By Frank Livingstone: We all know about Manny Pacquiao’s great victories and winning titles at eight weight divisions making him the best pound for pound fighter in the planet. But his record of having three losses in his career is the argument used by Floyd Mayweather Jr to spread doubts on Pacquiao’s legitimacy as being the best fighter. The reason being that Floyd’s unblemished record of 41 wins and “O” loss is far superior then Pacquiao’s record.

Pacquiao’s first defeat was against Rustico Torrecampo in February 1996 when he was knocked out in the third round. It was reported that Pacquiao did not make the required weight limit (fighting as a flyweight) and was penalised with the use of a heavier glove during the fight. It was recently reported that Torrecampo was on a comeback with a recent victory in the Philippines.

Pacquiao’s second defeat was against Medgoen Singsurat in September 1999. Manny was defending his WBC flyweight title and was stripped of the title even before the fight. Yes, you guess it right, Pacquiao was over the limit at the weigh in. Singsurat won via a third round knockout.

Pacquiao’s last defeat was against Erik “El Terible” Morales in March 2005 which he lost via a 12 round unanimous decision in a super featherweight title fight. Pacquiao suffered a cut in his left eye due to an accidental head butt in the fifth round which limited his vision. It was reported that Pacquiao was required to undergo a blood test two days before the fight as the original blood test was mysteriously misplaced. The blood test was required to renew his boxing licence in Nevada. During an interview to discuss the Morales fight, Pacquiao stated that he was weak during the fight and he knew that he won’t be able to knock out Morales. Eric Morales also stated in an interview that he never felt any of Pacquiao’s power punches during the fight.

So there were circumstances (not excuses) of being weigh drained, glove size, accidental head butt and blood test close to the fight that contributed to Pacquiao’s defeats in his career. Sure, they were legitimate defeats and Torrecampo, Singsurat and Morales deserved their win records. I also take my hats off to Manny for fighting despite the circumstances (show must go on). But I can only wonder if the circumstances were not there, could the results be different and Manny Pacquiao remained undefeated at this time.

One thing for sure, Floyd Mayweather Jr will keep highlighting Pacquiao’s three defeats until they finally meet in the ring. In fact, Floyd’s best buddy, 50 cent, made mention of Pacquiao’s three losses on his recent twitter message. If the fight finally happens, will Floyd Mayweather’s name be in the company of Torrecampo, Singsurat or Morales or will Manny Pacquiao be the first one to break Floyd’s “0” record. I can’t wait for the mega fight and watch it here in Sydney. However, Floyd Jr’s motive of making a big deal of Pacquiao’s three losses might bite him in the end like a boomerang. As the saying goes “What goes around comes around”.