By sportsfanslife.com -
December 20th 2009 @ 1:08am
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Why Mayweather can’t lose fight for the ages
It’s not often we, as fight fans, get what we want. With too many official bodies offering too many belts to too many pretenders, and not enough contenders, it seems at times that, as fans of this brutal yet beautiful sport, we are often left feeling like the only ones who get short changed amongst the glitz, glamour and cash at the high end of the sport.
Until now.
With the announcement that Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will face off in a fight that promises to break all sorts of revenue records on March 13th, as a fight fan you are no doubt (a) planning your fight party well in advance (b) saying thanks for not having to sit through another Klitschko Brother fight (for the record, if I knew Russian, which I don’t, I’d be pretty certain that Klitschko translates to English as ‘Boring as Hell’) and most importantly (c) wondering why every ‘big’ fight doesn’t make you feel this excited.
This could be one for the ages.
There aren’t too many boxing observers that would disagree with the statement that the unofficial title of Best Pound for Pound Fighter on the Planet will rest with the victor of this fight.
It’s just a shame that the result rests in the hands of only one of them.
It’s no secret that I am a fan of ‘Pretty Boy Floyd’, which isn’t to say that I don’t respect Pacquiao’s ability and amazing achievements in the ring.
Manny has proven to be a warrior, taking on, and defeating, brutally in many cases, any fighter that has come his way, regardless of reputation or chances of knocking him out. At times, this couldn’t be said of Mayweather, especially having dodged Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito while both were at their respective peaks. Whilst not shying away from those questionable past choices, not to end up in the ring with either or both Cotto or Margarito, and understanding those that say this indicates a lack of heart on Floyd’s part, with wins over Ricky Hatton and Carlos Baldomir within his last four fights, not to mention Oscar de la Hoya (who was well past his best years but still possessed knockout ability and must have been less past it vs Mayweather than when he faced Manny himself last year?), surely this argument is fading, especially in light of this latest fight coming to fruition, and so quickly.
One look over Mayweather’s unblemished record will show wins over Arturo Gatti (may he R.I.P) and Jose Luis Castillo, both future Hall of Fame fighters and certainly no slouches themselves.
Every boxing fan will have an opinion on this fight, that’s what makes it great, and one of the things I love about the sport. My opinion is that Floyd can’t lose, won’t lose. He has superior hand speed, footwork, defence, and a comparable knock out rate with Pac-Man (although so far as pure punching power, I give the advantage to Manny).
This will be an unpopular opinion with many, specifically fans of Pacquiao, which I accept. This has more to do with people’s views on Floyd’s persona rather than their view of him as one of the best fighters we have seen. Floyd’s mouth often runs…fast, and seemingly out of control. This is who he is. He does everything fast. Fast money, fast talking, fast living….but most concerning for Pacquiao and his legion of fans, will be the speed at which he moves his hands.
As I mentioned previously, Mayweather possesses knock out power, there’s no doubt about that, and even less doubt about the sleeping pills in Manny’s hands after witnessing his effort vs Hatton (the bells are still ringing in Ricky’s ears).
But, based on Pacquiao’s last fight vs Cotto, I think this fight will go the distance. If Cotto can go 12 rounds (albeit not quite the full 12, and depending on who you ask, he was a side of beef after six rounds..but still, he was upright) with his primary defensive tactic being to deflect the majority of punches with his face, then Floyd’s movement and ability to keep his chin out of harms way will be enough to get him through 36 minutes safely enough (anyone in the ring with Manny Pacquiao is going to eat their share of punches, it’s the clean, pure, power punches that do the damage, and hitting ‘Money’ cleanly is like winning Lotto).
So, and not to give any of my educated boxing readers a condescending lesson on the sweet science, but if the fight goes the distance, we come down to points, and if we come down to points, we come down to punches thrown, punches landed and depending on who is doing the scoring, a little luck.
Even if we ignore the luck element and remain oblivious to the fact that the fight will likely be in Las Vegas, Mayweather’s home, and his record of getting the best of any decision he has been a part of (and he is an American, fighting a foreigner in Vegas, this can’t be discounted, regardless of Pac-Man’s popularity in the sport), Floyd will still throw more punches, with more accuracy, and for more rounds, than anyone Pacquiao has faced in his career. If he manages to withstand them, which admittedly he is more than capable of doing, it’s still not going to help him with the judges. Advantage? Money.
Pacquiao has gained the support of millions of fight fans around the world with his heart, courage and determination. The fact that he is a tremendously talented fighter, coupled with his relentless pursuit of his opponent in the ring makes him a hit on Pay per View TVs across the globe. While he possesses many strengths, and is more than adequate defensively, it is his aggressive style that I think could ultimately swing the fight in Mayweather’s favour.
With Manny moving forward more often than not, constantly on the attack and looking to land either of those vicious hands, I really feel that Floyd’s ability to slip and score, often with three or four punch combinations will see him in front at the end of every round, save a flash knock down by Manny (which isn’t out of the question). The fact he will no doubt be backing up a lot of the fight, keeping Manny’s punches longer and not allowing him to set his feet, therefore taking some of the heat off his blows, lessens the chance of both fighters trading blows, which increases Pacquiao’s chances of scoring another devastating knock out. Advantage? Again, to me it lies with Money.
So if he can’t land the punches he wants, and the punches he does land are not as clean as he has become accustomed to landing, at the very least this means Manny Pacquiao could be in for a long night. In any case he will be forced to earn the millions of dollars he stands to gain. At worst? As the rounds, and scores mount against him, it places Pacquiao in an unfamiliar position of playing catch up, which generally leads to risks being taken in the ring. A high risk combination, a punch with more frustration behind it than technique, one second of doubt, all of these things will play on any fighters mind, Manny is not immune, even if he is mentally tougher than many fighters, even some of the greats. If he takes risks, he will get knocked out. Simple as that. Mayweather has picked off even the most focused of fighters in the ring with better defence and equally harder hands as Pac-Man, if Manny is careless, even as a result of frustration, he loses the fight. Hands down.
Regardless of any of these points (what do I know anyway?), the fact remains that, provided it lives up to the hype it has already started to generate, this will be a fight most fight fans won’t want to miss, and there’s a good chance we’ll be watching highlights some time down the track, glad that we had paid our $49.95 for the privilege. I’ve started planning my fight party (have you?), and am anticipating the book so I can lay some hard earned down on it.
No prizes for guessing who I’ll be backing…
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Nelson CBR said | December 20th 2009 @ 5:00am | Report comment
I’ve seen an even better analysis of how Pacman’s opponent will win against him through various tactics and game plans but they all went down the drain as soon as the bell ring. This is nothing new, in fact I know this is more of an anti-climactic fight for the Pacman. It should be his easiest to date and you may have heard how Pacman’s trainer saying this will be his toughest, and you should know that this is how a master tactician/mind game specialist is at work. But keep these articles coming, it increases my payout. This should be my biggest so far.
Hank said | December 20th 2009 @ 5:03am | Report comment
And the dream goes on. It all sounds too good to be true, as long as you don’t wake up.
John said | December 20th 2009 @ 5:15am | Report comment
This fight is something not to be missed. This may be both fighters last fight at their peak. We are already enjoying the drama as the March 13 get nearer.
Phoocquiao said | December 20th 2009 @ 5:38am | Report comment
I like your article. Well written, actually based on facts. Very nice.
having said that, I think can will win this fight. Most people that are picking Floyd are doing so thinking that Pac is gonna be this over aggressive fighter and just recklessly try to land on Floyd. Nothing could be further from the truth. We’ll version of Pac that we will see will be a more refined version of the De La Hoya Pacquiao. You can hardly call him over aggressive or even aggressive in that fight.
Hatton bull rushed Pacquiao and Cotto couldn’t hurt him. Also, Pac went into those fights knowing each fighters weaknesses and the gaps where he could go for the KO shot. Floyd don’t have those gaps and Pac knows that. He’s gonna try to beat Floyd at his own game and set traps and fight in spots. Floyd was able to get the upper hand against Judah, because Judah didn’t want to fight. Once Floyd realized this and applied pressure, Judah broke down. Floyd isn’t gonna have that luxury because Pacquiao WANTS to fight. I see Pac forcing Floyd to fight in more spots than what he wants. Imagine Zab Judah fighting at Ricky Hattons pace, only better.
In this fight, Floyd will not have the overwhelming speed advantage. And while you maintain that Floyd is faster, I feel that the speed he displayed against Judah and Marquez wasn’t any faster than Pac vs. Hatton and Cotto. Floyd also won’t have the conditioning edge either because both fighters are gym rats. Actually scratch that, they are both Gym Capybaras (giant rat). While Floyd is more athletic, Manny has proven that he can fight at a high speed without getting tired or losing strength. Also, Pac is quicker on his feet due to his martial arts background and basketball. His fast movement along with Mayweather-esque reflexes will help Pac to neutralize Floyd’s speed and put Pac into position to capitalize on his own power.
If De La Hoya – Trinidad taught us anything, it’s that landing the most punches while not getting hit as much, doesn’t guarantee a decision. Especially if Pac can steal some moments. Judges will more than likely see the fight as Floyd NOT engaging and still not able to win all the spots.
The last fight Floyd lost was in the amateurs against a southpaw that out worked Floyd. Floyd hasn’t seen a fighter like that since. To make things fair, Pacquiao hasn’t seen a fighter like Floyd either. As a matter of fact, it’s very short-sighted to try to pick a winner based on each fighters past fights. I mean, how many opponents have each faced that were in the ATG conversation? Zero. They’ve each faced their share of Hall-of-Famers, but all-time greats?
Finally, Sun Tzu. The famous general and father of warfare says, “Know yourself, and know your enemy. One-thousand battles, one-thousand victories”. Floyd doesn’t watch tapes of his opponents, which has worked great for him due to his overwhelming skill set, (Manny didn’t start watching tapes until he lost to Morales) but that will hurt him is this fight. You can bet that Manny and his boxing Master (Sifu) Freddie Roach will know Floyd inside and out come fight night.
Of course, what do we know, right? To this day no one can tell you what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. On March 13th, we’ll finally have our answer (hopefully)
sportsfanslife.com said | December 20th 2009 @ 11:52am | Report comment
All great points, and I’m not sure either of us is going to be right. With the talent of both fighters, it could go a totally different way than either has shown before. That’s what has me most excited about the fight. Let’s hope it lives up to the hype eh?
Phoocquiao said | December 20th 2009 @ 1:23pm | Report comment
Yeah, I really see this fight as Skill vs Will. I agree, let’s hope this fight lives up to the hype.
Lokainam said | December 20th 2009 @ 3:58pm | Report comment
“When an unstoppable force meets and immovable object.”
Chuck Norris will die.
brick said | December 20th 2009 @ 6:26pm | Report comment
You had the better analysis than than the writer. In fact, the speed of pacman is deceiving. I thought he was really not that speedy. But when I saw hatton fell down I didnt see a punch until the replay with that right hook. ditto with cotto in the fourth round just feel down with people not seeing a punch. But on reply man it was a left upper cut straight to the jaw. This lies the difference Pretty boy jabbing but pacman ducking and ducking and then suddenly boom, you can see me> big punch to pretty boys face sent him down. Or did you see cotto sideviewing defense ala pretty boy, well manny punch his left shoulder which run to his face. cant wait to happen man.
George said | December 20th 2009 @ 5:43am | Report comment
it’s good that you are admitting to be Money’s fan. That makes it understandable why you favored him. One thing you forget is that, Pacman’s style is like no other. He is unorthodox lefty with tremendous hand speed and knock-out power. A lot of critics watching his fight doesn’t believe in his capabilities because they are not used seeing it. However, it;s the same trait, that leaves a lot of his foe wondering what hit them in the ring and eventually lose to Pacquaio. They have no answer. You may think Floyd as a Superman but Manny will be his Kryptonite….
sportsfanslife.com said | December 20th 2009 @ 11:54am | Report comment
George, I am a fan of both guys, I have just followed Floyd’s career more closely over a longer period of time is all. There is no doubt in my mind that Manny has every tool to put any opponent to sleep, and he will go down in history.Chances are, a lot of that history, good, bad or indifferent, could be written in this fight. Can’t wait!
avidboxingfan said | December 20th 2009 @ 5:55am | Report comment
…then please tell floyd to sign the contract! if he is the best as what he proclamed, then why delayed the fight? manny already agreed the terms and conditions floyd’s team accepted w/ bob arum. fighters do fight (of course with the guaranteed price acceptable to both fighters) and selecting the venue is promoters’ job. then please tell me why team floyd is so concerned of the venue? they want to have the hometown decision? the only venue questionable to me is texas! even if floyd is from vegas, i don’t think he has the advantage in terms of home crowd and decision. NSAC have respected professional referees and judges! the only advantage for floyd that i saw in this fight is, only few (16,000+) will boo him in LV than in cowboy stadium (90,000+) when he start running & running. have you heard the boo cotto received during the fight from 9 rounds? can you imagine if pacman hit him with a solid left and floyd start to ride his bicycle then pacman will not chase him? isn’t funny that the self proclaimed the best starts to run and probably wanted to go out to the ring immediately after manny hit him with that shot? i guess what the crowd done to cotto when cotto starts running will do the same to floyd.
ali says’, if you are a great fighter, you can’t have “0″ L on your record. have you heard that statement the other night on ABC? unless you are cherry picking your opponent and not fighting the best.
pleaaaaaaaseeeeeeeeeeeee tell floyd to step up the plate. for the record, he said, the only thing that pacquiao need to do is, ” STEP UP THE PLATE!”. come’on, where is floyd right now?
boxingfan said | December 21st 2009 @ 4:55pm | Report comment
you know nothing about boxing.
Steve London said | December 20th 2009 @ 6:02am | Report comment
Your a funny guy.are you really a writer?cos you sound like the usual blinkered mweather fans.
I agree with some points,disagree on others.
Agreed,tough fight for both,it will go on points,because mweather wont engage he’ll run.If you find that attractive in boxing,have you heard of another sport,you’ll probably love it,its called 100 metres sprint.Look it up see what you think.
You mentioned a few things about mweather,volume of punches?Castillo and De la Hoya fight?check the punch stat.Mweather looks great against small,under weight,slow,old fighters who want s payday.ie Hatton,Marquez,are you really suggesting Gatti stood any chance?
You mentioned mweather KO power?can you tell me his last KO,Hatton?he fought like a fool and was exhausted,he was counted out on his feet.
Every fight Pacquiao has been in,he has improved each time,with a new weapon to add to his already large arsenal.Dont be so naiive to think the fighter that stood toe to toe with Cotto,Hatton,will do the same with mweather.Im sure thats what mweather and his uncle and dad wants,(the 3 Degrees of boxing)
I dont think this fight will be easy for Pacquiao,far from it.Mweather is a great defensive fight,Pacquiao will get through and hurt him.Mweather skills isnt what you remember looking through in your rose tinted glasses.Hes fought lower league fighters out of choice for an easy payday,his skills is erroded.He isnt as fast as before,yes he looked great against Marquez,old guy,coming up 2 weight classes against your guy mweather who wouldnt even come in on the agreed weight.Yes a real class act,a role model for all.
Anyway,finally this fight wont happen.Why? mweather has ducked anyone who can hurt him,pressure him or beat him,you know the names.Why would be suddenly agree to fight Pacquiao?
Remember this come March 13th when mweather is in the ring,in England with that all time great Mathew Hatton.
Now mweather is the funny guy,as fools like you pay to watch that @*%**@
sportsfanslife.com said | December 20th 2009 @ 12:01pm | Report comment
There’ll be plenty of ‘fools’ paying to watch this fight Steve. I’ll have plenty of company. I never said Floyd was my role model, only that I am a fan of his as a boxer. While coming in against Marquez overweight wasn’t his classiest move, I’ll grant that, if you think that being 2lbs overweight is what won him the fight, I guess I’m not the only naive one in this discussion?
Rocky said | December 20th 2009 @ 3:59pm | Report comment
If your a fan of floyd as a “BOXER” then you are one of those who likes BORING stuff. Let’s not define BOXING, the term itself defines it. And you think there is something to be fond about floyd? As a “BOXER”? You’ve followed his career? He can’t lose a fight and won’t lose a fight! Yeah! Because he never fights! This is boxing dude! BOXING! Capital B! O! X! I! N! G! BOXING! You BOX! You FIGHT! You THROW PUNCHES! floyd keeps on saying that he is the best because he uses his “HEAD” when he FIGHTS (?) but does he really FIGHT? He RUNS dude! He RUNS! You can defend yourself in BOXING! even if you won’t RUN like a mouse! as what floyd is doing!
zone-6 bulan,sor said | December 20th 2009 @ 9:07pm | Report comment
hey mister let me remind you that mayweather did not fight marquez with only 2lbs weight advantage… he refused to be weighed just before the fight because he was at least 15 lbs bigger than marquez…. had it occured to u what wud happen to marquez if he fought a 15-lb-bigger pacquiao rather than mayweather?
sportsfanslife.com said | December 23rd 2009 @ 12:59pm | Report comment
Hey, Mister…you might want to read the last paragraph of this article http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=4766171 . He weighed in the night before the fight, which is the requirement, at 2lbs more at the specified weight, As I said. What fighter doesn’t weigh a lot more in the ring than they do at the weigh in??? While you’re at it…you might be interested in the rest of the story.Propanganda maybe, but it makes for interesting reading…
elias said | December 20th 2009 @ 7:05am | Report comment
Guess your right on most accounts. However, the winner, at least to the boxing historians’ perspective, will be gauged according to the style and not by the judges. Surely, mayweather’s style gives him all advantages against any other exciting techniques by less physically imposing boxers. But it’s not something that any fighter of the same athleticism cannot emulate, its just that it’s not rich in excitement. And if you take away perhaps the physical advantages i.e. reach and height, Pacquiao’s style would always dominate, Floyd’s techniques should probably be labeled a whole different sport coz it does not belong inside the current expectation inside the ring. Give him the credit for laying out the blueprint for that style. The pressure must be mounting in Floyd’s shoulder right now cause he must dominate the fight as expected. Wish he has the heart to do so, and this is just where he can employ his big EGGO. I just feel sorry for Money May coz It’s a rather win win situation for Manny P regardless of result.
toughguy said | December 21st 2009 @ 12:15am | Report comment
how can u say that it is expected for PBF to dominate when that expectation does not reflect on the betting odds. Do people expect PBF to dominate a fighter who absorbed the best shots from a legitimate welter fighter that PBF ducked???????? And I dont believe that PBF is stronger than Cotto. Common throw those lame excuses away.
Fighting Star said | December 20th 2009 @ 7:21am | Report comment
I agree with you whole heartedly. add the fact that Manny has to leap and lunge to connect, and even more with Floyd because he fights long, tall and very upright. This makes Mayweather very difficult to hit. Manny will get countered often and sometimes very hard. Remember Manny cuts easily!!! Floyd will cut him and I see a 10th round stoppage as a possibility as well.
ForgiveThemTheyDoNotKnowWhatThe'reSaying said | December 20th 2009 @ 4:06pm | Report comment
Haven’t we all learned our lesson? Are we really that hardheaded? How many times will we say that Manny is a Donkey and Dela Hoya, Hatton, Cotto or whoever it is is the Mustang or the Stallion? We need to think deeper! Manny is not going with the conventional wisdom of boxing that the bigger, taller, longer boxer has all the advantages! Saying that Cotto is the bigger guy and with the punching power of a natural welterweight proves it all, He is just “natural”! while Manny on the other hand is the SUPERnatural! Cotto was knocked out! Don’t we get it yet? March 13 2010 is the day all of us will witness yet again what a supernatural phenomenon Manny Pacquiao is to the boxing world!
zone-6 bulan,sor said | December 20th 2009 @ 9:32pm | Report comment
hehehe keep dreaming fighting star…. mayweather needs u badly…. ure a true believer…. hehehehe
zone-6 bulan,sor said | December 20th 2009 @ 9:44pm | Report comment
hehehehe what do u mean by a very upright fighting style?
perry ayos said | December 20th 2009 @ 8:04am | Report comment
The writer is clearly a Floyd ass-kisser, not just a fan. Let me tell you man. Floyd’s running and dancing style won’t work for Manny Pacquiao. But you have to wait and see to believe it. Start saving your grocery change now to cover PPV order on March 13, 2010.
sportsfanslife.com said | December 21st 2009 @ 8:48pm | Report comment
The writer, that being Me, is a fan of both fighters, and boxing in general. Yes, I feel Floyd will win the fight, but if you read the article it clearly states my respect for Manny also. Not sure what I have to gain by kissing the ass of a boxer that’ll never read anything I have to say. Everyone has an opinion on the fight, it’s what you would expect for a fight of this magnitude. Does this make us all ass-kissers as you put it?
entradero said | December 20th 2009 @ 8:37am | Report comment
FLOYD WILL NEVER FIGHT MANNY. AFTER DISRESPECTING MANNY, THE FIGHT BECAME VERY PERSONAL AND FLOYD IS NOW AWARE OF THAT. HE HAVE EVERY REASON TO BE SCARED.
boxingfan said | December 21st 2009 @ 5:03pm | Report comment
another manny nuthugger.
jin said | December 20th 2009 @ 9:13am | Report comment
buy new shoe for floyd so he can run faster. run run run. hehehe.
tengbits said | December 20th 2009 @ 9:38am | Report comment
ChickenFeatherJr. will not lose because he will duck Pacman and the fight ain’t gonna happen!
Butch said | December 20th 2009 @ 11:16am | Report comment
If you are so sure that Floyd could win this fight, then please convince him to step up to the plate and sign the contract and stop all the nonsense with wiggle room for the weight, etc., etc. It is for the welterweight title of Pacquiao, so be it! No more, no less. Let’s see on fight night if you are not going to swallow your words. I just hope that your Floyd has enough fighting spirit to make this fight interesting. Just review the Cotto fight if ever Pacman wants to trade with Floyd, and to make you think twice… Pacman will not engage with Floyd in the later rounds to play catch up. He will do it since the first bell rings in the 1st round up to the end of the 12th if Floyd can sustain the beating of his life. He pissed the Pacman up with his trashtalk and dont expect mercy from the Pacman. I hope that Floyd will not be hurt pretty well on this fight. And I appreciate, you are just giving a good boost for Floyd’s fighting spirit so he will have the balls to accept the fight.
sportsfanslife.com said | December 20th 2009 @ 12:05pm | Report comment
I’m on it Butch, I’ll jump straight on my ‘Floyd Phone’ and hook it up….I am more than happy to swallow my words if ‘My’ Floyd loses by any means, including a devastating KO. Will you do the same if the unthinkable happens and I am right in any way?
PF Brockman said | December 20th 2009 @ 11:27am | Report comment
Even though I disagree with your conclusions, I must say that this was a well written article. I can’t say for sure who will win – but one thing I can’t see happening is Pacquiao being knocked out by Mayweather. In my opinion that would be the most shocking outcome of all.
sportsfanslife.com said | December 20th 2009 @ 12:06pm | Report comment
Thanks PF, I don’t expect everyone to agree with me, or anyone to be honest. Just the fight from the perspective of a sports fan, for better or worse. Thanks for reading!
Tommy said | December 20th 2009 @ 11:59am | Report comment
If you look at manny’s recent opponents (except marquez and morales) they all have the same things in common they are slow, do not move in the ring, left hand dominant (no straight right hand which manny is particularly vulnerable to), poor footwork, poor defense,cannot punch and move at the same time or prefer to fight with their opponents in front of them or at close quarters. ALL these qualities play to manny’s strengths and style whiich are speed. power and his in and out strategy. Against mayweather the game is going to be completely different, mayweather is the complete opposite he is fast, right-handed with a super lead left hook, mobile, can punch and move at the same time, better than excellent defense, great footwork. Manny is in serious trouble in this one because he is easy to hit, tends to lunge in with his hands down, his in and out strategy will not work against an opponent who constantly changes position, he will be frustrated and start to make mistakes. Roach knows this thats he says this will be manny’s toughest fight. No disrepect to manny he is great fighter but i see a mayweather step to the side check hook ending this one
Carl said | December 20th 2009 @ 3:30pm | Report comment
It was Manny who made them look slow and wobbled. Cotto was not as slow as he looked like in his fight with Manny. And even Morales and Marquez and Dela Hoya. Even Hatton was not slow, he just didn’t last long. They were very good counter punchers with enough speed to win over a much smaller Pacquiao. But when they felt the power and saw the blinding speed that Manny unleashed, they’re style somehow got lost in the midst. It was Manny who threw their advantages out in the window. I am not a big fan of Manny, I just appreciate how he fights inside the ring. Let’s give him his due credit guys.
Capt said | December 20th 2009 @ 12:52pm | Report comment
Floyd doesn’t throw more punch than Pacman. He’s more accurate but thats just about it. If you think Floyd can dodge all the power punches of Manny Pacquiao, then put your money where your pen is. 10 grand on Pacman winning a KO. Can’t tell which round but its definitely a KO. Running or not, Poor Boy Floyd will kiss the canvass. He will get acquainted with the floor. That’s going to be a fact. Floyd may reach a decision if he was fighting alone. But you forgot about the man in the “Control tower”. The name is Roach, Freddie Roach. Or, more appropriately, Master Freddie Roach. Hatton we’t down in two, can Mayweather get past three?
Capt said | December 20th 2009 @ 12:55pm | Report comment
Manny’s opponent looked slow because he’s fast. Comparing David Diaz, ODLH, R. Hatton and Cotto to Mayweather’s speed isn’t as accurate as you think. Pacman adjusts depending on the opponent. When Pacman meets Mayweather in the ring, it’s going to be a different Pacquiao, the version that is suited for a runner like Mayweather.
Carl said | December 20th 2009 @ 3:50pm | Report comment
It is a very well written article, very objective writing. However, these are the kind of writings I wish Manny Pacquiao should read. It inspires him to do more and work harder if in case the fight does happen. Mayweather is a very good fighter but I still believe he’s no longer the fighter that he was. And Manny is no longer the fighter he was when he fought Marquez and Morales. Mayweather will get the biggest shock of his life the way other fighter who fought Manny had before.
PUNISHER said | December 20th 2009 @ 6:10pm | Report comment
What makes the Pacman so exciting to watch, is he employ different version of him on diffrent opponents. you never saw the same style again and again, unlike PBF. PBF is not totally shielded with his elbow roll, the way I see it Manny will use PBF weapons against PBF itself. Manny will not gonna knock on the front door he will use the back door, and like a thief he will dismantle the whole house down once he get in.
toughguy said | December 20th 2009 @ 9:00pm | Report comment
I really dont see any chance for a PBF win here. Speed wise Pacman is not at a disadvantage here and in terms of handspeed it is in the favor of Pacman. Pacman has managed to absorbed the best shots of Cotto who is more stronger than PBF without flinching. If Cotto is not able to hurt Pacman, what makes you think PBF can? In that case, Pacman will simply walk over through his punches and then “Kaboom” game over. And if he opt to stand toe to toe, which will be suicidal for PBF, its going to be an early evening for him. If PBF just stay on the ropes he will be way way behind on points as he will never dodge everything of those volume punches that be coming his way. I can also see how that shoulder of his be dislocated. Theres no way for PBF to win here. And i hope Pacman will not end this early because i want to see PBF brutalized first before Pacman KOd him in the latter rounds.
ranger said | December 20th 2009 @ 10:49pm | Report comment
I hope Mayweather won’t die in this fight. This I pray. Amen.
toughguy said | December 21st 2009 @ 12:01am | Report comment
With the way the Mayweathers thrashtalked and assasinated Pacmans character better they prepare a coffin for their fighter. Pacman’s full wrath will be unleashed in this fight. I believe he is reserving the worst pain he can inflict in an opponent. In that case we can not guarantee the safety of PBF here. Unless Pacman comes to his senses and remain a gentleman that he is other wise PBFs boxing career will be in for a real RIP beating.
ARMAN said | December 21st 2009 @ 12:29am | Report comment
A sound observation and a meaningful explanation.but i don’t really understand how can somebody be sure of the outcome of the fight ., isn’t it a rule that everybody can guess but nobody can tell the things that are about to happen, on march 13.2010.we will know what will happen but not today or next week, so please spare me maymoney can’t lose.
Tommy said | December 21st 2009 @ 12:36am | Report comment
cotto is slow because he jabs and power punches with the same hand, that is his left hand. For cotto to throw a power punch after a jab he has to switch stance which was what manny capitalised on. Hatton cocks his punch b4 he throws and has zero defense. The only pure counter-puncher manny has fought is marquez and many people think that marquez won that fight. I will say again the key to beating manny is movement, i analysed manny’s past compubox numbers and it shows that even though he throws a lot of punches he is not very accurate (except with ODLH) and that is against flat footed opponents. If mayweather employs movement as well as the fast jab (which he is more than capable of) manny is going to be confused. If you watch the cotto fight you notice that when a battered and bruised cotto started (admittedly out of desperation and not tactics) move and box manny was reduced to throwing wild shots even openly complaining plus cotto actually won the tenth round. That was cotto who is not a box and move fighter but mayweather is and will beat pacquiao
boxingfan said | December 21st 2009 @ 5:16pm | Report comment
great analysis. can’t wait to see the actual fight.
Ed said | December 21st 2009 @ 3:01am | Report comment
This is the problem.. This could be a boringfight coz Mayrunner will “box”, in other words, run…jab.. straight right, jab.. that’s it and win on points..Floyd won’t engagefor he will be scared to get hit and k.o.’d..He knows he has no power to ko Manny.
Now, the judges must understand that its always hard to be the aggressor than just counterpunch.. Unless Floyd does connect clean jabs, the PaCMAN should win this fight by virtue of being the aggressor and punches thrown regardless of the connect rate..
Lastly, this is the very reason why Floyd has few fans because of his boring, defensive style..
pretoriaxe said | December 21st 2009 @ 9:18am | Report comment
You are trying really hard to pin your analysis in a justifiable and evenly footed manner pretending that no one could smell bad odors of favoritism. but in all honestly, you are just simply a Mayweather fan…period. and regarding the knock out your saying coming from Floyd, i think you are dreaming. Floyd will never, ever knock pacquaio down. He can win on the pacman by points and there is no doubt about that. For him to knock him outt, he has to stand toe to toe with the pacman and risk evrything he had, evrything he believes and had to consider dying infront of him . One or two pot shots are not enough to trouble pacquiao and as far as you and I are concerned, we both saw that pacman jus simply walk through the punches of miguel cotto and Floyd is not cotto in the punching department. You would argue that floyd is just simply too sleek to be hit. In some ways or forms, Floyd is hard to hit with 1 0r 2 predictable, not so fast punches and thats what floyd think he is unhittable. We all knew pacman threws volume of punches and Floyd, with all his God given talents, will be able to avoid the first 2 or 3 punches, but what about the next 3 punches thrown on a bizarre angle pacquaio is known for, he wont be able to evade them because defensively, it is impossible. Hatton almost knock him down witht he lucky punch, Zab gave him troubles but he lack relentlesness of Pacquaio, Oscar won the first 6 rounds coz of his jabs. How much pacman who is infront of him all the time with stamina of no bounds cant land a good punch? Floyd knows exactly how to sell fights and simply you bought it. He is simply a pure boxer and he likes to call himself that way. But is floyd great? I beg not to agree and simply never will.
boxingfan said | December 21st 2009 @ 5:17pm | Report comment
you think floyd wil just duck and wont box as well? the question will be who can draw faster than the other since both have speedy hands.
Sportsmouth said | December 21st 2009 @ 11:16am | Report comment
What we do know is this;
Both guys will come in fit and ready.
We have a come forward puncher against a counter punching boxer, generally makes for good viewing.
Boxing is not just about hitting, its also about not getting hit.
Freddie Roach will have worked tirelessly on a plan.
The judges know how Mayweather fights and they will be watching when he counters to see if he connects.
Manny will make the fight.
What we don’t know is how it will pan out, as we all know it takes just one punch and the game is gone!
Mental said | December 21st 2009 @ 12:26pm | Report comment
I really don’t see Mayweather knocking Pacquiao out. Public opinion itself says it can’t happen. Mayweather sr had the plan for Hatton but it was abandoned. Just let Pretty Boy get on that bicycle and pedal backwards and he’ll be fine. thing is Manny has Roach on his side and making plans to get over that ploy. Can’t wait to see what they got in store for Floyd
Bill said | December 22nd 2009 @ 5:34pm | Report comment
Sportsfanslife – does Mayweather have a glass jaw? I haven’t seen a big percentage of his fights so I don’t know if he can take big shots but I have a feeling his chin is going to be tested in this one. If the Pac Man can effectively cut off the ring there will be no where for Mayweather to hide. He will have to trade blows at some stage and this is when he will be at his most vulnerable. Looking forward to this one, styles make fights.
sportsfanslife.com said | December 23rd 2009 @ 9:34am | Report comment
Bill, tough to say really, as I have never seen him have to show that he can take several real, true, top level BOMBS from any of his opponents. Part of that is due to his movement, part due to his defence, which is geared primarily towards rolling his shoulders to protect his chin.He has fought some big punchers in his career and never been knocked out, so that, to me, says something towards the legitimacy of his chin. As we have read here, there’s a Manny fan to refute everything I have said and basically fill you in on boxing as I clearly have never watched it in my life according to some of these posts.
I say he has at very least a reasonable chin, but if anyone is going to test that, it’s Manny! I agree with you wholeheartedly, This is going to be one hell of a fight!
Former Body Builder said | December 23rd 2009 @ 10:53am | Report comment
Guys, I have trained some of the most elite athletes in the US. I know how to cycle athletes on and off steroids and keep it hidden. In order for Manny to be tested for an illegl substance, it needs to be done 2 and no more than 3 weeks leading up to the event.
Manny says he doesn’t want to do this. What if he was fighting in the Olympics? Guys, if Manny refuses, this confirms what many in th steroid using circle have been saying. Manny uses…
Manny, for the sake of your legacy, please comply or your life and career as we all know it is over…
(And so is the upcoming fight)
sportsfanslife.com said | December 23rd 2009 @ 3:26pm | Report comment
As a fan of Manny, albeit less so than I am of Floyd, I really hope this is all a misunderstanding and he agrees to the testing. The Mayweather comments were a savvy and carefully worded piece of propaganda, leaving Pacquiao’s camp no choice but to prove they are clean and comply with the testing requirements, or forever face questions of his integrity, to which the fact he may or may not actually use steriods or performance enhancers of any description will matter not. I was stunned to read it, I hope it is just a media beat up…will be a nasty and sudden end to the hype surrounding this fight!
Al said | January 14th 2010 @ 1:28pm | Report comment
Manny has agreed to blood testing from two weeks to a month before any fight and immediately after any potential fight with Mayweather. He has also agreed to urine tests at any time before the fight. Manny has been tested as clean ten times by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, the latest test being conducted in early December. He is no cheat, just an incredibly gifted boxer.
MarkR said | December 24th 2009 @ 9:41am | Report comment
SFL – thanks for an interesting analysis. I’m looking forward to this as it has great pontential. It reminds me of the style matching of Duran vs Leonard. As for a winner, sheesh I’m not picking on on this fight. Heart says Manny, head says PB.