Mayweather vs. Pacquiao: a match that was to be unheard of. Many people thought that the two greatest fighters in the present day were never going to face each other, but on Jan. 27 at a Heat-Bucks game, Mayweather and Pacquiao will meet to exchange phone numbers face-to-face to eventually work out a deal for the best fight in history.
The fight will be the highest grossing fight in the history of boxing at $400 million. Mayweather will receive a 60-40 money split. Mayweather’s estimated income for the match will be around $120 million, while Pacquiao will be taking home around $80 million. Mayweather, withholding a 47-0 record, has his career staked on this fight.
Many people, however, believe that Mayweather will wipe the floor with Pacquiao. Mayweather is a man who is trying to withhold his superior boxing status. He believes he is the best fighter in history, claiming he is, “at a different level” than Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson. Although his ambitions may be false, Mayweather has an impressive boxing skill set.
The most famous aspect of Mayweather’s skill set is his relentless defense techniques. Floyd uses his agile body to dip and duck the opposing punches, it’s almost as if nobody can touch him. Mayweather will add some of his mocking smiles and attempt to get in Pacquiao’s head. Another aspect of Mayweather’s defense is his patented should role where he tries to nullify the opponents punches.The technique protects the chin of Mayweather when he faces up against right-handed fighters. After Mayweather dodges the punches of Pacquiao, Floyd will attempt to counter Pacquiao. When going on offense, Mayweather will make good use of his superior reach and accuracy. He has a five-inch reach advantage over Pacquiao, and Mayweather will definitely use that to his advantage.
On the other hand, Pacquiao’s most famous strength is his speed. Pacquiao throws punches with great rhythm, sometimes in bunches of three and four. Before an opponent even attempts to counter him their either on the floor or Pacquiao is a safe distance away. Many people believe that Mayweather’s defense will be more superior, however Pacquiao’s hand speed is tremendous and he can throw punches from all angles. Pacquiao also possesses more experience in boxing. Pacquiao has now learned to fight more methodically instead of aimlessly throwing punches. He now patiently waits for the right counter and this will help Manny incredibly in the long run.
Overall, it’s hard to predict a winner in this fight. It may seem easy to jump to the conclusion that Mayweather will win due to him possessing a 47-0 record; however, most seem to miss that Pacquiao has fought more and has more experience. The best fight of the decade will be held on May 2 at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino and will be available on pay per view.
