Personalities from the whole spectrum of the sport have given their input into the poll as we count down the days to the most highly anticipated fight of this generation when two of the best ever collide to finally decide the pound for pound king.
In this edition, the boxing media have their say.
WBC and WBA welterweight champion Mayweather, 38, and 36 year-old WBO title holder Pacquiao lay it all on the line in a $250m blockbuster match-up and below are some of the views given by those from the boxing fraternity.
Elie Seckbach – As a person who has been waiting for this fight for over 2000 days and some change, I feel we are all winners – win, lose or draw. Mayweather and Pacquiao are making history, they are both winners, Vegas is winning and boxing is winning. So there are no losers in this fight.
As for what happens in the ring – well it’s a close fight will go the full twelve and then we will have a rematch.
Andrew Wake (Hatton Boxing) – I simply cannot see anything other than a Mayweather victory. While Pacquiao has the edge in power and possibly even speed, I think Floyd’s level of skill is too great. It’s very easy for Freddie Roach to say that Floyd’s legs have slowed down, but the timing of his fists is still there and I can see him blocking many of Pac’s shots and then countering. Mayweather UD for me.
James Robson (Manchester Evening News) – I always fancied Mayweather – even when Pacquiao was at his best. But I think it’s closer than ever now, which is why I’m going for a draw – and a rematch. Hopefully.
Joe Tidy (BBC) – I would say Mayweather on points
Mark Butcher (Boxing Monthly) – The appointment of Kenny Bayless feels like an advantage given the referee’s leniency in Mayweather-Maidana II. I do feel, however, that Floyd’s legs have slowed and Freddie Roach will find the appropriate gameplan to ruffle the self-professed ‘TBE.’
Pacquiao’s speed and southpaw nous can nick a split decision, but with the Vegas judges expect anything. Especially, a lucrative rematch.
Hilmar Rojas (WBA) – I think Floyd by UD.
Sophia De Stefano – I would love to say a Manny Pacquiao win, but I just don’t think Mayweather has ‘losing’ in his makeup. So, I’m going for a Mayweather win on points.
Aus-Boxing.com – They often say that the best chins are the one’s that aren’t tested. This saying could not be any truer when it comes to Mayweather who has embodied that saying in his career’s work. He may be the best defensive fighter of this era, but Father Time catches up with everybody. Manny Pacquiao may not be the blistering and relentless force that he once was, but even at 36, a slower version of Pacquiao is still faster than anyone Mayweather has previously shared the ring with. And while Pacquiao may still wear the effects of the Marquez knockout, I’m of the impression that if Mosley and Maidana can break Mayweather’s defence, then Pacquiao will almost certainly do the same. Pacquiao points.
Luis Sandoval (FightHype.com) – Mayweather by Decision – I do think Manny’s footwork and awkward angles will bother Floyd for a few rounds, but he will adapt and begin to figure Pacquiao out by the mid rounds. Floyd’s defense and boxing will frustrate Manny who will begin to get more aggressive as the fight goes on but run into counters.
Kevin Francis (Daily Star) – Pacquiao is so hard to hit. I think he will avoid Mayweather punches and do enough to win on points.
Kevin Mitchell (Guardian/Observer) – Mayweather on points.
Barkery Jammeh (Radio broadcaster) – I’m going for Mayweather on points by SD.
Dewi Powell (Boxing Wales) – If I had to put all my money on it, you have to go with Floyd Mayweather on points but my gut feeling has said Manny Pacquiao since it was made and it’s growing.
Nigel Turner (TV) – If this fight had happened five years ago I would have strongly backed Pacquiao, but with passing years I’m now siding with Mayweather on points. But of course Manny may have one last hurrah in his locker. He will always have a puncher’s chance.
For a running total check @PhilDJay timeline on Twitter
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