In an interesting interview with Sports Radio 790, Freddie Roach told listeners he believes Mayweather has ?lost his legs? based on his performance against Shane Mosley and will be knocked out if he fights Manny Pacquiao.
?He can?t punch at that weight, that?s his biggest issue, and the speed factor, he?s a little bit slower,? said Roach. ?And you could see, even from the other night, that he doesn?t have his legs anymore. He changed his style because he can?t move like he used to at that weight. That?s why he was more flat footed and that?s why Shane did hit him in the first rounds. But Shane got old over night.?
And if Mayweather fights Pacquiao in that style, Roach believes it will play right into their hands.
?If Manny Pacquiao catches him, we will finish him,? he said emphatically.
?He doesn?t have that movement like he once did?.The style of fight he fought the other night was very good for the fans because he didn?t run and he did come and fight. It?s unfortunate that Mosley didn?t have more in the tank, but Pacquiao will.?
I think Roach makes a couple of interesting observations, and he?s certainly right that if anyone can beat Mayweather, Pacquiao can. However, Floyd?s incredible ring intelligence and sharpness will do a lot to stop Pacquiao forcing his way in, a tactic everyone who has fought him has tried to do with little effect. His defense and ability to predict punches is nothing short of amazing, and Pacquiao can certainly be countered given his unorthodox style.
Pacquiao?s speed, power and movement will cause Floyd lots of problems, but whether it will be enough to knock him out is anyone?s guess. Let?s just hope the fight gets made and we get a chance to see two all time greats battle it out.
