The world is aching to see a boxing showdown between Manny Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38 KOs) of the Philippines and American Floyd Mayweather Jr. (41-0, 25 KOs), the top two pound-for-pound-fighters on the planet. But there?s a chance it?ll never happen, especially with Mayweather facing a possible prison sentence.
But if it did come off, it?d be one of the biggest fights in boxing history — if not the biggest from a financial standpoint. Just the mention of these two stepping into the ring against each other is enough to ignite thousands of heated debates around the globe. Everybody has an opinion on the outcome of this fantasy fight, but let?s see what some of the experts have to say about it.
Most credible boxing Web sites consist of excellent writers and analysts, and the majority of them agree Mayweather would come out on top. BoxingNewsworld.com polled 25 of the top boxing writers, including scribes from Ring magazine, Doghouse boxing, Eastside Boxing, Fight Beat, Boxing Scene, Ringside Report, and Boxing Talk. Surprisingly, a whopping 23 of the 25 thought Mayweather would win, with just two backing Pacquiao.
But examiner.com?s Brad Cooney leans towards Pacquiao and said he thinks the Filipino would knock Mayweather out. ?Pacquiao?s speed is ridiculous, and he is a two handed punching machine. Pacquiao?s punches have very bad intentions, and he throws a lot of them. Fighting Pacquiao is like someone throwing 30 running chainsaws at you at the same time.?
While these writers are well respected, they aren?t in the ring everyday and don?t live and breathe the sport 24 hours a day. Let?s take a look at the opinions of those who are considered “insiders.” Trainers Joe Goossen, Ronnie Shields, Buddy McGirt, Robet Garcia, and Yoel Judah all had interesting opinions.
Goossen said Mayweather wants nothing to do with Pacquiao because the WBO welterweight champion gives him the willies. He added that Mayweather doesn?t like fighting southpaws, Pacquiao is hard to discourage and he doesn?t stop punching.
