By Edward Chaykovsky
Former four division champion Roy Jones Jr. is not only picking Manny Pacquiao to win a twelve round decision on May 2nd, he says Floyd Mayweather Jr. will need a knockout in order to walk away with the WBC/WBA/WBO welterweight titles at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Jones believes the fight will be close and the judges will ultimately side with the Filipino star.
"Honestly, the fact that its happening is the best thing for us. It could have not happened at all. So now we got it lets be happy and savor the moment," Jones said on ESPN's Sports Center. "I say it's great."
Jones then broke it down on how the fight is going to play out.
"You don’t get Mayweather to engage. Pacquiao’s plan should be to outwork Mayweather and try to outpoint him, because he’s not going to be able to force Mayweather to engage. He can do what he wants to do and try, but he can’t force a defensive guy who is that skilled and defensive - you can’t make him engage."
"Both are knockout guys. Both knocked out Ricky Hatton. This is the biggest fight for both of their careers. Both guys are capable of knocking out everybody in their respective weight class, " Jones continued. "Neither guy wants to go home the loser the next day. Fans have been waiting for this fight for five years. The pressure is on both guys."
"I think Floyd will have to knock him out to win. I think if there’s a decision, I think Pacquiao wins the decision."
