By Jamie Hooper: I don’t think there has been a fight in the last ten years that has created as much excitement and anticipation as this one. After Christmas and new year are out the way. The pound for pound number one and number two will start training for a fight that could reinvigorate the whole boxing scene. After Floyd Mayweather’s easy win over Juan Manuel Marquez, my initial thoughts where that Mayweather would handle Pacquiao in a similar masterful fashion. As time has gone by, my opinion has started to change. In Manny Pacquiao, Mayweather has a lot to deal with.
Speed, power, aggression and relentless pressure are all things Mayweather has had to cope with before, but not all from the one fighter.
There is also something about the manner of Freddie Roach which suggest that Mayweather is in for a tough fight. Roach is beaming with confidence, and looks energized and cant wait to start working with Manny too create the plan that will give Mayweather his first defeat. Roach has said that he wants to get Manny in the gym early, as his plan for beating mayweather involves a lot of changes to Mannys current style.
Roach has stated that Mayweather’s body is fragile-having had shoulder injuries. Roach has indicated that he will be instructing Manny to attack Mayweathers shoulder, especially when Mayweather shoulder rolls. This, if it works will be one way of taking one of Mayweathers most often used defensive moves away from him.
I am trying to point out here, that this fight wont be a foregone conclusion for Mayweather. I do still believe that mayweather is the favorite for this one. I still see too many defensive flaws in Pacquiao style. Cotto managed to exploit these to some extent by landing solid jabs through the guard. Although to Mannys credit he looked bullet proof to most of Cottos attacks.
This fight will test both fighters and as such will cement the legacy of one of them forever. Pacquiao has already achieved enough to ensure his place in the hall of fame. You could say Mayweather has too. But we all want to see Mayweather being properly tested, and Pacquiao could be the man to do it.
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