YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — The biggest fight in recent memory takes place on Saturday when Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao face off at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The battle between Mayweather and Pacquiao especially excites former lightweight champion Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini because of the contrasting styles and the possibilities that it brings.
“I’m excited because you have two of the best fighters for over the past 15 years,” Mancini said in a video interview with The Plain Dealer. “Manny Pacquiao’s style and Floyd Mayweather’s style make for a perfect matchup. Manny’s going to throw punches in bunches and Mayweather’s going to be defensive.”
Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini on Mayweather-Pacquiao Former Lightweight champ talks about The Fight of the Century.
Mayweather is one of the best defensive fighters of all time and his defense is often criticized because he often depends on eluding punches instead of throwing them.
That could change on Saturday.
“Mayweather’s got to fight him,” Mancini said. “He’s not going to keep Manny off by doing all of the slick defensive stuff. He’s got away with that in the past.”
A victory by Mayweather could make an interesting future. He has one more fight left on his contract with CBS. There are a host of fighters waiting in line.
“If there isn’t a rematch, Mayweather should fight the winner of Canelo Alvarez and Miguel Cotto,” Mancini said. “I hope its Canelo because he’ll fight Mayweather better the second time. Or he can fight Gennady Golovkin at a catch weight, but Floyd’s not getting within 100 yards of Golovkin.”
Mancini, a native of Youngstown, held the lightweight title from 1982-84. He defeated Arturo Frias for the title and defended it six times before losing by TKO to Livingstone Bramble. Mancini fought his last fight in 1992. He will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame this summer.
Mancini returned to his hometown after living in Los Angeles for 30 years. He’s the owner of a digital production company. He came back home in November.
“And lucky me, it’s one of the worst winters in years,” said a smiling Mancini.
