Mayweather-Pacquiao: The ropes

[shadeyfizzle]

This fight is going to be interesting because both guys will have to do a complete 180 of what they're accustomed to.

In Pacquiao's last 4 fights he has lived in the center of the ring. Freddie Roach drilled into him that to be against the ropes would mean impending doom. However against Mayweather it will be Pacquiao at a disadvantage in the middle of the ring where Floyd can impose his movement and superior reach advantages. It will be the 1 fight where it will be imperative for Manny to force Floyd to the ropes and corner him.

In Mayweather's recent fights he has lived along the perimeter of the ring maneuvering against stronger harder hitting fighters. But against Manny Pacquiao to be on the ropes against Pacquiao's superior handspeed and power would probably be suicide. It will be the 1st time in awhile that Mayweather would not be able to afford laying on the ropes.

Who adjusts to this role flip better???

[Syf]

Pac can compete in the center of the ring too.


Mayweather will have to be careful in there.. Pac has explosive footwork and footspeed

[shadeyfizzle]

Pac can compete in the center of the ring too.


Mayweather will have to be careful in there.. Pac has explosive footwork and footspeed

Im just talking about the nuances of this fight.

Normally the center of the ring is right where Pacquiao wants to be because of his superior hand and footspeed. But in this case in can be neutralized by Floyd's superior reach and movement.

Normally Floyd wants to be laying on the ropes conserving energy to explode while his opponent expends energy. But in this case Pacquiao's superior power and handspeed can break through and break down Floyd's defense if he lays there too long without moving.

[Syf]

Im just talking about the nuances of this fight.

Normally the center of the ring is right where Pacquiao wants to be because of his superior hand and footspeed. But in this case in can be neutralized by Floyd's superior reach and movement.

Normally Floyd wants to be laying on the ropes conserving energy to explode while his opponent expends energy. But in this case Pacquiao's superior power and handspeed can break through and break down Floyd's defense if he lays there too long without moving.

Its an interesting point. I don't think Floyd can afford to stay still too often while in the center of the ring. He likes to stay in the pocket sometimes and I don't really think that's super wise against someone that can punch very hard with short distance and do all kinds of fancy maneuvering, like Pacquiao.

At the same time... The ropes are so good because it cuts off your opponent getting angles on you, so defense becomes easier in that sense as well. Floyd's strongest moments may be off the ropes. ala Ali - Foreman.

[MARKBNLV]

GOOD POST........................I think it depends on the ring size honestly a smaller ring pacquiao will hhave the advantage a bigger ring easy ud for floyd.