By Babatis Banda: While it is true that these are probably the best two P4P fighters in the world today, they are surely not cut from the same cloth. The factors that have made these two successful are almost completely parallel and are so easy to see. It is important to understand these factors to understand what shapes them into what they are, and may be hugely responsible for the current impasse.

Manny Pacquiao is a fighter who has fought his way up, confronted adversity head-on and taken some battering in the process. Pacquiao is not afraid of pain, he seems to relish pain as if to say, no pain, no sweet. He has had no luxury of choosing who to fight and who not to fight because first of all, being a fighter from outside of the United States, he had to be noticed by fighting the toughest battles. Other than influences from promoters and trainers, this is a fighter ready to go for it any time of the day, any part of the world. He simply takes punishment in order to deliver his.

In pure contrast, Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather is a pure talent. He has boxed his way up and made a name and a character for himself. Floyd Mayweather jnr. Is a somewhat smart business person and at the same time, he does not take unnecessary risk with little reward, he does not like punishment at all. His approach to boxing says it all…safety first, don’t get hit while you hit. Like he says, “there is nothing cool about being hit”. This explains why Floyd has developed into a defensive maestro, undisputed by all. Floyd Mayweather Jnr is the master of what he does, once he is in it, his concentration seems unmatched and his abilities unquestionable.

Not to mention the confusion the press has injected into the Floyd/Manny possible match-up, the contrasting personalities of the two are hugely responsible for the impasse. First of all, the rumors and the unsubstantiated stories fueled the debate, polarizing everybody who dared to care and affected the egos of both fighters. Fans of both camps seem to believe that their opposition is to blame and for sure, both are just as guilty. To start with, by the mare fact that Floyd asked for a drug test is recognition of the fact that Manny is extra-ordinary otherwise why worry? At the same time, it is possible that this was a genuine concern, Manny was ravaging and terrorizing the elite in the sport and in the most terrible manner! Again, Manny should have just taken the test, clear the people’s minds and as usual, get on with it. I have a feeling that Manny would have done so, but I see influences to the contrary by Roach and Arum.

It is not difficult to figure out what danger each pose to the other. Manny is a work devil, always working, and working hard. The question is…can Floyd keep up with Manny’s work rate? Can Floyd manage to tame Manny’s power? Can Floyd manage to solve the southpaw puzzle? These are the only areas of concern for one Floyd Mayweather jnr. On the other hand, Floyd is the master boxer, there is no known antidote to his venom as it stands today. Will Manny manage to find him? Will Manny’s power and work rate negate Floyd’s efficiency, superb counter punching and ring intelligence? One thing for sure is that Floyd is not any of the fighters Manny has fought. Floyd has to some degree, faced many Pacquiaos in his career, you may agree or may not agree, this is how I see it. Styles make the fights.

It boils down to personalities, Manny is ready to go for it, not withstanding his teams influences on testing and other issues. Floyd takes no risks with little rewards, and there is no reason why he should, but this one is the biggest reward and common sense tells me he will take it. Floyd enjoys some luxury that Manny does not, he will demand this and that because he feels he can, but finally it will happen. Manny Pacquiao has the will to win, and Floyd Mayweather jnr. has the tools to win. I see it this way…..it is a battle of will against ability.