The most anticipated fight of the generation is getting a lot of headlines lately. Will they? Won’t they?
Every time talk of ‘the fight’ arises, Mayweather has other fights coming up and Pacquiao has something else to promote – what a coincidence.
As great as they are, both fighters are on the decline and most likely can’t live up to the hype.
Pacquiao hasn’t shown his famed power since he fought Miguel Cotto in 2009, and even then there were signs of him softening, looking to the ref to stop it rather than finish it early.
Mayweather, excluding the Ortiz fiasco, hasn’t really shown much power since 2005, although a lot of fighters still comment that he is more powerful than expected.
Although Floyd has is a fantastic technician able to adapt early and control the fight to a victory (e.g. Maidana, Cotto and Hatton) and Manny appearing practically his equal, both fighters have moved to less entertaining styles, as all fighters do when they age.
Pacquiao has only shown some promise lately against an underdeveloped Algieri. Unfortunately his most exciting fight recently was being on the receiving end of a KO from Marquez.
If this fight happened six years, it would be a different story. But right now, we will probably see an early rush from Pacquiao to assert himself, Floyd adapting in the middle rounds and the fight will cruise to a mixed decision with one of the judges’ cards being an absolutely ludicrous score.
No doubt the ref will be Kenny Bayless who will eat up seconds by splitting the fighters every time a clinch looks like happening, restricting Pacquiao from getting on the inside effectively.
Don’t get me wrong, both fighters still have great speed, albeit not that of six years ago but they are still considered the guys to beat. Unfortunately this doesn’t mean it will be the war everyone wants.
Mayweather will work the ring and show text-book defence and countering. Manny will use angles like Floyd hasn’t seen since he fought Emanual Augustus, throwing power shots from an almost back-hand position.
This fight will be the biggest event in boxing history. It will attract millions of new and casual fans that don’t care for a fighters ring generalship, foot speed, or defensive abilities. Add in a ref getting between the fighters every 30 seconds and a lot of people are going to be disappointed.
If Mayweather versus Pacquiao doesn’t happen it may be a blemish on both of their reputations, but if the fight does happen, it could do more damage than good for the sport of boxing.
Sometimes ‘what if’ is better than the real thing.
macca
Guest
well ill be stuffed its finally happening i dont mean to sound obsessed but i have been googling floyds name about 4 times a day for the last 2 months and its finally happend ,for a while there i didnt no what to belive if it was or wasnt gunna happen but the fact the money is just beyond ridiculous for bout fighters you senced it was gunna happen ,you would haveto tip floyd to win based on history and the fact he is the best defencive fighter in the sport but i wouldnt be suprised if manny caused a upset here cannot wait!!!!!
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Epic rant
Jokerman
Guest
Too much of a negative spin. Heard it before too. The fact is they are 37 and 38 years of age so no one really a gets advantage of a later date fight. Game on!!
Bones506
Roar Guru
I am not convinced on the heavyweight division - Anthony Joshua looks like he has the size, power and skill set to be the next big World Champ. he needs more time and the Klitschko brother will probably be close to hanging up the gloves by the time Joshua is actually ready for a proper World Title fight. I think everyone wants to see Pacman and Floyd fight. the hype and build up will be amazing.
RileyBray
Guest
Floyd Mayweather is already being heckled and booed everywhere he goes now.. the public knows who is holding up the fight for years.. He doesn't believe in himself when it comes to Pacquiao.....Boxing is 90% psychological .. If you stutter, rant and throw tantrums whenever your opponent's name is mentioned , that's fear and doubt.. If you are more concerned about your opponent's taxes and finances more than the person himself , that's fear and doubt... If just one of your excuses for not fighting your opponent is because he makes money in America and gives it to his people, that's fear and doubt. ... if the World Boxing council threatens to take your championship belt from you if you do not fight who the world wants you to fight ..that's Fear and doubt...if the Boxing Hall of Fame governing body threatens to block list you and you still make up excuses to avoid one very particular opponent... that's fear and doubt... If your own people and the world media begs you to fight one Particular Opponent and you still hide behind excuses,demands and conditions , that's unacceptable cowardice . .. American Boxing icons, experts and legends who confirms Mayweather is scared of Manny Pacquiao. 1) Mike Tyson 2) Roy jones jr 3) Larry Holmes 4) Marvin hagler 5) Bert sugar - greatest boxing historian 6) Michael Wilbon - espn 7) sugar Ray Leonard 8) Tim Bradley 9) Oscar dela Hoya 10) 50 cent - Boxing Promoter and best friend 11) Max Kellerman 12) Larry Merchant 13) Stephen A Smith -Converted Die hard Fan. 16) Evander Holyfield 17) Skip Bayless 18) so much more.... Now, show me anyone. or any list of boxing experts more credible than this. saying Floyd is NOT afraid to face the Pacman......America is known to be the home of the brave.. Then this coward Mayweather came along and spoiled it for everyone.. If everyone from your own Profession, your own Circle, Your Own Race says you are a coward, You are truly a Coward!!. The very people who are supposed to watch your back are saying you are scared of Pacquiao. There is no amount of Fan's explanations, Excuses and statistics could ever save your shameful facade. Increasing numbers of former Die Hard Floyd fans. Disgruntled and disappointed.. 1)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5pQbWKd4Vc 2)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg1eB2XC4fg 3)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Si5wVxxwkJg 4)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voM6azyglsA 5)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWXoAZTikMg 6)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_7k4-hFqAo 7)http://www.boxingnews24.com/2013/12/floyd-may 8)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Adrkic_DIk 9)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ip9Qd-2HFls 10)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt2poaRNvJk 11)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voM6azyglsA 12)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqwEmgWtykE 13)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rue27MdATl8 14)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bXktUfDr_s
big J
Guest
This fight needs to happen to make this generation boxing legimate. The heavyweight division has a champ that no one will even get close to, the middlleweight division had ggg with no real competetoir. this fight needs to happen these guys are this generations frasier/ali, If they do not fight it would leave a huge dark cloud over both they careers and people will always ask who is the better man. It needs to happen soon or it will be just two old men slapping each other. C'mon booys stop dancing around each and get it done
Norman
Guest
Well damn if you do damn if you don't . Good thing majority of the fight fans want to see this. Take care not to break a finger buying the PPV.
Hatecrusher
Guest
Mr. Cross,are you a nut? you Americans put blame the two fighters instead on pressuring Floyd and how many times you,American medias realized that Floyd is really afraid of Manny? the indications was already exposed through his actions regarding his fight with Pacquiao. Common sense,Mr.Cross,common sense! GLOBAL FLOYCOTT should ba a must if Floyd turned down this fight again.