The fight that was years in the offing is finally upon us.
All the trash-talk, rumours and mind games will come to an end this weekend and the fighters in question, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, will settle their differences over 36 minutes.
This week we’ve delved into a number of in-depth looks at each fighter, examining the keys to victory for both Mayweather and Pacquiao, as well as how their rivalry has evolved into the biggest fight in decades.
But now we want to look at how each man matches up with the other because, as similar as they are in terms of the footprint they will leave on the sport of boxing, they are like chalk and cheese in terms of styles.
Here are just a number of aspects of the bout to keep an eye on when the pair finally touch gloves (will they touch gloves?).
Size
An element of this fight that is not discussed enough is the significant size difference between the two men.
Floyd Mayweather stands at 5′ 8″ while his Filipino counterpart measures at 5′ 6.5″.
While an inch and a half may not sound like anything that’s going to decide a scrap, the difference in frames of the fighters becomes increasingly intriguing when you consider the notable reach difference between the men.
Mayweather will enjoy a five inch reach advantage over Pac-man and the American’s proclivity of throwing straight punches will mean that he can keep Pacquiao on the end of his jabs and lead rights all night long.
Pacquiao will likely want to pounce on the inside and wing shots at Money but he will presumably have to sustain a bit of damage from Mayweather’s impeccable defence to do so.
Advantage: Mayweather
Technique v Aggression
Boxing purists are always going to plump for technique’s superiority over aggression but what you can’t account for is that puncher’s chance.
Let’s be honest, if we all had €1,000 to put on this fight, we’d all put it on a Mayweather decision because the man has done nothing but win on points since 2011.
By that same token, if we were only offered the knockout market, I think most would have to put the €1,000 on Pac-man.
Mayweather is at his best when he gets settled, times the attacks of his opponent and counters sublimely. But what Mayweather displays in his elite-level of technique is a distinct lack of unpredictability.
Pacquiao is the polar opposite. His attacks are often like a hurricane of punches that might lead one to believe that he is simply winging it when it comes to combinations.
The Filipino has a better knockout percentage with 67% of his wins coming by stoppage compared to Mayweather’s 55%.
This fight will likely be decided in the first two rounds. If Pacquiao can force Money out of his comfort zone, he will likely be able to keep him frustrated but if he allows Mayweather to settle early then it could be a long night for Manny.
Advantage: Mayweather
Southpaw v Orthodox
Floyd Mayweather has seen it all in his 19 year fight career but he’s probably never encountered a southpaw as troublesome as Manny Pacquiao.
Floyd, at 47-0, has of course seen off southpaws as easily as he’s beaten orthodox fighters but there’s no doubting that the distinctive Mayweather fight style is far more conducive to right-handed opponents.
In terms of defence, Mayweather’s patented shoulder-roll works best against orthodox fighters because he almost perfectly shields his chin from the power hand of his opponent.
But with a southpaw fighter like Pacquiao, Mayweather’s shoulder roll will be protecting himself from nothing other than the weaker hand and offering less of a shield for the left (power) hand which is one of Pacquiao’s best weapons.
Having said that, some of Mayweather’s most dangerous counters will be more open for the American against Pacquiao.
Money loves to explode with straight rights and because southpaw’s jaws will be square-on for that punch which will be a worry for Manny.
Mayweather loves to feel comfortable. He’s only fought eight southpaws in his career and, while he has beaten every one of them, the fact that he’s not as used to left-handed fighters brings the advantage into Pacquiao’s court, you’d have to say.
Advantage: Pacquiao
Accuracy v Volume
Mayweather will almost never throw a combination unless he has each punch decided upon in his head. He is a very clever fighter and prefers sharp, precision punches to win a round.
Pacquiao, meanwhile, can often descend into a tornado of strikes in a bit to overwhelm his opponents.
It’s hard to give either fighter an advantage under the general terms “accuracy” and “volume2 because Pacquiao could very well throw 70 punches but see 30 of them graze off Mayweather while Money could land each of his 40 strikes.
If Pacquiao can muster up the energy to throw heavy leather for all 12 rounds, then he could outwork the favourite to a decision.
But if Mayweather’s pinpoint punches can keep Pacquiao at bay, then he will coast his way to a UD.
Advantage: Draw
Pressure
It might not be a measurable aspect of this fight like speed, power or size but the pressure on each fighter is definitely worth taking note of.
A 1/2 favourite, you’d have to say that it’s Mayweather’s shoulders that are holding the brunt of the pressure for a number of reasons.
A trash-talker is always expected to back up his predictions and, while Mayweather hasn’t been as vocal in the run-in to this bout as he’s been in the past, he’s definitely had more than a little bit to say about his opponent.
Mayweather also has that wonderful zero on his record to protect. The American looks likely to reach the 50-0 milestone before hanging up his gloves but if his perennial rival Manny Pacquiao hands him his first professional loss, the legacy of Mayweather will be almost irreparably damaged.
That will be weighing heavy on Mayweather’s mind when he walks to the ring whereas most people expect Pacquiao to lose so he has nothing to do other than perform to the best of his ability.
If he comes out on top, excellent, he earns the right to be called better than Mayweather and, if he loses, that was supposed to happen. Win/win scenario for Pac-man.
Advantage: Pacquiao
All things considered, we see Mayweather’s technique being slick enough to contain Pacquiao’s flurries. For those tuning in for a knockout, we hate to disappoint you but it looks unlikely as a Mayweather decision looks pretty nailed on.
