Floyd Mayweather Jr. versus Manny Pacquiao fight night, something that most fans and media around world figured would never happen, is finally upon us.
May 2 has been circled on not just boxing fans calenders, but casual sports fans’ as well, as the “Fight of the Century” is garnering attention a boxing matches hasn’t seen in quite some time.
So before the big pay-per-view extravaganza takes place tonight from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, here is a little primer to catch you up to date on the most anticipated sporting event in the last tow decades.
Mayweather vs. Pacquiao PPV Start time:
What: Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao
When: Saturday, May 2, beginning at 9 p.m. EDT/6 p.m. PDT in a co-produced effort by HBO and Showtime.
Price: $89.99 standard definition/$99.95 high definition
Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Betting Lines (via Bovada):
Money Line:
Floyd Mayweather -210
Manny Pacquiao +170
Fight Outcomes:
Mayweather via KO, TKO or DQ: +500
Pacquiao via KO, TKO or DQ: +425
Mayweather via decision or technical decision: -120
Pacquiao via decision or technical decision: +375
Draw or technical draw: +900
Weights:
Limit: 147 pounds (welterweight)
Floyd Mayweather Jr: 146 pounds
Manny Pacquiao: 145 pounds
Story Lines:
Titles on the line:
Floyd Mayweather: WBC and WBA welterweight titles
Manny Pacquiao: WBO welterweight title
WBC: A special WBC belt worth $1 million will also be awarded to the winner of the fight.
Mayweather:
Well the biggest story line here is that Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are finally meeting in the ring after six long ears of speculation, near makes and trash-talk between the two fighters camps.
Mayweather has his perfect record of 47-0 on the line, as he is in pursuit to retire undefeated, the Pacquiao bout is seen at the best shot at someone handing him his first loss of his career.
Add that on top of Mayweather stating he will retire after he fulfills his six-fight Showtime/CBS deal, this would make Saturday’s bout his second to last fight, with a September bout being his farewell affair.
Pacquiao:
For Pacquiao this represents a chance to redeem a rocky 2012 where he suffered a pair of losses. One was a controversial decision loss to Timothy Bradley, and the other was the punch hear around the world, when he was knocked out cold by longtime foe Juan Manuel Marquez,
Some fight fans are still weary of Pacquiao even after avenging his loss to Bradley last year, and compiling a record of 3-0, also betting Brandon Rios and Chris Algieri in that time.
A lot of media, fans, and Pacquiao’s camp itself have been making this fight “Good vs. Evil,” claiming Mayweather is evil with his flashy, over the top, troubles with the law ways. With Pacquiao being good, as he is the religious guy, who gives a lot to his home country of the Philippines where he serves on congress.
Again, all those will be forgotten as soon as both fighters make their way to the ring and are standing toe-to-toe prior to the opening bell in Round 1.
Rematch:
A lot of talk is that if Manny Pacquiao wins, there is a draw, or there is a controversial decision for Floyd Mayweather that there will be a rematch. With how the whole build up to the fight, mainly involving the ticket issues that were only resolved 10 days ago, leading to Pacquiao skipping the MGM grand arrival, the likelihood of a rematch or very slim at this time.
Prediction:
Despite the betting line on a draw dropped from +2000 when it opened to +900 today, the conspiracy that a draw will take place i possible, but, not being taken in this instance.
Mayweather will used a mix of his infamous defensive tactics to thwart of the majority of Pacquiao’s attacks. The general consensus is that Pacquiao will be the aggressor, tying to walk down Mayweather, which plays perfectly into Mayweather’s fight style.
Sure, there will be opportunities for Pacquiao to land some potential fight-changing shots, but in return, Pacquiao going for those, will also lead to more missed punches, than landed. Giving Mayweather an opportunity to do what he does best; counter punch.
Both fighters will have their moments, but there will likely be no knockdowns, but still an entertaining bout will take place.
Mayweather will use his incredible ability to adapt in-fight, an adjust his style to best Pacquiao, especially in the latter rounds.
Mayweather: via unanimous decision, 116-112.