Manny Pacquiao Is 'Reminiscent To Mike Tyson,' Says Former Undefeated Champ

Manny Pacquiao may have been a unique fighter, but David Benavidez thinks he resembles the fighting style of another world-class boxer.

Over the course of his stellar career, Pacquiao’s exceptional speed and power have seen him knocking out an array of world champions. In the process, some in boxing have likened him to Mike Tyson.

Renowned boxing coach Teddy Atlas made the bold Tyson-Pacquiao comparison in the past but recently, the former WBC super middleweight champion also sees the same thing.

While sharing his insight as to why he prefers Pacquiao’s career over Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s undefeated run, Benavidez bared that the Filipino legend’s ability to knock his opponents out cold reminds him of a prime Tyson.

“Me Personally, I like Pacquiao’s [career] over [Floyd’s]–but not by much,” Benavidez told AHAT Live. “I feel like every time Pacquiao fought it was kinda like reminiscent to Mike Tyson. You knew there was going to be a knockout. You knew there was going to be a nasty knockout or you knew there was going to be a great fight.”

“He really didn’t shy away from a fight, even when he fought [Antonio] Margarito,” he continued. “When he fought Margarito, that was a huge guy, and he was banging with him all night, right there in the middle of the ring.”

Apart from being two of the greatest boxers to ever step inside the ring, Tyson and Pacquiao are considered the hardest hitters of their generation.

Sharing an interesting thought about the pair in 2019, Hall of Fame boxing trainer Freddie Roach believes that Pacquiao “hits harder” than Tyson.

“My whole body went like numb. The power, speed, and explosion are much greater than just dense power," said Roach, who trained both legendary fighters.

Last year, Roach spilled the beans and revealed that Pacquiao has plans of moving up to middleweight.

When asked about his thoughts on the subject, Benavidez admitted that he’s not sure about what to expect but suggested that it wouldn’t be a terrible move for the 42-year-old as he is a “freak of nature.”

“I can’t really give you the answer, to be honest with you,” he stated. “Manny Pacquiao is just a freak of nature. He is a beast. He is one of the greatest fighters to ever lace up a pair of gloves. You know that is just gifted, there is something about him that a lot of 90 percent of the people will never have. That guy is just a legend.”