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Mayweather vs. Pacquiao: Still “The One”
To an enormous number of boxing fans, the dream matchup of Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao remains “the one that got away.”
Even while Mayweather’s mega-promotional tour alongside Canelo Alvarez was in full swing, you couldn’t help but think in the back of your mind, “What if?” Just what if that were Pacquiao standing across from Mayweather and not Alvarez?
Mayweather vs. Alvarez turned out to be a huge event with some exciting undercard bouts, but once the main event kicked off, Mayweather was up to his old tricks. And by that I mean domination.
After all the dust settled, what many boxing writers and fans predicted would be a difficult task for the pound-for-pound king ended up being a walk in the park.
Canelo and his over-matched corner were never truly able to change the pace and kick things into a gear that would make Mayweather uncomfortable.
A steady pace and pressure are two of the things that Pacquiao has been known for throughout his illustrious career, although lately he seems to have slowed down a bit.
Even so, pace and pressure are some things that we know Pacquiao would bring in loads against Mayweather and it is likely that fact that intrigues people the most in this potential mega bout.
Would Mayweather stay in the pocket against a fighter like Pacquiao? Would Pacquiao’s output and accuracy diminish like so many others who have faced Mayweather?
So many questions, and so few answers.
Every boxing fan–casual or diehard–has an opinion on who would win and why. But don’t worry, this isn’t where I go on a two page rant about why I feel Mayweather would win.
This is merely an acknowledgement that the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fan hype is still real. People–including yours truly–still want to see these two boxing legends go toe-to-toe in the ring and settle things once and for all.
If you don’t believe that Pacquiao is still the fan choice for Mayweather’s next opponent, check out a recent poll that ESPN conducted.
Pretty impressive numbers considering Pacquiao was knocked out cold in his last bout by Juan Manuel Marquez and was less than impressive against Timothy Bradley.
One thing is for sure though, if Pacquiao scores an impressive victory–especially a knockout–over Brandon Rios in November, expect Mayweather vs. Pacquiao talks to start heating up even more among fans.
