Mayweather vs. Pacquiao: Biggest Potential Problem for Both Fighters

Every fight presents its own set of unique challenges. The upcoming Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao bout on May 2 is no exception. While many of us are caught up in the spectacle the fight will create, there's still nuts-and-bolts strategy that must be hammered out on both sides. 

Here's the biggest worry each fighter and their camp should have ahead of the bout.

Will Manny's Stamina Be Up to Par?

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Believe it or not, despite the fact that Pacquiao is the harder puncher, Mayweather is the bigger, stronger welterweight. On the inside, Mayweather should be able to tie Pacquiao up and turn him when the fighters are near the ropes.

It's a very subtle movement, but it's one of the many things Mayweather has mastered in his career. He doesn't get enough credit for his strength on the inside, but it's something he uses to escape trouble and to wear down opponents.

In Pacquiao's last few fights, he hasn't looked his freshest down the stretch. None of those fights took place under as many bright lights, or against a fighter like Mayweather. Pacquiao's stamina should be a real concern for him and his camp as he's struggled to finish strong. This trend partially contributed to his loss to Timothy Bradley.

Unless he can get Mayweather out early, Pacquiao must be fit to be at his best late in the fight. If he isn't, Mayweather could use his boxing skills, fitness and speed to win the late rounds and take the decision.

Will Money Have a Significant Speed Advantage?

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One of Mayweather's best qualities is his speed, but he's rarely faced a fighter with comparable quickness. The last opponent who was anywhere close to Money in that department was Zab Judah. Mayweather had early issues with Judah, but he ultimately mastered him after the first five rounds.

Pacquiao and Judah are southpaws with speed. Pacquiao is likely quicker than the prime-level Judah Mayweather faced back in 2006. However, Mayweather is smarter and more experienced than he was nine years ago. Still, there has to be legitimate concern that maybe Pacquiao is fast enough to negate one of the biggest advantages Mayweather usually has in his bouts.

Mike Tyson doesn't believe Mayweather will be able to handle Pacquiao's movement:

Mayweather is going to have to make adjustments to slow Pacquiao down. Money loves the jab to the midsection for this reason. He must be careful against a fast and dangerous opponent like Pacquiao. Pac-Man throws punches at unpredictable angles with speed and power. Perhaps he does not have as much power as he once did, but it's still enough to get Mayweather's attention if it lands flush. 

The hype for this fight is as Hollywood as it gets, but between the ropes, there will be an intriguing chess match that I can't wait to see unfold.

Follow Brian Mazique on Twitter. I dig boxing and MMA.