LOS ANGELES ? Unlike Manny Pacquiao?s conference call with the media, which was cancelled shortly after it started with the Filipino icon barely saying any words, Floyd Mayweather Jr.?s phone session proceeded smoothly as planned.
With a little over a week left before his megabuck duel with Pacquiao, Mayweather is brimming with confidence, saying he?ll treat the richest match in boxing history as just another day at the office.
The undefeated American told international media on Wednesday (Thursday Manila time) that there is no pressure in delivering a big victory over Pacquiao, whom many boxing pundits believe has the best chance of dealing Mayweather his first loss after 47 wins.
A day before Mayweather took the call, it was Pacquiao who was scheduled for a similar phone engagement. But technical difficulties reportedly forced the cancellation of the call, with Top Rank chief Bob Arum himself pulling the plug after just one question from a reporter.
It was, however, a different case for Mayweather?s media call.
?I know it?s the biggest fight in boxing history, but I?m not going to put that pressure on myself. I will be at my best,? Mayweather said. Sportshub ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
Known throughout his career as a brash fighter, Mayweather has set thrash talking aside this time, believing that the massive fight with Pacquiao will sell itself.
Pacquiao?s trainer Freddie Roach has done most of the verbal offensive to add hype to the bout, at one point labeling Mayweather as an ?ordinary? fighter.
But the Las Vegas-based Mayweather isn?t paying attention.
?At the end of the day it comes down to the two fighters in the ring, not what Freddie Roach says or thinks,? he continued. ?My only job is to be the best, to be the best in the sport of boxing.?
Mayweather pointed out that gone are the days when he used to talk smack to add hype to a fight, saying he has grown. Against Pacquiao on May 2 (May 3 in Manila) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, he will let his fists do the talking.
?I?ve always had a big mouth and I?m not being quiet or holding back for any reason?s but that I?ve matured. I?ve done all the trash talking already. I am at a point where I know what I bring to the table,? he said.
