now admits that the Filipino boxing legend’s lightning-fast speed and pinpoint accuracy were far more than he ever anticipated.

The fight between Pacquiao and Margarito took place at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on November 13, 2010, with Pacquiao moving up to the 154-pound weight class to challenge for his eighth world title. At the time, many observers believed Margarito’s size, strength, and sheer power would be too much for the smaller Pacquiao to handle. However, what unfolded in the ring was a clear demonstration of Pacquiao’s skill, speed, and fighting intelligence, which left Margarito reeling and boxing fans in awe.

Margarito, standing at 5’11” with a much larger frame, came into the fight with a significant height and reach advantage over Pacquiao. He was known for his brutal knockout power and aggressive style, which led many to believe that he would be able to overpower the Filipino star. On the other hand, Pacquiao, despite being a smaller fighter, had proven time and again that his speed, combination punching, and ability to adapt in the ring could overcome any size disadvantage. But even with all the hype surrounding the fight, few could have predicted the one-sided nature of the contest.

From the opening bell, Pacquiao was relentless, attacking with lightning-fast combinations that left Margarito stunned and unable to keep up. While Margarito tried to press the action and use his strength to bully Pacquiao, he quickly found himself overwhelmed by the speed of the Filipino’s punches and the precision with which they landed. Pacquiao’s ability to move in and out of range with ease was evident as he avoided most of Margarito’s power punches, landing crisp shots to the head and body at will.

The fight was a brutal display of Pacquiao’s dominance, as he repeatedly landed combinations to Margarito’s face, causing significant swelling and damage. By the later rounds, Margarito’s face was severely battered, and he was unable to mount any significant offense against Pacquiao, who cruised to a unanimous decision victory after 12 rounds.

The win secured Pacquiao’s place in history as the first boxer to win world titles in eight different weight classes, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest fighters of all time. However, for Margarito, the loss was a humbling experience. Despite his best efforts, he simply couldn’t compete with the speed and accuracy that Pacquiao brought to the ring that night.

It has taken Margarito years to come to terms with his loss to Pacquiao, but in a recent interview, the former champion was candid about his experience. “I was wrong about Pacquiao,” Margarito admitted. “I thought his size would be a problem for him, but I didn’t account for how fast and strong he was. He’s not just fast, he’s very strong. His punches are so precise, and he moves so well in the ring. I wasn’t prepared for that.”

This newfound respect for Pacquiao from Margarito is noteworthy, given their intense rivalry in the buildup to the fight. Margarito, at the time, had a reputation for being one of the hardest-hitting fighters in the sport, and he believed that his strength would be the key to beating Pacquiao. However, the outcome of the fight shattered that perception, as Pacquiao’s quick footwork and superior boxing technique rendered Margarito’s power almost irrelevant.

For Pacquiao, the victory over Margarito was just another chapter in his storied career. By moving up in weight to challenge for the super welterweight title, Pacquiao proved that he was more than just a lightweight sensation. He was a true boxing phenomenon, capable of taking on and defeating larger opponents while maintaining the same explosive style that had made him famous. But for Margarito, the loss to Pacquiao was a hard pill to swallow.

Following the fight, Margarito’s career never fully regained the momentum it once had. He went on to fight a few more times, but his performance against Pacquiao had taken a toll on his image and his place in the sport. The physical damage he suffered in that fight, particularly the severe damage to his face, would go on to haunt him in subsequent bouts.

Now, looking back on that fight, Margarito is at peace with the outcome, acknowledging that Pacquiao was simply the better fighter on the night. “Pacquiao was just better,” he said. “He’s a fighter like no other. He’s fast, strong, and has a heart and will to win that few others can match. I was wrong to underestimate him, but I’ve learned from it.”

Margarito’s confession reflects the kind of maturity and respect that is often missing in the world of professional boxing. Many fighters, especially after a devastating loss, are quick to blame others or make excuses, but Margarito has shown humility in admitting his mistake. His words offer a rare glimpse into the mindset of a fighter who recognizes the greatness of an opponent, even after experiencing the pain of defeat firsthand.

In conclusion, Antonio Margarito’s admission that he underestimated Manny Pacquiao provides further insight into the legendary fighter’s exceptional abilities. The loss to Pacquiao in 2010 was a turning point in both fighters’ careers, but it has also led to a deeper mutual respect between the two. Pacquiao’s lightning-fast punches, pinpoint accuracy, and tactical brilliance were on full display that night, and now, more than a decade later, Margarito has finally come to terms with just how incredible his opponent was. In the world of boxing, where pride often takes precedence over everything else, Margarito’s honest reflection is a rare and admirable quality.

Conclusion

Antonio Margarito’s admission that he underestimated Manny Pacquiao reveals the depth of respect that Pacquiao has earned from even the toughest opponents. His victory over Margarito in 2010 is still regarded as one of the most dominant performances in boxing history. With this newfound acknowledgment from Margarito, the legacy of Manny Pacquiao continues to shine brightly, further solidifying his place as one of the greatest fighters of all time.