I have a hard time predicting a KO for either guy because neither has scored one in years. Actually, I even tend to think Mayweather has a better shot because of his size advantage, his stinging and blinding counterpunching, and the fact that Pacquiao is not too far removed from been knocked out. Also, Mayweather is fighting a smaller fighter for the first time in years. Pacquiao on the other hand, hit the defensively challenged Rios, a first time welterweight, with everything but the kitchen sink and couldn't take him out. I predict this fight to be won by a decision. My pick is Mayweather due to his ability to adapt. However, I wouldn't be surprised if Pacquiao wins. The big question for me is, can any of this guys truly dominate the other and make it look easy?
This fight is probably going to go 12 rounds. I agree that Mayweather has the better shot at a stoppage though. He's not feather fisted by any means, he has a good chin, excellent defense, and excellent conditioning. No one has scored a legit KD against him. Pacquiao is the bigger puncher, has better than advertised defense, and excellent conditioning. However, he has been on the canvas several times and has been stopped 3 times; once rendering him completely unconscious. I doubt either fighter gets dominated. More than likely, we're going to get a competitive decision.
I don't think Mayweather is feather-fisted either. His hands are brittle though, and that's the concern. In every recent fight where he tried to put the pressure on his opponent, he's injured his hand. In fact, it happened in all three of his past opponents. Tried to walk down Guerrero, hurt his hand, hospital. Tried to walk down Canelo, hurt his hand, hospital. Was forced to engage more with Maidana, hurt his hand, hospital. So, he has power, but if he HURTS his hand trying to use it, then that puts him at a SEVERE disadvantage. Now, you're fighting Manny Pacquiao with one hand? Geez. Floyd needs to box, not fight.
Mayweather's "ability to adapt" to fighters that are LEVELS below him is one of the biggest myths in sports.
Actually it's not a myth at all. Its very true, and you can see evidence of it in almost every fight he had been in since around 2005ish. You might wanna start watching one or two of his fights.
Mayweather can adapt yes, but it is HUGELY exaggerated by countless people. Mayweather is simply a slow starter at times, yes he is taking a few notes of his opponents, but this not adapting. Countless fighters are slow starters and then slowly build themselves into the fight, yet you don't hear people claiming they are boxing geniuses for adjusting. And its not even a definitive move that wins the fight. People forget that De La Hoya and Cotto had their best rounds in the mid to later portion of the fight. Which means they adapted back or Mayweather hadn't figured them out like people claim. Then there is also the obvious issue that a lot of his opponents tier out late in the fight usually because of the high pace they fight (Cotto, Hatton, Maidana, etc..). This is not to diss Floyd tho. He does adapt to his opponents by finding openings later in the fight and also closing any holes in his defense that have been exposed.
You realize that you contradicted yourself. Said it's Hugely exaggerated. Then that he does adapt to find openings and close holes in his defense that were exposed. Umm dude, that's adapting. And when you're doing it in almost every fight, this is the reason people say he's great at it.
floyd doesn't need to adpt to pacquiao pacquiao is predictable and does the same combo every single time marquez adapted in 1 round in the first fight pacquiao is getting beaten up badly in thsi fight.
Every fighter has to make adjustments as a fight goes one. Mayweather... ...is a slow starter ...has superior stamina ...fights opponents who have zero chance of winning This means the fights start off with the other guy winnign a few rounds, then Mayweather starts to try, then the other guy tires out, and then it's all Mayweather. He didn't adapt, he just started slow against an inferior opponent. "Adapting" to Ortiz, Maidana, Guerrero, Hatton, and shot Mosley or Cotto is not impressive. It's a negative if anything.
If you looked up the term "cement head" in an Urban Dictionary, there would be a picture of Brandon Rios. "If you plan on knocking this man out, bring a heavy club."
IMO- If I had to bet on this fight, the only common sense choice would be to pick Floyd by a close decision. That opinion is based on history and not speculating on gloves, leg cramps, distractions, etc. It is most likely that Pacquiao will get ahead on the score cards and then Floyd will catch and pass him. I do feel that Pacquiao is the best offensive fighter Floyd has faced and therefore will cause him more problems than he usually faces, so the decision will be harder to earn. IMO- Pacquiao's only real chances to win will come A. If he is able to really hurt Floyd early in the fight, making Floyd too cautious... or B. If he has a particular plan for the last 4 rounds where he either goes to a new attack strategy or then goes into overdrive. The key will be the last 4 rounds. I also expect that some fireworks will be involved during the period where one of these fighters gains the final advantage. Here's to a good fight.
Indeed. Manny has to get Floyd to respect his power and early. That'll make Floyd less likely to throw and rethink engaging.
