Floyd Mayweather is not the most dangerous boxer he has faced, but he will be difficult to hit, says Manny Pacquiao.
The Filipino, who takes on Mayweather in Las Vegas on Saturday night, said on Tuesday: "I can't say he is the most dangerous fighter. I have fought Oscar De La Hoya and Juan Manuel Marquez … but he is one of the most difficult."
Most bookmakers have made the unbeaten Mayweather the favourite for the welterweight bout at the MGM Grand but Pacquiao says he is revelling in his underdog status.
"I don't have anything negative to say about Manny Pacquiao or Freddie Roach. People from different teams can say things, but when it comes down to it, it comes down to the two fighters. I don't focus on all the festivities going on. I just focus on being the best that I can be and doing what I'm supposed to do in the gym.
"I don't ever say that 'this is my toughest fight' or 'this is my easiest' fight. I feel like he is a competitor and anything can happen in the sport of boxing. I always want to go out there and be at my best.
"One thing everybody plans for is to come forward and throw a lot of punches. They think it works, but it hasn't worked in 19 years. If that's his game plan, then we'll just have to see how everything breaks down.
"Pacquiao would be a better fighter if he wasn't so reckless. It's a gift and a curse. He's won a lot of fights by being reckless. But also being reckless can get you knocked out. Getting knocked out in a harsh way can affect you in the long run.
"People have criticized me for being a defensive fighter, but last night when I was at home sitting with my mother and my daughter, I thought to myself 'I'm proud of myself.' To be in a sport for 19 years, the main thing is I'm going to get out of the sport and still have a sharp mind.
"I don't think one fight defines my career. All 47 fights played a major key. The bar is always set high for Floyd Mayweather. I think if we turn the table and if I had gotten knocked out by Marquez this fight would have never happened.
"I'm glad I was flashy and outspoken when I was younger. But I'm close to the big 4-0. I don't have to bash anyone. I know what I can do.
"Saturday, before and after the fight, I will still be The Best Ever. One fight doesn't define my career. The great thing about my career is that I'm a smart businessman. A 19-year career with no punishment on the body, that's what we should talk about."
