Mayweather vs. Pacquiao: Why Pac-Man Wouldn't Be Able to Handle Money May

Manny Pacquiao is not skilled enough to handle Floyd Mayweather. Money will confound him with his speed and defense and punish him with his counter punching.

He might not be able to knock the hard-headed Pacquiao out, but he would easily win a decision. Of course, this is assuming they fight sometime before they turn 50 and their skill sets are similar to what they are now. 

To that end, I offer no guarantees. As for why Pac-Man couldn't handle Money—should they fight anytime in the foreseeable future—read on.

Pac-Man's Declining Greatness

Manny last loss in 2005 to Erik Morales. In his 11 fights following that loss—a stretch that concluded in 2009 with a 12th round TKO over Miguel Cotto in 2009—only three of his fights went the distance. The other eight, he pummeled his way to KOs or TKOs. 

He has had four fights since then and all of them have gone the distance. While Pacquiao has still flashed dominance he has also beginning to lose his frightening air of invincibility. 

Pac-Man appears to be slowing, while also battling stamina issues. His trainer Freddie Roach questioned his focus and his strength and conditioning coach questioned his training methods for the Marquez fight, his personal life has gotten increasingly cluttered and all of the distractions may be taking a toll. 

And while Mayweather's life has its own amounts of considerable clutter and distraction, his boxing game does not appear to have slipped. He still has his blinding speed and ultimately he showed his last time in the ring that he is as effective as ever. 

The Counter Puncher

The fact that Mayweather has retained his blinding quickness is key for this matchup. It will be at the center of his dominance over Pacquiao. 

Money is one of the greatest counter punchers the sport has ever seen. This is a style that gives Pacquiao fits. Manny is more comfortable in a straight ahead brawl, than he is with a fighter that can avoid his punches and wait for openings. 

This has been on vivid display in his three fights with Juan Manuel Marquez. Marquez is an excellent counter puncher, and Manny has struggled against him because of it. Were it not for a late flourish against the aging Marquez, Pac-Man would have lost to Marquez the last time those two took to the ring. 

Marquez is a very good counter puncher, but he is not in the same league as Mayweather. 

Put Your Money on May

Floyd Mayweather will be able to frustrate and confound Pac-Man, and as Manny's frustration begins to grow, he will try harder to land the big shots. This would play right into Mayweather's counter punching hands. 

Mayweather would win this fight in a unanimous decision—if they fight before they need walkers.