Pacquiao vs Mayweather Jr promises to be one of the biggest fights in boxing history, and Carlo Garganese explains how the clashes of style, status and character make their bout comparable to the huge Barcelona vs Inter clash in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
In the maroon and blue corner we have Barcelona – reigning European champions, reigning Spanish champions, reigning Spanish cup champions, reigning European Super Cup champions, soon-to-be world champions, and the No.1 pound-for-pound club team in the world.
In the black and blue corner we have Internazionale – four times reigning Italian champions, current Italian championship leaders, and No.1 pound-for-pound club team in Italy.
Also in the maroon and blue corner we have Manny Pacquiao – reigning WBO Welterweight World champion, IBO and Ring Magazine light welterweight champion, a winner of world titles in seven different weight divisions, and the current No.1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world.
Also in the black and blue corner we have Floyd Mayweather Jr – former WBC Welterweight champion, a winner of world titles in five different weight classes, undefeated 40-and-0, and former No.1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world.
For those of you who love your boxing, 2010 promises to be a special year as welterweights Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr appear almost certain to get into the ring for the most eagerly awaited fight of a generation. Even though nothing is yet set in stone, and any bout will probably not take place for at least five or six months, the build-up and anticipation has already begun with boxers, pundits, experts, and fans all debating who will win.
Clash Of Styles
What makes the prospect of this super-fight so fascinating is that it represents an emphatic clash of styles and personalities. The attacking, well-liked, humble, and entertaining Pacquiao against the defensive, unpopular, brash and efficient Mayweather. In many ways Pacquiao-Mayweather shares some uncanny similarities with the big Champions League tie between Barcelona and Inter on Tuesday night at Camp Nou.
Barcelona champion attacking, jaw-dropping football in which style is usually more important than substance. Their tiki-taka, pass-and-move game, with one-twos, one-touches, is beautiful on the eye. The Blaugrana have fun, they play with a smile on their faces, and take the game to the opposition while showing no fear. Pacquiao’s boxing philosophy is very similar. The Filipino attacks his prey, makes all the offensive running, and employs an easy-on-the-eye approach with dazzling 8-10 combos showing frightening hand and foot speed as he dances around the ring like Lionel Messi jives around the football pitch.
