Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Predictions: Updated Pre-Weigh-In Projections

Modern boxing's biggest ever fight is almost upon us, with Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao set to finally meet Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The American's unbeaten record of 47-0 is on the line and under great threat. Pacquiao will be looking to make history and dent Mayweather's legacy.

Both men have defined the sport of boxing for a generation, and despite years of standoffs, the fight every fan wanted to see is finally set to take place.

With Mayweather the current WBC, WBA and Ring welterweight champion and Pacquiao the WBO welterweight champion, there is more than just prestige on the line.

Jae C. Hong/Associated Press

Both camps have talked a big game ahead of the weigh-in, and the differing styles of the fighters make for a blockbuster occasion to match the hype.

Pacquiao is sure to come out all guns blazing. The 36-year-old Filipino, whose record currently stands at 57-5-2, has matured in recent times, but his attacking style is still his trademark.

Money described Pacquiao's style as "reckless" in the buildup, per Jeff Powell of the Mail Online, but Pac-Man clearly had no concerns about such an appraisal, per Fox Sports Live:

"

Too reckless to win? Manny Pacquiao responds to Floyd Mayweather's comments. https://t.co/S6e0n6z0nA

— FOX Sports Live (@FOXSportsLive) April 16, 2015"

The key for Pacquiao will be to try to break down Mayweather's legendary defence, which has served him so well in staying undefeated.

The 38-year-old's speed is another factor that Pacquiao will have to contend with, but if he can breach the Mayweather wall, he will surely claim the advantage.

1.	Pacquiao to land early punches on Mayweather
2.	Mayweather to resist early onslaught
3.	Mayweather to dominate second half of the fight
4.	Pacquiao to be knocked down late on
5.	Fight to go to decision
6.	Mayweather to win on decision

A knockout victory for either fighter does not look likely. Mayweather has only won by knockout once in his last eight fights—against Victor Ortiz in controversial circumstances—and Pacquiao's last came in 2009.

In a conversation with Bleacher Report's Stephen Nelson, boxing writer Eric Raskin noted the most likely result is that the fight will go all 12 rounds:

In such a scenario, Mayweather has to be the favourite. He is undefeated for a reason, and he knows how to see fights out, as noted by former middleweight and light heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins, per BoxingJunkie's Bob Velin: "I think people will get their money’s worth in the first six rounds, but remember, it’s a 12-round fight. And in six more rounds, Mayweather will figure it out like he always does. And once he figures it out, people are going to really see the whole menu that he represents when he goes in that ring."

Mayweather is the favourite for the Las Vegas clash, but in Pacquiao, he faces arguably his toughest foe to date. 

It is set to be a spectacular occasion, one that could stick in the memory for decades to come. Two of boxing's greats will finally meet.