Countless articles are being written regarding the biggest and richest fight in boxing history. But the world could be witnessing a boring match in Las Vegas, Nevada come May 2.
When American Floyd Mayweather Jr fights Manny Pacquiao, it’s highly doubtful whether he would choose to trade punches with the Filipino. Chances are Mayweather will content delivering a hit-and-retreat style.
Throughout his career, Mayweather has never been known to be an aggressive fighter. A gifted counterpuncher, he waits for his opponent to commit a mistake and then takes advantage of the opening.
Since he doesn’t have to take the risk of exchanging blows, he relies on collecting points to get the nod of judges. For him, defence is the best offence, which is why he is undefeated in his 47 professional fights.
Against Pacquiao, an offensive-minded slugger, Mayweather is not expected to initiate attack, boxing instead from the distance through his jab. Throughout the fight, he is expected to wait for every opening and seize the opportunity to score.
Opting to trade blows with the Pacman would be a disaster. Instead, expect Mayweather resorting to a hit-and-run tactic against the younger Pacquiao, who is a knockout artist.
This will make the fight less exciting. Because ‘The Money’ has a clean record to protect, he is expected to exhaust his defensive skills to frustrate the attacking Pacquiao, denying the world a classic, once-in-a-lifetime showdown.
For the fight to be exciting, Pacquiao needs to be the aggressor from the opening bell. While on the attack, the Pacman should also find ways to penetrate Mayweather’s famous defence, which is the shoulder roll.
“Pacquiao needs to fight this fight angry,” the legendary Oscar De La Hoya told ESPN Deportes. “Pacquiao has a great chance of winning the fight. His conditioning, angles, and lateral movement will be the key. He has to throw a lot of punches in all 12 rounds if necessary.”
The Golden Boy knows the styles of Mayweather and Pacquiao, having met both fighters in the ring. He lost to The Money via split decision in 2007 and was forced to quit in the eighth round in the Pacquiao encounter the following year.
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