Mayweather vs. Pacquiao: Early Predictions for Megafight

It's finally here. Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao. 

Many fans will claim that the meeting is about five years too late. But really, let's not kid ourselves. Long hyped as the fight to save boxing, this remains one of the sport's most anticipated events. It could be 2055 and Pacquio and Mayweather could be hobbling around on walkers, and it would still probably be a gargantuan draw. 

"This will be the biggest event in the history of the sport," said Mayweather, via ESPN.com's Dan Rafael. 

The question for the next two-plus months now becomes simple: Who's going to win?

Las Vegas favors Mayweather, making him a -285 favorite, per OddsShark.com. Although that line will likely move slightly back in the other direction as we get closer to the fight date, it's not exactly surprising to see it where it is now. 

Money Mayweather, undefeated in 47 fights, has shown evidence that his defense is capable of being penetrated. Marcos Maidana gave him a little bit of trouble, especially in the first fight, but both times Mayweather was using his speed and counterpunching in clinical fashion by the time the final rounds rolled around. 

Even those who don't want him to win, like professional tennis player Ryan Harrison, think he'll win:

On the other side of things, Pacquiao has silenced retirement talk with recent wins over Brandon Rios, Timothy Bradley and Chris Algieri, but none of those opponents is quite on the level of Juan Manuel Marquez, who viciously knocked out Pac-man in the sixth round in December 2012. 

Still, Bob Arum, via the Los Angeles Times' Lance Pugmire, has confidence in his fighter: 

Make no mistake about it: The hype surrounding this fight will have a discernible effect on how it plays out. Unquestionably fired up, Pacquiao will come out with a relentless style. When he attacks aggressively, he has the speed and power to break down Mayweather's defense and win a handful of the first six rounds. 

Time and time again, however, Mayweather has shown an ability to make mid-match adjustments, frustrating and breaking down his opponents over time. Moreover, as ESPN Stats & Info noted, he has a significant advantage in the reach department: 

Pac-man may win the first couple of rounds, but judging by recent history for each fighter, this bout should go the distance. Although his relentless power can give Mayweather trouble, it will also sap up a lot of energy and leave him vulnerable in the later rounds. 

That's when Mayweather will strike, using his quickness, jab and counterpunching ability to inflict damage and ultimately earn the majority decision win. 

No matter what happens, though, boxing fans will get what they have been clamoring for for the last half-decade. Everybody wins.