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When Manny Pacquiao stole the spotlight from Mike Tyson with a bloody knockout win

Originally posted on HITC | By Adnan Riaz | Last updated Oct 12, 2025 9:30 AM ET

There was only one time during his career when Manny Pacquiao appeared on the same card as Mike Tyson. Even then, Pacquiao managed to steal the spotlight.

Pacquiao was defending his IBF junior featherweight title in what was just his third fight in the US. He arrived with a lot of buzz, coming off a tough knockout win over Lehlohonolo Ledwaba.

Tyson, who was nearing the end of his own storied career, gave Pacquiao a rare chance to share the stage with him—a moment that didn’t go unnoticed in boxing circles.

Pacquiao took full advantage of the spotlight, putting on a dominant performance that left a lasting impression on US fans and helped raise his profile even further.

Manny Pacquiao and Mike Tyson never got to face off

Manny Pacquiao’s dream fight against Mike Tyson never happened despite their shared admiration and respect for each other. While they moved through different divisions and eras, their influence on boxing remains undeniable.

Pacquiao’s path through eight weight classes set him apart in boxing history. Fans often wonder how he would have matched up against Iron Mike or others like Floyd Mayweather or Sugar Ray Leonard. It’s hard not to imagine how those fights might have played out.

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After retiring from professional boxing following his 2021 defeat by Yordenis Ugas, many wondered if that would be the last time we’d see him in action. However, he has since been linked with a return to competitive fighting.

Pacquiao’s memorable knockout win over Jorge Eliecer Julio

Pacquiao was in action before a major heavyweight bout between Tyson and Lennox Lewis, squaring off against Jorge Eliecer Julio in Memphis.

The fight didn’t last long. Pacquiao needed just two rounds to get the job done, dropping Julio three times within a single minute to seal the win.

One of Pacquiao’s punches broke Julio’s nose, and after a standing eight count, he trapped him on the ropes. The referee stepped in to stop it as Pacquiao kept landing shots without much coming back.

While Tyson went on to lose by knockout in the eighth round against Lewis, Pacquiao made his mark earlier in the night with his quick finish, giving fans plenty to talk about afterward.

Looking back on Pacquiao’s early connections to Floyd Mayweather

Before sharing the stage with Tyson, Pacquiao had already appeared on a card headlined by his future rival, Floyd Mayweather.

In just his second fight on American soil, he defended his IBF junior featherweight title for the first time. It wasn’t an easy night, though. A clash of heads left him dealing with multiple cuts.

He would later meet Mayweather in what was billed as The Fight of the Century, but in this early outing against Agapito Sanchez, repeated headbutts led to several cuts and the bout ended in a technical draw.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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