Pacquiao to struggle vs Mayweather: analysts

MANILA – It is being dubbed as the “Fight of the Century.”

With the possible clash between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. brewing around the corner, fight fans and critics alike are certain that it would be a blockbuster match.

For the country’s boxing analysts, however, a fight against the former pound-for-pound king Mayweather will be a struggle for Pacquiao, the current No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter.

“Mayweather has the advantage because he is natural in that weight and mas malaki siya, but as we know, Pacquiao has the speed,” Bill Velasco told ABS-CBN’s Gretchen Malalad.

He added that even if Mayweather is heavier, he is confident that Pacquiao can fight in a higher weight class.

“He did it before and I think with Freddie Roach and his team, he can be ready,” noted Velasco.

Recah Trinidad, for his part, believes that Pacquiao can still rule over Mayweather even if the American fighter outclassed Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez.

Mayweather beat Marquez via unanimous decision last Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The judges scored 118-109, 120-107 and 119-108 in favor of Mayweather.

Pacquiao and Marquez, meantime, fought their first bout in 2004 which ended in a draw. Their rematch in 2008 was won by Pacquiao by split decision.

“Wala akong nakitang special sa galaw niya kanina... Panay depensa walang opensa,” said Trinidad. “You can’t win by just defense eh si Pacquiao maganda opensa at depensa.”

Still good and fast

Pacquiao, meantime, has to get past Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto in their Nov. 14 bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

The Filipino boxing superstar is currently training in Baguio City for his clash against the WBO welterweight champion.

He shared his thoughts on the Mayweather-Marquez fight with The Philippine Star over the phone, noting that “Pretty Boy Floyd” was still good and fast.

“Naghihintay lang (He just waits),” he added.

When asked if he can do better than Mayweather’s fallen opponents, Pacquiao replied: “Kaya abutin.”

Mayweather has remained unbeaten at 40-0 with 25 knockouts. Pacquiao, on the other hand, has a record of 49-3-2 with 37 KOs.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao mentioned that Marquez had no chance against Mayweather because he lacked reach.

Clever fighter

Mayweather, for his part, declared to the media after his victory that he is indeed back.

He mentioned that he will fight the “best fighters out there.” In the meantime, Mayweather said “may the best man win” in the Pacquiao-Cotto match.

He also commented on the pound-for-pound rankings which he lorded before he retired in 2008.

“They say Manny Pacquiao is No. 1 and I’m not here to rate myself. I know who I am as a fighter. Pound-for-pound rankings are opinionated,” he said as quoted by FightFan.com.

The American went on to say that he won a title in his first year in professional boxing. He has won six titles in five weight classes and has been a champion for 11 straight years.

“I was just off for two years and I came back and beat the No. 2 pound-for-pound guy. I didn’t rate Marquez as No. 2, they did. People can make up their own opinions,” he noted.

Marquez, meantime, was asked by the media about the possible Pacquiao-Mayweather clash.

“Mayweather and Pacquiao have different styles,” remarked the Mexican.

“Floyd is very clever. He is 100 percent a defensive fighter. He is a good counter-puncher. And Pacquiao is a guy that likes to fight,” he noted.

Sources: ABS-CBN News