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.
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.
Barry Jones – I’m going for Mayweather UD.
Alex Steedman – Mayweather by decision, though I have a perverse desire for a Leonard/Hagler style controversy in Pacquiao’s favour!
Nicky Piper – Same as everybody else, I guess – points Mayweather…..except for the ones betting with their heart are saying Pacquiao.
John Rawling – Mayweather points in a disappointing fight.
Colonel Bob Sheridan – This fight will be close. Both figters have the tools to win and are always in great shape. There will be a lot of close rounds and this is the problem when left in the judges hands. There will be serious debate about the outcome and Mayweather probably gets a close decision.
Dave Clark – I think it will come down to a single telling blow from Mayweather. Pacquiao has lacked a bit of the old fury in recent fights. Money by KO!
Gary Logan – Gutted this fights taking place four years past its prime, but at least it’s happening and the anticipation surrounding it is unbelievable!
In Floyd, we have the worlds best boxing talent of the last 15 yrs and in Manny we have witnessed our 21st century Henry Armstrong – a seven-weight world champion and an absolute phenomenon!
What each brings to the table:
Mayweather brings to this fight boxing ability a little past its peak. If I had to give him a percentage score then Money is 85% of the fighter he once was. We’re still talking a superb 85% as Money displayed versus Marcus Maidana in their return battle last September 2014. An ‘85%’ Money is still #1 pound for pound!…scary huh? His ability to nullify his opponents strengths is legendary. It is an ability steeped in boxing fundamentals of the highest order and enhanced by a dedication rare amongst modern day fighters – only Bernard Hopkins compares.
Pacman’s speed, tenacity and power are his strengths. Those strengths have lead to his defeating much bigger men including legends De La Hoya and Cotto both of whom Manny punched into submission so conclusively. Pacman’s conquering of a just past his prime (but still dangerous) Cotto still chills me with its manic violence. However, Manny is 75% of the fighter he once was although that too is still so formidable.
Who will win and why:
I’ve constantly turned over in my mind just how Manny deals with the matrix that is Mayweather. I really think he has to feint as he closes the distance and then unload with his fast powerful shots if he is gain any success. He has to hurt Floyd early and often…. that simple. Floyds timing cannot afford to be off as it will only take one of Pacman’s hard shots to hurt him. Floyds judgement of distance is superb and it is what will allow him to angle off as Manny mounts his assaults. I can see Floyd nullifying
I can see Floyd nullifying Manny’s surges with his famed ‘check hook,’ his lead right counter and of course, his still world class jab. Please do not forget that Floyds the bigger man in this one so I’m going Floyd by convincing points win.
Jamie Moore: I think because this fight is so big, and the anticipation has been building for years, we can expect a cagey start from both fighters with the early rounds being nip and tuck. I see both fighters having success in patches, and as the fight goes on the pace will increase and we will see exchanges where both fighters come out on top.
I just see Pacquiao having slightly more success in the exchanges by coming in and out in phases, and just edging it on points. Rematch!
For a running total check @PhilDJay timeline on Twitter
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