Mayweather vs. Maidana 2: Predictions and Odds for Championship Rematch

Floyd Mayweather Jr. encountered a difficult test against Marcos Maidana in their first matchup, which "Money" ultimately won on May 3 by way of a majority decision.

Instead of tackling a new challenge and avoiding a familiar, dangerous opponent, Mayweather will tangle with Maidana again Saturday at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

With a 46-0 career record, there's no doubt that Mayweather is still the favorite. Maidana's odds are currently at +500 to win, while Mayweather's are -800, per OddsShark.com.

However, Mayweather may need to adjust his tactics and find a way to beat Maidana in an alternative way.

Mayweather is the most technically sound boxer of his generation, relying on fitness, quickness and a less powerful style to outfox opponents. In the first fight, Maidana came out aggressive and tried to get as many punches in as possible.

As Mayweather had done to many an opponent before, though, he wore "El Chino" down and emerged victorious in the end. Eric Raskin of Grantland alluded to Maidana's fast start when assessing whether the Argentine was Money's best next opponent:

Therefore, Maidana must not take a hard-line approach either way. A bit better exercising of judgment while still retaining the edge he showed in the last bout is bound to get him even closer to upsetting Mayweather and blemishing his perfect record.

Maidana also isn't lacking any faith in his game plan, even though he hints he will be in attack mode this time around as well, via Rob Smith of East Side Boxing:

"

He [Mayweather] can change and get better, but I can also change and get better. The only thing he can change is to box, but that’s what he was doing in our previous fight. What is he going to do more running? I’m always looking for the knockout. I’m going to go in and try to knock him out. He’s not as good as people think. I was able to pin him to the ropes and throw a lot of punches. He’s not as difficult or invincible as people think.

"

How much more punishment can Mayweather absorb, even with how much of it he avoids? The close call in the first fight for Maidana will likely continue to fuel him, too. Maidana's testimony shows the confidence he has in his ability to take down the indefatigable Mayweather in the ring.

This is the first time Mayweather has scheduled an immediate rematch since defeating Jose Luis Castillo in consecutive encounters. But that was back in 2002, when Mayweather wasn't as experienced but was more explosive and closer to his legitimate prime.

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Dodging the thunderous, numerous punches Maidana throws is not something Mayweather can bank on as much in the rematch. Maidana has learned from the previous encounter, and no one has been afforded the opportunity to face Mayweather again so soon in more than a decade.

But the bold statements by Maidana may come back to bite him. His comments border on cockiness and don't offer much respect for his opponent. It also doesn't appear that he will stray too much from his determination to knock Mayweather to the canvas for good. That hubris will only carry him so far.

The better feel Maidana has for Mayweather will allow him to succeed for the first seven or so rounds, where he will get hits shots in. Eventually, though, Mayweather's superior footwork and craftiness will allow him to get it done, improve to 47-0 and look ahead to a different, new foe.

Prediction: Mayweather defeats Maidana via majority decision.