Pacquiao vs Mayweather Videos: A look back at Pacquiao and Mayweather's humble beginnings

By Dennis "dSource" Guillermo - Pardon me, but allow me to spit some wisdom right quick. Sometimes the only difference between a hero and a bum is press coverage. We all know the heroic exploits of CNN's Hero of the Year award winner Efren Penaflorida now but before all the media coverage and hype he received, you probably would've just snubbed him as he walked past you in the streets. But now, the truly admirable guy gets praised and lauded everywhere he goes.

So when Floyd Mayweather Jr. asked the world where Manny Pacquiao was 15 years ago when he was beating up people and being considered as one of the great prospects in the sport, well the answer is, he was grinding just like Floyd. Truth be told, Manny and Floyd are two of the most dedicated and hardest working boxers to ever laced them gloves up and for all its worth, they do deserve to be where they're at in their careers- on top. No need really to discredit the other based on where they came from. Pacquiao did not have the privilege to be under a decent amateur boxing program like Floyd did and if you pitted them against each other 15 years ago, Mayweather definitely would've made quick work of Pacquiao. But that is why he deserves all the credit in the world for working on his craft under the guidance of the great Freddie Roach. Incidentally however, Floyd has six losses as an amateur.

But to say Pacquiao was a nobody back then when Floyd was already the man is simply a matter of geography and logistics man. Floyd enjoyed the luxury and privilege of being in America and having better opportunities and exposure. Just like my case for example: There are many other far more talented Filipino writers out there who are not only better than me but can definitely hang with the Thomas Hausers of pugulistic journalism that just need to be given a chance but because of their situation, you haven't read a word from them yet.

Back in '95, Pacquiao and Mayweather were already beginning to carve a name for themselves in the professional boxing ranks. Actually, Pacquiao turned pro in January of 1995 and amazingly fought 11 pro fights in a year until he first tasted defeated after being dehydrated and not having the proper diet and training due to poverty and his lifestyle back then. But even then, Pacquiao already displayed the speed, punching power and that lethal left of his which is now being considered as the most potent weapon in boxing.

Floyd on the other hand made his pro debut in October of '96 and also impressively went 11-0 in his first year as a pro. Even back then, Floyd already displayed flashes of his brilliance by knocking down Roberto Apodaca with a beautiful liver shot in the first round.

Check out the earliest pro boxing videos caught on tape of these two brilliant fighters who are on a collision course in one of the most anticipated boxing match-ups in history.