Manny Pacquiao suffered his first professional loss exactly 30 years ago today. The Filipino boxer became one of the sport’s all-time greats by winning twelve world titles across eight weight divisions. He claimed the lineal championship in five weight classes and entered the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2025. Yet even his extraordinary career faced setbacks along the way.
Pacquiao took 25 professional fights to earn his first world title shot and did so without remaining unbeaten. His earliest challenges shaped the resilient champion he would become.
Rustico Torrecampo beats the future legend
On February 9, 1996, Pacquiao experienced his first defeat and knockout. Rustico Torrecampo, a journeyman with an 11-4-5 record, delivered the historic blow in the Philippines. Torrecampo stopped Pacquiao in the third round, though the fight stirred controversy. The 17-year-old Pacquiao missed weight and wore eight-ounce gloves, while Torrecampo wore six-ounce gloves. During the bout, Pacquiao appeared to take a shoulder and a low blow, prompting the referee to stop the fight. This added the first of three knockout losses to Pacquiao’s record.
Torrecampo earned only around $140 for defeating the future legend. He struggled in subsequent fights, going 2-4-1 in his next seven matches before retiring for 14 years.
Life after boxing for Torrecampo
Torrecampo’s life outside the ring proved tumultuous. During his retirement, police issued a warrant for his arrest after he became a murder suspect. In 2007, while running a roadside food stall, his car collided with another vehicle, spilling food and profits. An argument escalated, and the other driver later died from stab wounds. Authorities sought Torrecampo, though no updates followed, and he successfully returned to boxing in 2011.
While Torrecampo faced challenges, Pacquiao bounced back to build a career unmatched by most fighters in history.
Pacquiao’s response to Terence Crawford’s prediction
Terence Crawford defeated Canelo Alvarez last September and became the first male fighter in the four-belt era to hold undisputed titles in three divisions. Confident in his abilities, Crawford predicted a dominant win over Pacquiao in a hypothetical matchup.
Pacquiao, now retired, responded graciously on social media. He wrote: “All love, champ. God bless you and your family always.” The Filipino’s reply reflected the sportsmanship that defined his legendary career.
