Travis Thomas: Mayweather Vs. Pacquiao Prediction
For Manny Pacquiao to win this fight he needs to intelligently press the action. He can't attack Floyd recklessly like his did Juan Manuel Marquez or the end result will be the same. Manny needs to cut the ring off backing Floyd into the corners and keeping him on the ropes. Floyd has developed a dangerous habit of staying on the ropes in recent fights and seemingly is comfortable there. I believe Pacquiao can make Mayweather uncomfortable there, and he will need to in order to win. Another key for Manny in this fight will be utilizing his right hook and also his jab. Mayweather uses his right shoulder roll as defense; usually with an orthodox fighter that defense is impenetrable. For a southpaw like Pacquiao that defense isn't as effective. But in order to exploit it, Manny must be able to set up that strong left by staying busy with his right. The jab and lead right hook if used effectively, will allow Pacquiao to reach Floyd with that strong left hand because Mayweather's defenses will weaken. If that happens, Manny will have a clear and decisive advantage.
For Floyd Mayweather to win he has to get back to what made him the successful, undefeated fighter you see today. He has built his brand on movement, speed & quickness, elusiveness, confidence and technical prowess. Floyd has recently got away from all the above. I have watched him his entire career and I believe the reason he has abandoned a lot of those attributes is because he hasn't respected many of his opponents. And let's face it; if you look at his resume, he hasn't exactly fought the greatest competition in terms of legacy. Manny Pacquiao is a different animal all together. Floyd must use his movement to win this fight. He must take this fight to the center of the ring and outclass Pacquiao. Mayweather can't let this become a "fight", he must instead opt to make this a "boxing match". There is a distinct difference between the two. Overall I believe Floyd Mayweather will out technical Manny Pacquiao en route to a 12 round unanimous decision win. I'm cautiously optimistic that this fight for 8-9 rounds will live up to the hype and be exciting and entertaining. But I also believe Floyd Mayweather will figure out how to win in the critical championship rounds down the stretch to remain undefeated.
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