Even as pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather confirmed his status as the best boxer across weight divisions after his much-touted ‘Fight of the Century’ against Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand on Saturday disappointed Filipinos — almost in unison — cried foul.
Despite Mayweather being declared winner on the night, it was Manny’s frequent attacking forays which made the fight enjoyable for his fans, and which forced his opponent against the ropes on a number of occasions.
“He was moving around too much, it wasn’t easy throwing punches at him. If he would’ve stayed in one place, then I could have thrown punches,” Pacquiao said. “I was cutting him (off) and countering. I wanted to fight."
Despite inferior height, reach and weight, Pacquiao was adamant that Mayweather’s raw power had not troubled him.
“I was able to handle his power, he’s not strong like previous opponents like (Antonio) Margarito,” Pacquiao said. He’s not bigger than me. It’s not about the size. The size doesn’t matter. I’ve fought guys bigger than him and had no problem.”
“I thought I was up in the fight, so that’s why I didn’t attack harder in the 11th and 12th rounds."