Travis Thomas: 3 Reasons Floyd Mayweather Will Beat Manny Pacquiao
1. SUPREME FOCUS
Floyd Mayweather has built an empire based almost entirely on being loud, brash, boastful and swagged out. Early in his career he flaunted his "Pretty Boy" looks, proclaiming that he looked so handsome in the face because his defense was so impenetrable, he never got hit. As he began to gain notoriety he started showing off his riches and gloating about his luxurious lifestyle. E
ssentially, Floyd was a real life version of a cartoon character straight out of the WWE. In fact, along the way Floyd made appearances on WrestleMania and "Dancing With The Stars." This only added to the Mayweather Brand and made him a household name. Floyd Mayweather knew when to put on a show and when to pull back. He practically created and drove the show 24/7 on HBO, a documentary styled mini-series leading up to his fights. Since then, Floyd has left HBO and signed an unprecedented deal with Showtime.
Currently, Floyd is being unusually quiet leading up to the super fight against Manny Pacquiao. Mayweather doesn't need to be outrageous or ostentatious to sell this fight. Interest is so high among both boxing and casual fans, it's selling by itself. It's as if Floyd has humbled himself, he speaks softly, insightfully, and there is little of the braggadocio we have all come to love or hate about him. This time around Floyd just seems focused on winning the fight.
2. PAC-MAN'S LEGS
Many are suggesting that Floyd Mayweather is slower and has lost a step in the ring. Perhaps that is the case after all, but I would argue that it's Manny Pacquiao whose legs should be in questions. Reports out of Manny Pacquiao's camp are claiming that he's experiencing severe leg cramps. So much so that Trainer Freddie Roach and new strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune have solicited the services of Filipino specialists to help.
Roach also states that Pacquiao has eliminated running uphill as part of his training. The boxer used to run up a concrete hill while training in Los Angeles for other fights. Recently, fans gathered a few miles away from Pacquiao's home, hoping to witness his morning run. But the champ was forced to skip his training session due to the cramping pains in his calves. It should be noted that Pacquiao has dealt with calf issues his whole career during training. Although this issue has never affected him during a fight, you have to wonder if at this advanced age it could start. Manny Pacquiao will need to rely on his footwork and ability to cut the ring off as much as he will his fist, if he even has a chance at beating Mayweather.
3. LEGACY
Every generation has a super fight that would defy boxing or MMA and the fighters involved forever. This is that moment for boxing. Boxing is in the beginning stages of a transitional renaissance. I call Boxing The New Gold Rush. With so much at stake not only for the sport but also for Floyd Mayweather's legacy, I can't see him losing this fight.
We can all agree that this fight probably should have happened a half-decade ago when both men were in their primes; this matchup is still significant for both of their legacies. Since Floyd is unbeaten and favored, I believe he's got to want it a bit more than Pacquiao does. If Mayweather had retired without facing Pacquiao —even if he retired with an undefeated record— his career always would have carried an asterisk. If we're talking about how Mayweather will be viewed in boxing history and if we know that's important to Mayweather himself, no way he loses to Pacquiao.
Unless of course you believe otherwise: 3 Reasons Manny Pacquiao Will Beat Floyd Mayweather
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