I have been compiling the strengths and weaknesses of each fighter since 2009. While both have aged and lost a step or two, they are still considered two of the top five fighters in the world. Skill wise, father time has robbed both, but each has improved in other areas.
The following is the scouting report and prediction from www.cboxinginfo.com
FLOYD “MONEY” MAYWEATHER Jr.
47-0 (26 KO’s)
5ft 8in – 72in reach
WBA Super Welterweight Title (154 lbs)
WBC Super Welterweight Title (154 lbs)
WBC Welterweight Title (147 lbs)
Floyd turned pro in 1996 winning his first title in 1998. Has held a world title since 1998. Briefly retired in 2007, but came back to take the WBC Welterweight Title from Victor Ortiz in 2011.
Signature Wins against Genaro Hernandez (1st Title), Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, Arturo Gatti, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, and Saul Alvarez
Strengths: Great Defensive Fighter, Quick, Fast, Agile, Accurate Puncher, Great Inside Fighter, Outside Fighting is Flawless, Can Beat You In Multiple Ways, Boxing IQ Is Off The Chart, Serviceable Jab, Can Fight Going Forward or Backward, Great Ring Generalship, Makes In fight Adjustments
Weaknesses: Extremely Low Work Rate, Has Become Vulnerable To Right Hand, Does not Handle Jab Well Early in a Fight
MANNY “PACMAN” PACQUIAO
57-5-2 (38 KO’s)
5ft 6in – 67in reach
WBO Welterweight Title
Manny Turned Pro in 1995 winning his first title in 1998. He is the first and only boxer to hold world titles in 8 different weight classes from flyweight to Super Welterweight. He was voted fighter of the decade for the period covering 2000-2010. He has won 10 world titles. He is an elected official of the Philippine House of Representatives.
Signature wins against Chatchai Sasakul (1st Title), Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito, Shane Mosley, and Timothy Bradley
Strengths: Unrelenting puncher with dynamite in both hands. Throws flurries from odd angles. He keeps punching and punching. Very fast hands and deft foot movement. Has a strong chin and is willing to take a little to give a lot. Quick head movement and quick feet allow him to jump in and out on an opponent. Thick lower body allows him to generate power.
Weaknesses: Does not fight well going backwards, one dimensional, in fight adjustments limited, jab gives him fits, reckless, attacking style makes him susceptible to counter punchers
PREDICTION
In the opening of the “KISS live” album, the MC yells, “You wanted the best. You got the best!” Well, Floyd Mayweather Jr vs. Manny Pacquiao is what we wanted, so now it is here. As fans have quickly learned with these outrageously high ticket and event prices, be careful what you ask for! Things ain’t exactly what you wished. The fighting styles of Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao inside the ring might turn out to be the same way.
Styles Make Fights and eight years ago this was a bad fight. Today, this is a bad fight. Floyd Mayweather Jr is the king of Manny Pacquiao’s weaknesses. Mayweather can jab, he can move, he can punch and move, he is a great counter puncher, and he is extremely ring smart. Manny Pacquiao gives Mayweather fits because he is a fast southpaw, he can have a high work rate, and he has a punchers chance.
With that said, if Money Mayweather has any thing left in his 38 year old bank, he will pick Manny apart. Manny will have early success, but it just won’t be enough to overcome Floyd’s talents. Expect fireworks in the early rounds, but then watch it turn into a clinic as Manny gets too comfortable jumping in to land and Mayweather check hooks and slaps Pac Man into next week. Remember this, Mayweather has shown a different style and approach in his last five fights. Pacquiao has shown the exact same style in all of his fights. Also, a good big man always beats a good small man. (If Mayweather has anything left).
Mayweather by dominating UD win or Gatti style stoppage
By Chris Williams www.cboxinginfo.com
Follow Me on Twitter @cboxinginfo
