Arum, who guided Mayweather’s early career, is now firmly behind the Filipino Congressman and sees the ‘Pacman’ giving ‘Money’ all the trouble he can handle at the MGM Grand in their multi-million dollar three-belt welterweight battle.
Even citing Pacquiao’s crushing knockout loss to Juan Manuel Marquez in 2012, Arum is adamant the seven-weight world title holding left-hander can penetrate Mayweather’s awesome barricade and pull off a shock victory on worldwide pay-per-view.
“Floyd has a different defense than Juan Manuel Marquez. His defense is primarily his shoulder roll. A lot of his defense is geared against a right handed fighter. With that said, I think Manny is going to surprise a lot of people with how he is going to be able to reach Floyd,” said Arum.
“I would say Manny is more motivated for this fight than any other fight I’ve seen him prepare for.
“I’m looking forward to it. I love Manny’s chances of winning, that’s the main thing. He looks great, he’s motivated, no nonsense, and I think he’s going to put on a performance for the ages.
“It’s going to be hard for him to top his performance against Oscar De La Hoya, but I think he will in this fight.”
Pacquiao, 36, scaled 145lbs at Friday’s weigh-in and could even afford to chomp on a chocolate biscuit immediately afterwards to fulfil his sponsor duties, whilst Mayweather came in a pound heavier and looks in the shape of his career at 38.
WBN MayPac partners Paddy Power are offering UK and Ireland punters a massive 4/1 on Floyd Mayweather or 9/1 for Manny Pacquiao to win if you sign up to Paddy Power here with your money back as a free bet if you lose.
Floyd Mayweather v Manny Pacquiao for the undisputed welterweight and pound for pound championship is live on Showtime and HBO PPV priced at $99.95 in the US, whilst Sky Sports Box Office will broadcast the event in the UK for £19.95.
