My take on Pacquiao vs Mayweather

Holy crap! Dug this one up from the depths of 2010. Good piece of writing there, Fabie. I see you're still holding out hope that it still happens some day. You had me at... "ducking (no pun intended) ". Lol. Although today I would've liked to see Manny dominating and still on top of his game to make the fight even more compelling, I think there's a possibilty it could happen before they both retire. Albeit a little late in the game. There are still folks, though not as many as in the past, who still find this matchup intriguing and hope it does take place for the all time sake of the sport. I'm of the opinion that I'd rather see Manny on a winning streak and regaining his stature, if that's even possible at this time, so that the matchup will be more competitive. . Thanks. At least I have my humble and honest opinions back then and for now I think that largely the dynamics between their mythical fight would definitely change since both fighters are way less-than-their-ideal peaks. But I still think that it would still be challenging. Mayweather being challenged by Maidana and Bradley being challenged by Bradley shows that both are still good albeit not as their usual dominating game. I still see that both are still "untouchable" by most challengers out there simply because they're the two best fighters, it is really sad that we didn't get to see their fights in their peaks but even then, even a NEXT-YEAR would still be entertaining and potshotting bfrom both camps would be inevitably be endless. hahaha

Holy crap! Dug this one up from the depths of 2010. Good piece of writing there, Fabie. I see you're still holding out hope that it still happens some day. You had me at... "ducking (no pun intended) ". Lol. Although today I would've liked to see Manny dominating and still on top of his game to make the fight even more compelling, I think there's a possibilty it could happen before they both retire. Albeit a little late in the game. There are still folks, though not as many as in the past, who still find this matchup intriguing and hope it does take place for the all time sake of the sport. I'm of the opinion that I'd rather see Manny on a winning streak and regaining his stature, if that's even possible at this time, so that the matchup will be more competitive. . didn't manny just beat bradley while floyd went life and death with maidana? most people would say that's a lot better but its manny who needs to do more....strange world also strange how mayweather fans only focus on a guys last fight if they are actually fighting mayweather. ortiz vs mayweather, maidana vs mayweather, but when its someone that floyd won't fight...margarito lost to santos! pac got ko'd 3 fights ago!

bump! bump! bump! Holy crap! Dug this one up from the depths of 2010. Good piece of writing there, Fabie. I see you're still holding out hope that it still happens some day. You had me at... "ducking (no pun intended) ". Lol. Although today I would've liked to see Manny dominating and still on top of his game to make the fight even more compelling, I think there's a possibilty it could happen before they both retire. Albeit a little late in the game. There are still folks, though not as many as in the past, who still find this matchup intriguing and hope it does take place for the all time sake of the sport. I'm of the opinion that I'd rather see Manny on a winning streak and regaining his stature, if that's even possible at this time, so that the matchup will be more competitive. .

bump! bump! bump!

Nice assessment.

Mannys biggest problem is that he still throws looping punches with his eyes closed I see Floyd stepping back and throw a sharp right uppercut to make him pay. Also he will set-up alot shots with body jab which he uses very effective against southpaws.

I will level with you on why I don't think Manny stands a good chance of beating Floyd. It is a matter of range, there are 3 ranges the fight will take place inside, Manny's range and outside. Inside and outside of Manny range Floyd has big advantages, but Manny at his range is excellent. The problem is that floyd has the options and he is excellent at neutralizing a guys optimum range. That is a grim situation for Manny, if he can overcome that everything they say about him is true. but he is no smart enough to overcome that...

Loved your take on the fight. However, I do have a problem with using Judah as an example. Judah's attack on Mayweather was predicated on the jab. In my opinion, Pac does not have a credible jab to set up anything. On top of that, Floyd has an uncanny ability to lower the output of his opponent; this kamikaze attack that you speak of will be neutralized. Great points... I didn't use JUDAH in that light (I should have clarified more, thanks). I used Judah in the light that: • He is a southpaw fighter • He "dominated" the early rounds against Mayweather Now if you have read somewhere (sorry for my long posting, hehehe) that Pacquiao's left cross is his left jab many times. But Judah and Pacquiao are two stylistically different fighters. Pacquiao loved to engage in a rock'em-sock'em almost Mexican-style of boxing (which Mayweather realized and acknowledged in an interview somewhere) but with the deadly quick/fast 4-5-6 combinations! And so while Pacquiao is not a jabber, he is a follow-upper kind of a guy off as counters off the opponents' jab aside from his usual double-jab-left cross. What I've been impressed though is Pacquiao engaging with his LEAD RIGHT HOOK as his "jab". I should mention this on the posting but now that I've remembered it (hehehe)... I'm still dissecting further on Mayweather's skills...he's uncanny ability to decipher his opponents' angles and attacks make him very, very, very hard to hit coupled with his well-timed crosses and left hooks albeit pot-shotting. I can see him neutralizing Pacquiao as one big possibility likewise while Pacquiao can also surprise Mayweather with his Right Hook or Straight Left.

Still a mythical fight...but want to hear from others....

you are a good writer; just don't forget that pbf can crack a bit too... THanks and point well taken...I think that is highly underrated from Mayweather. He can crack a bit more than what people think...

you are a good writer; just don't forget that pbf can crack a bit too...

..and if Mayweather do indeed "fears" Pacquiao (which I doubt) then it is more towards Pacquiao's favor psychologically...

Nothing would be more salivating than for me to watch contrasting of styles than these two superlative fighters now, here's how I see it. Prime Mayweather vs Prime Pacquiao • Mayweather Beating Pacquiao As a traditional left lead fighter in Mayweather is all that we can see as traditional. What isn't is his impeccable and uncanny sixth sense on how to: 1) Distance himself from his opponents. His left lead stance shows exceptional footworks behind his hind legs primed to back pedal, move forward, swivel (shoulder roll), duck (no puns), fade (with his right on guard at all times). His hind right leg is positioned in a nimble way, not locked flatfooted unless he wants to (see Mosley fight) to confront the opponent. In my humble estimation his righ hind leg is always on his toes ready to spring for a right crosses and his lunging left hooks (patented shots) while his right hind leg is primed to absorb his weight when ducks down to his right, or even fade at his right as he swivel to his patented shoulder roll. This is the main crux and engine of Mayweather, his superlative FORWARD/BACKWARD movements that would deter a Pacquiao attack or two (to put it modestly). 2) Right Guard Mayweather's Right hand guard on the high position is the key to defend against Pacquiao's attacks (left cross). He can pat, parry, block AND do his PULL COUNTERS (right cross) with it. 3) Left on Low Position Mayweather's low left hand position is primed to do one thing, HIS LUNGING LEFT HOOKS though he does have a decent left jab. This can also land on Pacquiao's right body and midsection should he step on his lateral right (dangerous against Pacquiao though). Mayweather's pinpoint accuracy on his lunging left hooks are amazing that can surprise opponents as he times it as the opponent is about to come in. • Pacquiao Beating Mayweather Pacquiao as a gifted and relentless southpaw could give Mayweather some stiff challenges. His timing, off-angles, counters and lateral movements (mainly cutting to Mayweather's outside left) 1) Left Cross/Left uppercut/Left Hookercut Pacquiao's main arsenal is the LEFT CROSS (traditionally). But he uses it in so many ways that it blurs the line nowadays. He uses his Left Crosses also as a "lead jab" mainly against Right Handers on a left lead while cutting outside their left jab in 45 degrees. Traditionally, Pacquiao would throw in a single or a double right jab then inevitably letting his main weapon fly off. We've seen it before. That was his main bread and butter. Nowadays, he also uses the HOOKER CUT, a semi-uppercut/hook to counter off the right hander's left jab or even the right cross. This is for the semi-close range and therefore he needed to step up or step just outside the left jab of his opponent to close in. Due to Pacquao's low-center of gravity, low build and massive lower leg for balance and leverage - this punch is a KNOCK OUT PUNCH. I can see him using this punch when he gets in Mayweather. 2) Right hook / Right Jab Pacquao's Right Hook is becoming his next favorite attack other than his left crosses. He uses it as a LEAD entry to initiate a combination attack against a high CLOTTEY Guard but I can see him often using it to pound on the RIGHT HANDER's LEFT RIBs. 3) Combination Superlative combination puncher, Pacquiao's multi-angle attack is the best I've ever seen since Sugar Ray Leonard and Aaron Pryor. But comes with it are strength and the snap. His leverage is well shown and momentum optimized to destroy his target. -------------------------------------- I've discussed the IDEALS of both, but in reality, we can only see a little of those because: • Mayweather can neutralize many of the things I've discussed. Mayweather as the supreme defender can neutralize Pacquiao as the supreme attacker. But Mayweather is also slowing down, mainly on his wheels. I would like to confirm Freddie Roach's reading on his last fight against Mosley but thatcan be misleading also since Mayweather's upfront tactic worked wonders against Mosley AFTER the right crosses (with no follow ups) in the 2nd round. Mayweather stayed put and neutralized Mosley's right crosses by stepping up and jamming him. While using enough backpedaling...thus we see Mayweather relatively static compared to his previous fights. I can see Mayweather potshotting Pacquiao with RIGHT CROSSES and taking a toll on Pacquiao to slow him down. But the biggest thing that I can see Mayweather will use against Pacquiao other than using his wheels to move around and laterally is to CLINCH. CLINCH like never before and CLINCH like cheap glue like what he did occasionally against Mosley. Pacquiao on the other hand, can use his LEFT CROSSES either as LEAD JABS or LEFT UPPERCUTS to Mayweather's ducking and fading (rolling to his right). Pacquiao's RIGHT HOOK can only be placed on Mayweather's head and since Mayweather's left body is relatively secured with his LOW LEFT HAND placement defensively, it would be hard for Pacquiao to land the RIGHT HOOK. And so ideally, Pacquiao have to pressure Mayweather relentlessly and in an accurate timing. This is how to pace himself against a "Boxer" in Mayweather who would test his stamina till the end. And so Pacquiao has to be opportunistic in getting some shots in (which would be difficult). THe main strategy is for Freddie and Pacquaio strategizing a KAMIKAZE ATTACK on the early rounds. BEFORE Mayweather can adjust. Pacquaiao has to exploit this. Just like Judah a bit dominating on Mayweather onth early rounds as a SOUTHPAW. And if anyone else, Pacquao is the only boxer who can exploit Mayweather on these early rounds. Just like the floodgates, if he hits Mayweather, he has to bring everything. So early rounds go to PACQUIAO and potentially can knock Mayweather out. But after Mayweather adjust to the distance and timing, I think Mayweather would have to use his best best defensive boxing until the 12th round. Prediction? • Mayweather on a SPLIT or UNANIMOUS DECISION but with the potential PACQUAIO KAYOING Mayweather from the early rounds to the mid 7th rounds before he tires. Thus Pacquaio would need to have his best stamina and pacing to beat Mayweather. So there.....I am hoping for Pacquaio to Knock out Mayweather and wouldn't be surprised if he does. Just that chances are, I am going for the safe prediction of Mayweather going to the distance of boxing. But we would never know, Pacquaio, the Tazmanian devil from the Philippines could be just what the fans ordered to beat Mayweather and beat him up. This would be the boxing fight for the ages. My thoughts on these are changing. These were from PRIME MAYWEATHER VS PRIME PACQUIAO. And Mayweather being inactive while Pacquiao still within his prime (though fading gradually) would shift more and more towards Pacquiao obviously. Still the same concepts. But a relatively more STATIC MAYWEATHER NOW would make him rely more on his skills rather than his wheels (though that WAS a big part of his repertoire of fighting methods). That meant a Mayweather akin to his last fight with Mosley. Meaning he can be hit more albeit he is now more contingent on his angles/timing to hit back. With that in mind, PACQUIAO's work rate, speed, combinations/angles AND stamina - it would be very difficult for Mayweather to counter that. It would be safe to say that: • sooner or later, PACQUIAO would land a big punch that would open the floodgates towards a TKO or a KO.

Screw the long post. Manny's best chance to win is to at least do what Hatton did early and that's pressure Floyd. He'll have to bring the fight to Floyd for his BEST CHANCE. Scenario 1: No Pressure Approach If Manny does not pressure Floyd, and allows the fight to stay in the middle of the ring, he'll be destroyed. I'm not saying KO from Floyd, but you'll see an even easier boxing clinic as Manny struggles to over come floyd's combination of reach, reflex, variety of attack and speed. Floyd counters Manny's short armed jabs easily, floyd punchs the pit of manny's stomach to keep manny at a distance, and offsets manny with right hand leads and pull counters. Scenario 2: Pressuring Floyd This is Manny's best chance. Hatton pressured Floyd early, but Floyd fought moving backwards and Hatton ate leads all night. The good thing about Manny is that he has a better arsenal. As Manny is coming forward, he has to keep his head moving and avoid getting picked off. Most importantly, Manny has to work on how to avoid being clinched. FLoyd is excellent at clinching after landing counters and straights. Tendencies Manny has the tendency to lose patience who he has to use his legs to cut off the ring. When Cotto finally decided to start using his legs to avoid manny, Manny just stood there like "com on man, fight!" But the truth is Manny needs to learn how to cut off the ring. Also, when Manny is being effectively countered, he stops attacking as much. See the Marquez II fight, when Manny was forced to stop his assault because he was being countered and Lampley kept scream "Pacquiao doesn't know what to do because he's being effectively countered." So, out of frustration, Manny would resolve to bull dozing in. Hold Your Horses Before anybody responds w/ "Manny didn't have two hands when he fought Marquez in 2008. He's a better fighter now!", you need to do you research. When Manny Pacquiao faced Marquez, 4yrs after their first bout in 2004, he was a complete fighter with two hands. Want some proof? Suuuuuure i'll be more than glad to give ya proof. Marquez/Pacquiao II- Rd 1 @ 2:41-2:24 mark (right after the opening bell): "Is it round 13 of the first fight, in which case Juan Manuel's technical skills could be the difference? Or is it a different fight because Manny Pacquaio has progressed so much as a boxer and has so developed his right hand in the 4 years since the first fight?", Lampley's opening statement. Manny had clearly developed his right hand jab and was not 1-handed fighter any more (like he was in 2004). This was in March '08, he faced Oscar in December of '08 (after fighting in June '08). People get the misconception that Manny improved dramatically by the time faced Diaz, then Oscar. But ppl don't realize all both of these fights were in 2008- after his 2nd bout w/ Marquez. The misconception happens because Pacquiao wizzed through those guys because they were stationary, less skilled opponents. Let's compare Manny's right hand jab activity in the Oscar fight to the Marquez II fights (both these same yr- 2008) via CompuBox: Round 1 Jabs: Against Marquez: 4/26 (landed 4, threw 26)= 15% Against Oscar: 2/29 (landed 2, threw 29)= 7% Round 2 Jabs: Against Marquez: 0/32 (landed 0, threw 32)= 0% Against Oscar: 6/28 (landed 6, threw 28)= 21% ********* The truth is, when Manny was fighting Marquez in the 2nd fight in 2008, Manny was using the jab but it was NOT EFFECTIVE against Marquez simply because marquez was moving his feet and head. GO LOOK AT THE FIGHT. Before you begin marveling at Manny, focus on how Marquez is responding to Manny. You'll see him moving back, keeping safe distance away from the jab as he tries to counter manny. This movement nullifies the jab because he's not stationary- there's no head available to hit with the jab. THEY ARE MOVING ALL OVER THE RING. In contrast, when fighting Clottey, Cotto, Hatton, Diaz, Oscar, Margarito- all of these fighters stood flat footed, had no head movement, no backpedaling, poor countering skills, and was not moving in and out of Manny like Marquez did. Stationary opponents eat jabs all day. This is why Manny's recent performances stand out in fans minds so freshly because you see manny connecting those jabs. Manny was not connecting jabs at will on Marquez in the 2008 fight (because of his head and foot movement), that's why fans conveniently don't think his right hand was developed. Manny's rhythm and timing also improved by the time he fought Marquez for the second time in March 2008. Emanuel Steward pointed that out during the fight. It's all very clear what's going on here. Pac fans tend to glorify Manny's performance against lesser skilled boxers and disregard his less than stellar performances against the a great technical fighter like Marquez because of their lack of boxing knowledge. and this isn't a long post! bwahahahha :thinkerg:

too bad were going to see both at their past primes considering that the fight would really happen in the future That's my sentiment too...but I hope it won't be too far in the future. The latest possibility would have to be by the end of the year...Nov or Dec...or early next year, which sucks. But at least they're fighting if they're really fighting.

too bad were going to see both at their past primes considering that the fight would really happen in the future

Points well taken...but I think that as bombastic and dynamic of a fighter Pacquiao is, Mayweather would use PACING and win the decisions by the end of the game. Mayweather is the consummate defensive fighter...meaning he will not take risk unless he had the leverage in terms of strength, speed, angle and the opponent's condition. Pacquiao, like Mayweather, is a superbly conditioned fighter...so at most I think that Pacquiao can weather the whole fight...whereas Mayweather can potshot his way towards a UD. I think that it is fair to say that Pacquiao is dangerous and can KO Mayweather due not only to his speed/strength but his relentless follow-ups. But to be fair Mayweather's strength (power) is highly underrated likewise and if he can get Pacquiao in trouble and backed up in the ropes or a corner, he can hurt Pacquiao. Thus this needs to happen... both fighters have superb condition but none of those southpaws that Floyd fought had. none of them wasnt even a P4P top 10..so for those haters saying Floyd will dominate or school Pac they are DELUSIONAL. i believe Floyd can hurt Pac the way he hurt Mosley and Marquez..which wasnt THAT MUCH! but i believe Pac can hurt Floyd and can do more damage than JMM or Mosley did..Mosley gassed out after 2 rounds..JMM wasnt effective over 135 lbs. we all saw that 147 lbs could be Manny's best weight the way he destroy his opponents.. Pac will never get tired of throwing punches in different angles for 12 rounds. i dont underestimate Floyd's power but he hasnt shown any power in hist last few fights..and i doubt he would go toe to toe with Pac just so he can hurt him. Pac will hurt Floyd more than what Mosley did to Floyd in the second round.. For those haters and flomos who say Mosley has more power, Pac will prove you wrong..we will see who will come out of the ring like they get hit with the beseball bat. Marg didnt go down because Pac was giving up 17 lbs. Pac did more damaged to Marg in 6 rounds than what Mosley did to him in 9. Even the neutral boxing fans who follow boxing would agree that Mayweather is scared to lose. he knows Pac can beat him. The fight is dead even. Mayweather by split decision or Manny by TKO or U.D.

I love manny but he cant beat floyd mayweather I love both of them (in the ring) but it's too crystallized to say that Pac CAN'T beat Mayweather though if you have read my posting, I give Mayweather the nod.

I think that Pacquiao's new BIEBER look is an added attribute...I have to redo the mythical Pac-May fight analysis.... bwahaha

im the homo but you are the one saying gay sh*t...go figure typical pactard This is irrelevant to the thread's topic...what is your take on this mythical fight? Care to give us the break down please?