The biggest fight of the year is finally coming. Bet on Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather at Belmont Sportsbook — your home for boxing betting and odds.
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>>Pacman vs. Pretty Boy: Fight Preview
>>Manny Pacquiao Fighter Profile
>>Floyd Mayweather Fighter Profile
This is a difficult fight to break down. We see two great fighters with equally compelling virtues and long histories of success. Let’s break down the vital information and see if it doesn’t help crystallize the picture a little bit.
Record and Standing
Floyd Mayweather: His record stands at 41-0 with 25 knockouts, a streak dating back to 1996. He represented the U.S. in the 1996 Olympics, winning a bronze medal to cap off an illustrious amateur career. Insiders are about split as to whether Mayweather or Pacquiao are the number-one fighter in the sport, but Floyd probably has a small edge. He won his first belt stopping excellent WBC 130lb. champ Genaro Hernandez and made 7 defenses, including a hallmark unification win over 33-0 Diego Corrales. Edged WBC Lightweight Champion Jose Luis Castillo in ’02 and made 3 defenses before moving up to 140 lbs. and beating Arturo Gatti for the WBC belt.
Mayweather moved up to welterweight in 2005 and beat linear champion Carlos Baldomir the following year. He also captured the WBC 154 lb. title by beating Oscar De La Hoya. In addition to the names mentioned, Mayweather also claims victories over standout fighters such as Angel Manfredy, Jesus Chavez, DeMarcus Corley, Sharmba Mitchell, Zab Judah, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Marquez, and Shane Mosley.
Manny Pacquiao: Pacman is now 51-3-2 with 38 knockouts in a great pro career dating back to 1995. Fought as low as 106 lbs. early in his career and suffered a knockout loss just after turning 17. Scooped up the WBC Flyweight title as a teenager, beating excellent champion Chatchai Sasakul in 1998. Made one defense before being stopped by undefeated Thai challenger Medgoen Singsurat. He moved up 3 weight classes to the junior featherweight division, eventually defeating esteemed IBF champion Lehlo Ledwaba in 2001. He made 4 defenses before moving up to featherweight.
Pacquiao upset Ring Magazine and linear Featherweight Champion Marco Antonio Barrera in 2003—his first really big win. Fought to a draw with Juan Manuel Marquez in his next fight, after having his rival on the mat 3 times in the 1st round. Following a decision loss to Erik Morales in 2005, Pacquiao has been on a roll, including two avenging knockouts of Morales and a repeat win over Barrera. Beat Marquez in ’08 for the WBC 130 lb. belt. Later that year, he beat David Diaz for a lightweight strap and upset Oscar De La Hoya by eye-popping TKO. Pacman almost ripped Ricky Hatton’s head off for his World Junior Welterweight Title in ’09, and then stopped Miguel Cotto for his WBO Welterweight Title later in the year—his record-shattering 7th weight class in which he has held a title.
Previous Fight
Floyd Mayweather: Except for a 2nd-round bobble, where he was rocked by a Mosley right hand, Mayweather was awesome in dissecting his respected foe. Floyd looked great in neutralizing Mosley, using his great skill and speed to win 11 out of 12 rounds—a vintage performance.
Manny Pacquiao: Utterly shut down Joshua Clottey in Cowboys Stadium. Was unable to put the iron-chinned and defensive-minded opponent away, but won all 12 rounds against a top welterweight.
Age and Wear
Floyd Mayweather: He has nagging injuries that come with the territory of being a boxer who has been fighting his whole life. Nevertheless, he is a well-preserved and fresh 33. Has shown no signs of decline in the ring.
Manny Pacquiao: One has to wonder when the signs of a long and demanding career will begin to show, but they haven’t yet. At 31, he appears to be at his peak. Still, it could be possible that all the tough fights and jumps in weight have added up. By all appearances, however, it has made him more battle-tempered and experienced.
Best Weapons
Floyd Mayweather: Operates with a tremendous ring IQ, highlighted by great mobility, speed and respectable power. Mayweather is a supreme boxer of the highest order—one of the best ever. He has a great jab, stellar defense, and good recuperative powers on the rare occasions he gets tagged cleanly.
Manny Pacquiao: Also possesses great speed, but relies on his power. His left hand comes suddenly and with great impact. His long-neglected right hand is also now a very formidable weapon. Has great positioning in the ring and can take a punch if necessary. Manny fights with great pride and confidence.
Quality of Opposition
Floyd Mayweather: This is perhaps the most criticized part of Mayweather’s career. He took on the best at junior lightweight and lightweight, but became content on making big money more than taking legacy-building fights as he progressed. With almost 5 years at welterweight, his resume lacks the big names that one would like to see. His record is highlighted with wins over Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, an old De La Hoya, and lopsided victories over the smaller Hatton and Marquez. The Mosley win was definitely a step in the right direction.
Manny Pacquiao: Has fought in 7 divisions, taking on the best in every weight class except lightweight. The pride of the Philippines virtually ended the careers of such greats as Morales, Barrera, De La Hoya, and Hatton, though they were all toward the end of their careers anyway. Since arriving at welterweight, he has taken on the best fighters available.
Questions
Floyd Mayweather: While he has made a ton of money fighting big-name/low-risk opposition, is that the ideal preparation for a dynamo like Pacquiao? Will his jive tactics fail to work against a prime fighting force that brings the heat like the Pacman can? Having never seen him pass a serious gut-check, can he be depended on to come through in what might be a dogfight?
Manny Pacquiao: Has Pacquiao risen to the top fighting older or flawed fighters? Do the two struggles with Marquez suggest this will be a difficult evening? How will he react when his game isn’t working on Mayweather the way it has with all his recent opposition? Fighting in his 7th division, has he finally hit the proverbial wall?
