Friday’s cover: ‘Manny Pacquiao was as good as I’ve ever seen a fighter’

An illustration by designer Kevin Jeffers is the cover for The National Sport edition on Friday, May 8, with a direct quote from Manny Pacquiao's legendary boxing promoter, Bob Arum.

The quote was in reference to the Filipino’s run of victories from 2008-09 that included stoppages of Oscar de La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, and Miguel Cotto.

"That Manny Pacquiao was as good as I've ever seen a fighter on the world stage," Arum told The National over the phone from his Top Rank office in Las Vegas, not long out from his client's third skirmish with Timothy Bradley this weekend – a bout that Pacquiao has labelled his last.

Be sure to read John McAuley's exclusive interview with Arum, in which he describes Pacquiao's reach inside and outside the ring as second only to Muhammad Ali.

More reflections on Manny Pacquiao

• Manny Pacquiao, writes Jon Turner, was a showman, a true prizefighter and a legitimate boxing legend

• Steve Luckings notes, though, the 'unsavoury smell' that lingers over Manny Pacquiao's accomplishments

• John McAuley writes Manny Pacquiao was a pocket dynamite who became a bona-fide heavyweight of the ring

• Extra Time podcast: Manny Pacquiao's farewell – one of the all-time greats, but Bradley poses challenge - Ep 80

• Poll: Will Manny Pacquiao defeat Timothy Bradley in his final fight?

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