Betdistrict.com
Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will square off at the MGM Grand in the most anticipated sporting event of the year, one of the biggest boxing matches in recent history. THE WBC and WBO Welterweight titles are on the line. The gala will start at about 01:30 GMT, but the main event will probably have a start time of about 03:30 GMT
Mayweather (47-0, 26 KO) is putting his undefeated legacy on the line, finally agreeing to take on this career defining fight. For all his dubious character, Mayweather is truly a boxing artist and despite not being at his absolute best in the last couple of years, he still made light work of every opponent he met. The last (and only) time Mayweather was even remotely close to losing was back in 2007 against De La Hoya, a fight that I actually think De la Hoya won. The last time Floyd was in the ring, he won easily against Maidana, a similar fighter to Pacquiao.
Manny Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KO) was truly the most entertaining boxer to watch a while ago, having a couple of years when he was absolutely amazing with his speed, punching frequency and punching power – demolishing De La Hoya, Hatton or Cotto in 2009-2010. However, Pacman hasn’t been as good for a long time, losing to Marquez via a brutal KO and losing to Bradley, even though he was robbed in that match. Since losing these two, Manny recorded 3 wins by decision against unimpressive opposition. The Philipinean is getting older and he has way too many curricular activities to be able to train at his best – he’s a singer, a politician, a basketball player/coach and so on. I really can’t see how you can come out and beat a boxer like Mayweather in these conditions.
Bet on Mayweather vs. Pacquiao and get your 100% welcome bonus at Bet365 now!
Pacquiao hasn`t recorded an impressive win and hasn’t knocked anybody out since fitness coach Alex Ariza (who’s now helping Floyd) left back in 2009 – a fact that Mayweather was quick to point out and a reality that makes you question if Manny has the same power and frequency like in the past. And this can also be seen from the fact that he looks smaller than 4-5 years ago, arguably losing some muscle.
Mayweather has a 4cm height advantage and most importantly a 13cm reach advantage, also being the heavier fighter. The gameplan of the fight is easy to anticipated, with Pacquiao set to be the aggressor, looking to get inside. He will count on his speed to so so, while Mayweather will play a defensive game, keeping the distance, jabbing away at Manny and looking for counterpunches.
I always felt that 5-6 years ago, when in his prime, Pacman would get the better of Mayweather with his incredible speed and punching power. However, Pacquiao is not in his prime anymore and looking at his last fights, I doubt he still has the speed or power to trouble Floyd. You just can`t do it at this level when you have so many distractions and auxiliar activities, like Pacman has. Mayweather is the bigger boxer and his better reach will work perfectly against Manny, allowing Floyd to play his defensive game and keep him at bay with his jabs. As much as I would like Pacquiao to win this, I can’t see it happening – Mayweather is simply the better boxer right now.
The odds were much more fair when they first came out at about 1.40 and even those were a bit high. The current price is unrealistic and I feel it’s artificially increased by people’s hate for Mayweather and their simple desire to see Pacman win – a desire which I share, but we all know how betting with your heart ends up). I think Mayweather will win on points, but I`m taking extra safety on this bet so my tip will be a straight Mayweather win (on the 1×2 market) – and I will bet this with maximum stakes and confidence. Prediction: Mayweather to win an unanimous points decision.
Quality live streaming for most sporting events available for players at Bet365.com.
Pick: Mayweather
Odds: 1.60 @ Bwin
Stake: 10
Possible profit: 6
Event date: 3 May
