Mayweather vs. Maidana: Why Stoppage Win for Money Is Likely

Not many people doubt that Floyd "Money" Mayweather will defeat "El Chino" Marcos Rene Maidana on May 3 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. But predicting that he'll stop Maidana might be seen as a bold prediction.

There's a few reasons why the fight has a good chance of ending before the final bell.

Maidana Has Been Dropped Before

Isaac Brekken

Though he's never been stopped, Maidana has been dropped five times in his career, per BoxRec.

He's been hurt even more times than that. Adrien Broner wobbled him badly in the 11th round of their bout in Dec. 2013.

Throughout his career, Maidana has never been difficult to hit. Against Mayweather, he can't afford to try to be more defensive than normal.

Applying pressure and attempting to go to the body is El Chino's best strategy. Doing this will only leave him open for Mayweather's signature pot shots, and the hooks Money wobbled Miguel Cotto with in May 2012.

While a straight KO is the least likely way Mayweather could end the fight, it's not totally impossible.

The Corner, Referee or Doctor Could Save El Chino

Mayweather's speed, punching accuracy and defense are far beyond Maidana's or anyone the rugged Argentine has faced.

It shouldn't take long before it's apparent who the better man is.

By the seventh round, Maidana's face should be showing the wear and tear of the evening. Money is like an ace starting pitcher in most cases. To get to him, you need to do damage early.

Obviously that theory has never been proved because Mayweather is undefeated. But it seems clear he gets better as the fight progresses.

By the eighth round, Maidana will probably be defeated mentally, though the warrior in him will want to press on.

The question then becomes, will the referee, his corner or ringside doctors allow him to continue.

Mayweather's uncle Roger Mayweather predicts that Money will stop Maidana in this interview with Chris Robinson of Hustle Boss.

Money Will Want to Impress

Isaac Brekken

Some may criticize Mayweather for not taking risks. In all honesty, a fight with Amir Khan would have been a tougher matchup for Floyd. Because of that perception, Mayweather will want to do a little more than simply shut Maidana out 12 rounds to none.

Combine Maidana's sometimes careless offense and fatigue with Mayweather's pin-point counterpunching and you have a high probability for a late-round stoppage.

Bill Barner of East Side Boxing sees it unfolding in a similar way. He wrote:

"

He [Maidana] will throw a lot of power punches and try to catch Mayweather off guard. However, Mayweather will likely use his defensive and counter-punching skills to wear down Maidana, leaving him vulnerable to a late-fight TKO – one birthed largely from Maidana’s own exhaustion.

"

Maidana will try to smother Mayweather early in hopes of hitting him with something night-changing. If he can't do that, he'll have to keep up the pace and try to win over the judges with work rate and pressure.

It's the best possible approach but one that will still lead to El Chino taking a lot of punishment.

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@BMaziqueFPBR