This is probably one of a thousand to be written on this over chewed topic. People have discussed this for years, and broke it down every way imaginable. Nonetheless, this is, and will be the main topic until it happens, simply because too much is on the line. Fame as a legendry fighter, history, and eternal praise are some of the things the winner will be granted. The topic I am talking about is the likely outcome of the possible Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight of course. But I am sure you already knew that.
Instead of discussing their physical attributes and comparing them, I am going to write a different type of an article. I will not focus on who is better in the ring, but instead on who has the edge outside of the ring. There will be enough people later, including myself, who will start commenting on the 24/7 series and making crazy assumptions. Right now, the only thing that I can discuss with some certainty and strong personal opinion are the factors that will affect the fighters from the outside.
Let’s start with the camps of both fighters. A fighter’s training camp, consisting of the team and the location of the training, is crucial to their mental state and chance for a favorable outcome. This is a hard comparison to make, being that both fighters are too successful to blame the camp. I think that Pacquiao is more fortunate in that aspect. He has a tool, which is like a magic all knowing wand, by the name of Freddie Roach. Freddie is the whole package: training, strategy, mental preparation, pressure, optimization, specialization for every fight, etc. His predictions are remarkably on the dot, and he is very accurate and patient in learning the opposition. Watching fight videos over and over to find one little barely noticeable flaw and then take full advantage of it, is nothing short of poetically masterful. His confidence is also stunning. As far as Mayweather goes, Roach had some things to say: “The thing is, he’ll lay on the ropes. He rolls his shoulders, stuff like this, and we’ll take everything he gives us. I’ve got a great game plan for Mayweather. I know how to beat that guy. I think we definitely have better footwork than him. I think we have faster feet, and the hands are about the same. Obviously, everybody wants Mayweather-Pacquiao, but we’ll see what’s the best deal out there that we possibly can negotiate for Manny. But personally, I want Mayweather. We break him down and beat him up. The thing is, he’s a fragile guy. We have the speed and the power to deal with him.”
Mayweather’s camp is a bit less tactical and less intelligent about their opposition. They don’t spend much time on learning the other fighter, and deducting strategy for victory. Roger Mayweather seems to know how to get his nephew into the incredible shape that he been in all of his previous fights. They work on stamina, speed, power and defense. Basically, they carry out the standard ABCs of boxing, and the rest just falls into place. For Pacquiao, this might not be enough. Mayweather’s camp might be forced to actually watch the footage and think of something more effective then hanging on the ropes and jabbing the whole fight (even though a win is a win).
Location, location, location: Pacquiao’s homeland training is not the best idea. Freddie agrees with this, as seen on the last 24/7 episode. There are too many things going on in the Philippines, and Manny was trying to deal with all of them. The people, politics, disasters, family, etc: all those outside factors take away time and focus from the training plan. Roach was forced to give Manny an ultimatum: come train in America, or get another trainer for the Cotto showdown. Manny of course, decided to listen and went. Mayweather on the other hand, does not like to travel when training. He likes to sleep in his own bed and on his own favorite pillow. He sticks to Las Vegas without any discussions. He trains, fights, plays, shops and vacations in the Sin City. I see this as an advantage, due to many different factors. Everything is the same: same food, same gym, family close by, favorite relaxation spots right next door.
The fans are a big part of motivation to train hard and not get distracted. This is a very interesting comparison, because these two guys have countries behind them. Manny is the Philippine king: he is their hope, faith, and love. They will follow him anywhere, and will be worried every time he throws a punch. His people will celebrate every victory, and will be there to support him in any endeavor he chooses to pursue. Fans are scattered all over the world, and they show their support in the streets, bars, restaurants, and anywhere they can get together and cheer him on together as one.
Mayweather is the last true American hero in boxing. The flag comes up as he enters the ring. He is Floyd Money Mayweather. He wins, and then he talks, and then spends. He is a very exiting persona for boxing. He makes fights exiting by talking a lot, making wild accusations, predictions, and cocky remarks. He trains hard, and likes to play mind games with every boxing name. Larry Merchant got a piece of Mayweather before, so did Shane Mosley, Ricky Hatton, and recently Freddie Roach along with his star pupil.
It’s hard to say who will fill the arena if the fight ends up happening. I have a feeling that more than 70% of the public will be Philippine fans. They will come with flags, posters, signs; wearing shirts flags and hats, all with direct support of Pacquiao.
This is the fight that we have been waiting for. This is the fight that boxing as a sport requires. This is the fight which will break records and bring a tremendous amount of money to the table. This is that exact fight that will be a part of mega-fight history. Let’s make it happen.
