Nothing would be more salivating than for me to watch contrasting of styles than these two superlative fighters now, here's how I see it.
Prime Mayweather vs Prime Pacquiao
?Mayweather Beating Pacquiao
As a traditional left lead fighter in Mayweather is all that we can see as traditional. What isn't is his impeccable and uncanny sixth sense on how to:
1) Distance himself from his opponents.
His left lead stance shows exceptional footworks behind his hind legs primed to back pedal, move forward, swivel (shoulder roll), duck (no puns), fade (with his right on guard at all times). His hind right leg is positioned in a nimble way, not locked flatfooted unless he wants to (see Mosley fight) to confront the opponent.
In my humble estimation his righ hind leg is always on his toes ready to spring for a right crosses and his lunging left hooks (patented shots) while his right hind leg is primed to absorb his weight when ducks down to his right, or even fade at his right as he swivel to his patented shoulder roll.
This is the main crux and engine of Mayweather, his superlative FORWARD/BACKWARD movements that would deter a Pacquiao attack or two (to put it modestly).
2) Right Guard
Mayweather's Right hand guard on the high position is the key to defend against Pacquiao's attacks (left cross). He can pat, parry, block AND do his PULL COUNTERS (right cross) with it.
3) Left on Low Position
Mayweather's low left hand position is primed to do one thing, HIS LUNGING LEFT HOOKS though he does have a decent left jab. This can also land on Pacquiao's right body and midsection should he step on his lateral right (dangerous against Pacquiao though). Mayweather's pinpoint accuracy on his lunging left hooks are amazing that can surprise opponents as he times it as the opponent is about to come in.
?Pacquiao Beating Mayweather
Pacquiao as a gifted and relentless southpaw could give Mayweather some stiff challenges. His timing, off-angles, counters and lateral movements (mainly cutting to Mayweather's outside left)
1) Left Cross/Left uppercut/Left Hookercut
Pacquiao's main arsenal is the LEFT CROSS (traditionally). But he uses it in so many ways that it blurs the line nowadays. He uses his Left Crosses also as a "lead jab" mainly against Right Handers on a left lead while cutting outside their left jab in 45 degrees.
Traditionally, Pacquiao would throw in a single or a double right jab then inevitably letting his main weapon fly off. We've seen it before. That was his main bread and butter.
Nowadays, he also uses the HOOKER CUT, a semi-uppercut/hook to counter off the right hander's left jab or even the right cross. This is for the semi-close range and therefore he needed to step up or step just outside the left jab of his opponent to close in. Due to Pacquao's low-center of gravity, low build and massive lower leg for balance and leverage - this punch is a KNOCK OUT PUNCH.
I can see him using this punch when he gets in Mayweather.
2) Right hook / Right Jab
Pacquao's Right Hook is becoming his next favorite attack other than his left crosses. He uses it as a LEAD entry to initiate a combination attack against a high CLOTTEY Guard but I can see him often using it to pound on the RIGHT HANDER's LEFT RIBs.
3) Combination
Superlative combination puncher, Pacquiao's multi-angle attack is the best I've ever seen since Sugar Ray Leonard and Aaron Pryor. But comes with it are strength and the snap. His leverage is well shown and momentum optimized to destroy his target.
--------------------------------------
I've discussed the IDEALS of both, but in reality, we can only see a little of those because:
?Mayweather can neutralize many of the things I've discussed. Mayweather as the supreme defender can neutralize Pacquiao as the supreme attacker.
But Mayweather is also slowing down, mainly on his wheels. I would like to confirm Freddie Roach's reading on his last fight against Mosley but thatcan be misleading also since Mayweather's upfront tactic worked wonders against Mosley AFTER the right crosses (with no follow ups) in the 2nd round.
Mayweather stayed put and neutralized Mosley's right crosses by stepping up and jamming him. While using enough backpedaling...thus we see Mayweather relatively static compared to his previous fights.
I can see Mayweather potshotting Pacquiao with RIGHT CROSSES and taking a toll on Pacquiao to slow him down.
But the biggest thing that I can see Mayweather will use against Pacquiao other than using his wheels to move around and laterally is to CLINCH. CLINCH like never before and CLINCH like cheap glue like what he did occasionally against Mosley.
Pacquiao on the other hand, can use his LEFT CROSSES either as LEAD JABS or LEFT UPPERCUTS to Mayweather's ducking and fading (rolling to his right). Pacquiao's RIGHT HOOK can only be placed on Mayweather's head and since Mayweather's left body is relatively secured with his LOW LEFT HAND placement defensively, it would be hard for Pacquiao to land the RIGHT HOOK.
And so ideally, Pacquiao have to pressure Mayweather relentlessly and in an accurate timing. This is how to pace himself against a "Boxer" in Mayweather who would test his stamina till the end.
And so Pacquiao has to be opportunistic in getting some shots in (which would be difficult).
THe main strategy is for Freddie and Pacquaio strategizing a KAMIKAZE ATTACK on the early rounds. BEFORE Mayweather can adjust. Pacquaiao has to exploit this. Just like Judah a bit dominating on Mayweather onth early rounds as a SOUTHPAW.
And if anyone else, Pacquao is the only boxer who can exploit Mayweather on these early rounds. Just like the floodgates, if he hits Mayweather, he has to bring everything.
So early rounds go to PACQUIAO and potentially can knock Mayweather out.
But after Mayweather adjust to the distance and timing, I think Mayweather would have to use his best best defensive boxing until the 12th round.
Prediction?
?Mayweather on a SPLIT or UNANIMOUS DECISION but with the potential PACQUAIO KAYOING Mayweather from the early rounds to the mid 7th rounds before he tires.
Thus Pacquaio would need to have his best stamina and pacing to beat Mayweather.
So there.....I am hoping for Pacquaio to Knock out Mayweather and wouldn't be surprised if he does. Just that chances are, I am going for the safe prediction of Mayweather going to the distance of boxing.
But we would never know, Pacquaio, the Tazmanian devil from the Philippines could be just what the fans ordered to beat Mayweather and beat him up.
This would be the boxing fight for the ages.
Prime Mayweather vs Prime Pacquiao
?Mayweather Beating Pacquiao
As a traditional left lead fighter in Mayweather is all that we can see as traditional. What isn't is his impeccable and uncanny sixth sense on how to:
1) Distance himself from his opponents.
His left lead stance shows exceptional footworks behind his hind legs primed to back pedal, move forward, swivel (shoulder roll), duck (no puns), fade (with his right on guard at all times). His hind right leg is positioned in a nimble way, not locked flatfooted unless he wants to (see Mosley fight) to confront the opponent.
In my humble estimation his righ hind leg is always on his toes ready to spring for a right crosses and his lunging left hooks (patented shots) while his right hind leg is primed to absorb his weight when ducks down to his right, or even fade at his right as he swivel to his patented shoulder roll.
This is the main crux and engine of Mayweather, his superlative FORWARD/BACKWARD movements that would deter a Pacquiao attack or two (to put it modestly).
2) Right Guard
Mayweather's Right hand guard on the high position is the key to defend against Pacquiao's attacks (left cross). He can pat, parry, block AND do his PULL COUNTERS (right cross) with it.
3) Left on Low Position
Mayweather's low left hand position is primed to do one thing, HIS LUNGING LEFT HOOKS though he does have a decent left jab. This can also land on Pacquiao's right body and midsection should he step on his lateral right (dangerous against Pacquiao though). Mayweather's pinpoint accuracy on his lunging left hooks are amazing that can surprise opponents as he times it as the opponent is about to come in.
?Pacquiao Beating Mayweather
Pacquiao as a gifted and relentless southpaw could give Mayweather some stiff challenges. His timing, off-angles, counters and lateral movements (mainly cutting to Mayweather's outside left)
1) Left Cross/Left uppercut/Left Hookercut
Pacquiao's main arsenal is the LEFT CROSS (traditionally). But he uses it in so many ways that it blurs the line nowadays. He uses his Left Crosses also as a "lead jab" mainly against Right Handers on a left lead while cutting outside their left jab in 45 degrees.
Traditionally, Pacquiao would throw in a single or a double right jab then inevitably letting his main weapon fly off. We've seen it before. That was his main bread and butter.
Nowadays, he also uses the HOOKER CUT, a semi-uppercut/hook to counter off the right hander's left jab or even the right cross. This is for the semi-close range and therefore he needed to step up or step just outside the left jab of his opponent to close in. Due to Pacquao's low-center of gravity, low build and massive lower leg for balance and leverage - this punch is a KNOCK OUT PUNCH.
I can see him using this punch when he gets in Mayweather.
2) Right hook / Right Jab
Pacquao's Right Hook is becoming his next favorite attack other than his left crosses. He uses it as a LEAD entry to initiate a combination attack against a high CLOTTEY Guard but I can see him often using it to pound on the RIGHT HANDER's LEFT RIBs.
3) Combination
Superlative combination puncher, Pacquiao's multi-angle attack is the best I've ever seen since Sugar Ray Leonard and Aaron Pryor. But comes with it are strength and the snap. His leverage is well shown and momentum optimized to destroy his target.
--------------------------------------
I've discussed the IDEALS of both, but in reality, we can only see a little of those because:
?Mayweather can neutralize many of the things I've discussed. Mayweather as the supreme defender can neutralize Pacquiao as the supreme attacker.
But Mayweather is also slowing down, mainly on his wheels. I would like to confirm Freddie Roach's reading on his last fight against Mosley but thatcan be misleading also since Mayweather's upfront tactic worked wonders against Mosley AFTER the right crosses (with no follow ups) in the 2nd round.
Mayweather stayed put and neutralized Mosley's right crosses by stepping up and jamming him. While using enough backpedaling...thus we see Mayweather relatively static compared to his previous fights.
I can see Mayweather potshotting Pacquiao with RIGHT CROSSES and taking a toll on Pacquiao to slow him down.
But the biggest thing that I can see Mayweather will use against Pacquiao other than using his wheels to move around and laterally is to CLINCH. CLINCH like never before and CLINCH like cheap glue like what he did occasionally against Mosley.
Pacquiao on the other hand, can use his LEFT CROSSES either as LEAD JABS or LEFT UPPERCUTS to Mayweather's ducking and fading (rolling to his right). Pacquiao's RIGHT HOOK can only be placed on Mayweather's head and since Mayweather's left body is relatively secured with his LOW LEFT HAND placement defensively, it would be hard for Pacquiao to land the RIGHT HOOK.
And so ideally, Pacquiao have to pressure Mayweather relentlessly and in an accurate timing. This is how to pace himself against a "Boxer" in Mayweather who would test his stamina till the end.
And so Pacquiao has to be opportunistic in getting some shots in (which would be difficult).
THe main strategy is for Freddie and Pacquaio strategizing a KAMIKAZE ATTACK on the early rounds. BEFORE Mayweather can adjust. Pacquaiao has to exploit this. Just like Judah a bit dominating on Mayweather onth early rounds as a SOUTHPAW.
And if anyone else, Pacquao is the only boxer who can exploit Mayweather on these early rounds. Just like the floodgates, if he hits Mayweather, he has to bring everything.
So early rounds go to PACQUIAO and potentially can knock Mayweather out.
But after Mayweather adjust to the distance and timing, I think Mayweather would have to use his best best defensive boxing until the 12th round.
Prediction?
?Mayweather on a SPLIT or UNANIMOUS DECISION but with the potential PACQUAIO KAYOING Mayweather from the early rounds to the mid 7th rounds before he tires.
Thus Pacquaio would need to have his best stamina and pacing to beat Mayweather.
So there.....I am hoping for Pacquaio to Knock out Mayweather and wouldn't be surprised if he does. Just that chances are, I am going for the safe prediction of Mayweather going to the distance of boxing.
But we would never know, Pacquaio, the Tazmanian devil from the Philippines could be just what the fans ordered to beat Mayweather and beat him up.
This would be the boxing fight for the ages.
Comment