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.
Charles Paisley
Roar Pro
"Boxing is like jazz, the better it is the less people appreciate it" - George Foreman You may find the fight boring if Mayweather potshots and defends his way to a wide unanimous decision, but boxing purists will enjoy watching the best fighter of our generation dominating the biggest challenge to his career. Unless these two butt heads and it's a no contest this fight will be a spectacle regardless of the action. The drama of the two best boxers of this generation facing off will be worth it even if it's one sided.
macca
Guest
what knock out power? pacman has not knocked anyone out sence 2009! he is hardly heavy handed well not anymore anyway dont judge him on his past judge him on his form,your only as good as your last fight
zacbrygel
Roar Guru
Hi Lucky, I would have to disagree as I'm sure Mayweather will attempt to knock Pacquio out if he can on the counter. Yes he does not have the knockout power of Manny and is a more defensive fighter but people forget that Floyd still has 26 knockouts out of 47 wins, so when he wants or feels the need to he can pack a punch