Many pundits believe that the May 2 showdown is one of the most eagerly anticipated in boxing since the classic 1975 'Thrilla in Manila' between Ali and Frazier, and Top Rank's CEO Bob Arum, who promotes Manny Pacquiao, loves the match-up because of its contrasting styles.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. has been the master defensive artist for several years, but Arum is predicting that his boxer has the remedy to hand Mayweather his first career defeat.
"It's a very interesting fight because Floyd is a defensive specialist who has a good right hand and picks off his opponents," Arum told a handful of reporters at the Wild Card Boxing Club. "He's an extraordinarily good fighter.
"Pacquiao's strength is speed, particularly his foot speed and the fact that he throws so many punches and attacks from low angles. He really hits harder than Floyd does, so that's really what it's going to be about.
"Floyd's defence is primarily his shoulder roll, and a lot of his defence is geared against a right-handed fighter. I think Manny (a southpaw) is going to surprise a lot of people with how he is going to be able to reach Floyd."
