Why Mayweather will be Pacquiao's most difficult challenge

In my last article about Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao, several readers (mostly Pacquiao fans) chimed in with a lot of very negative comments. There is a lot of bad blood brewing out there as it pertains to Mayweather, and some of it is warranted. However I stand firm on my analysis of Floyd Mayweather and his brilliant boxing ability.

The biggest argument that the Pac fans have is the fact that Mayweather has cherry picked his opponents over the years and has fought smaller guys. It's a pretty darn good argument, and can't be tossed to the side as if it's irrelevant. With that said, even with his choice of opponents you can't take away his speed, his ring Savvy, and his defense. You also can't take away his ability to time his opponents, and counter punch very effectively.

Pacquiao's speed will prove very difficult for Mayweather, IF they do fight. Floyd will have to put to use his ring Savvy and his defense because Pacquiao may make his presence known quickly, and often. Pacquiao at the same time will have to be very careful of a few things. Floyd's ability to counter, and his timing. Manny proved that he can take a punch from a welterweight when he beat up Miguel Cotto. That being said, Floyd times much better than Cotto and as the great Evander Holyfield once told me, "It's not how hard someone can hit that can put you to sleep, it's the punch that you do not see."

The one fighter that has given Manny Pacquiao the most trouble is Juan Manuel Marquez. In both fights between the two, Marquez provided Manny his most difficulty. Mayweather just shared the ring with Marquez not too long ago and wiped the floor clean with him in easy fashion. That doesn't necessarily mean that Floyd does the same thing to Pacquiao, but it is something to think about. On the flip side, Oscar De La Hoya gave Floyd Mayweather fits as well, with Floyd getting a split decision. Manny Pacquiao made Oscar quit on his stool. This is why this fight is so interesting. There are a lot of factors, angles, and dimensions that apply to this fight.

This writer feels that a fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr is a must see. There is a clear line drawn in the sand between the Mayweather fans and the Pacquiao fans. I will just pass this little warning along to both sides. If any of you, Pacquiao fans or Mayweather fans think as if either guy will crush the other, you're probably in for a big surprise. This is going to be a close fight, a very calculative fight with neither man wanting to make a mistake against the other. In fact, it may even prove to be a boring fight. Boring? Yes boring. The very real possibility exists that both men will be cautious of each other making this a more defensive fight rather than offensive one.

Hopefully the two sides can agree on a purse amount, and a weight that can make this fight happen. It's just one of those fights that has to happen. If Pacquiao wins, then nobody on the planet can ever question a thing about the guy. Truthfully, nobody should be doing that now, but some still do. There has even been some allegations that Pacquiao is using steroids. Personally, I think that is a preposterous allegation that has no basis, or merit.

If Mayweather wins, oh boy, wouldn't that be interesting? Firstly, Mayweather is in a lose lose situation here. If he beats Pacquiao everybody will blame him for beating a smaller guy. If Mayweather loses, than of course everybody will say that he's been over-hyped and was finally exposed. This just adds another dimension to the fight, but the good news is that a rematch is probably going to happen regardless of who wins.

The sideshow that will take place will be just as interesting as the show inside of the ring. With Floyd Mayweather Jr comes Floyd Mayweather Sr. With Manny Pacquiao comes Freddie Roach. Big Floyd and Freddie don't like each other. The antics from both men will be a blast to witness. The two men are at each others throats whenever the two merge, so this won't be any different.
Bring this fight on, and may the best man win.

Source: examiner.com