Tszyu after some potential heavy weather early doors; he'd patiently push Pacquaio onto the back foot and time him with the big right IMO. If Pac could handle Tszyu's strength and take his punch (which I'm not sure about at this point) then he could make things interesting. The fight with Cotto will be some indication. Kostya by stoppage
Pd 4 Pd I think Pacquaio is the greater fighter but at this weight and with Tszyu's power I favour Tszyu. Pacquaio's speed and combinations makes it a competive fight until Tszyu finds him with that straight right of his. Kostya Tszyu by 8th round KO (from straight right)
Tszyu TKO 9. Pacman's speed and power will cause Kostya plenty of anxious moments but eventually Tszyu's size and brute strength will wear down Pac (see Tszyu-Sharmba Mitchell 1 for an example of how Tszyu wore down slicker,quicker fighters) until he starts to connect regularly with that wicked right hand of his.Manny's chin is still untested at 140 at this point so I think Kostya would eventually stun and stop Manny on his feet around the 9th. Manny is full of surprises though so I make this prediction without any real confidence.
how do you see it going J? Pac has the speed to nuetralise the space Tzsyu needs to get off and then get out of there pronto.
Pacquiao, so far, has shown an outstanding chin at 128 and below and while he hasn't shown much weakness at 140 yet, i'm not sure if he could handle Tszyu's extreme power. I'd favor Kostya because he's more proven at light welterweight, but you can never count Pacquiao out. Even if Cotto is a bridge too far - which he may well be, considering he's a hard hitting, freaking welterweight - i will always think high of Manny. There would be absolutely no shame in him losing to Tszyu. One thing i do know: this fight would be an instant classic, with the two going at it toe to toe.
You know by now, GP, I never get into mythical match-ups, but this bout came to me like a lightening bolt, and was anxious to hear what classic posters think. My instinct: Tzsyu by 5th round KO
Thought id tempt you to call a mythical match up im not sure a KO is on the cards Pac is an all time greats and them greats are tough and clever
