Mayweather vs. Pacquiao: Projected Winner and Prize Money Purse

The countdown to the long-awaited fight between boxing royalty Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao has begun. The two pound-for-pound kings of the past decade will finally meet in the ring for the first time.

The hype surrounding this welterweight battle can perhaps only be matched by the mind-boggling financial numbers the duo are reportedly set to earn during Saturday's fight. The fighters are expected to pocket well north of $100 million combined, according to the Daily Mirror's Aaron Flanagan.

Here's a look at some of the numbers and a breakdown of both fighters going into the bout.

Floyd Mayweather

Isaac Brekken/Associated Press

Record: 47-0, 26 KO

Age: 38

Expected Earnings: North of £80 million, per Flanagan

Ranked the highest-paid athlete in the world by Forbes, the undefeated Mayweather will take 60 percent of the earnings from the fight and enters the bout as the favourite, according to Odds Shark.

Mayweather hasn't come close to a defeat in years, and at this point in time, he is viewed as one of the greatest fighters the sport has ever seen. Speaking to Bleacher Report, Bob Costas felt compelled to dismiss the notion Mayweather could have defeated a prime Sugar Ray Leonard, but the fact the debate rages speaks to the legacy of Money:

The 38-year-old is a defensive mastermind, using the shoulder roll and great counterpunching to dominate opponents on the cards. Power has never been his greatest asset, but his stamina and chin are top-notch. Add in the ability to adjust on the fly, and Mayweather rarely loses in the championship rounds.

The pound-for-pound king may not be liked by his peers, but even heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko can only respect his ability, as shared by Bleacher Report UK:

Mayweather may be getting up there in age, but he's still fighting at a high level. One noticeable change in his approach is the fact he now starts his fights a little slower, as he feels out his opponents before he strikes.

Given Pacquiao's hand speed and stamina, that would be a dangerous approach Saturday. Giving the Filipino slugger an early lead on the cards is something Mayweather has to avoid at all costs.

Manny Pacquiao

Jae C. Hong/Associated Press

Record: 57-5-2, 38 KO

Age: 36

Expected Earnings: North of £54 million, per Flanagan.

Pacquiao has bounced back nicely from the horrific defeat he suffered at the hands of Juan Manuel Marquez, a vicious knockout that would have ended many a career.

He looked somewhat nervous against Brandon Rios, showcased improved mobility in a rematch with Timothy Bradley Jr. and dominated Chris Algieri in his last bout. Pacquiao looks like he's back to his old self, and ESPN's Skip Bayless is already taunting Mayweather:

Like Mayweather, Father Time doesn't appear to be affecting Pacquiao as much as it would mere mortals. His hand speed and footwork are still as good as ever, and he still has the ability to overwhelm opponents with eye-catching combinations.

What he no longer seems to have is the ability to produce knockouts in the blink of an eye. Pacquiao hasn't won by stoppage in years, whereas vicious power and spectacular knockouts were his calling card in his prime. Whether it's a result of diminishing power or a more careful approach in the ring is unclear, but it is apparent.

The Fight

Rebecca Blackwell/Associated Press

Experienced veteran Kenny Bayless will be the referee for this highly anticipated bout to the delight of Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's trainer, per the Daily Telegraph:

Bayless has tons of experience when it comes to superfights and manages to control the action without taking over the bout. He shouldn't have any problems with this one.

For Mayweather, the key will be to start out strong and not rely on the shoulder roll too much. Pacquiao is at his best when he faces a static target and has the opportunity to launch combinations of up to seven or eight punches. And with his great hand speed, at least some of those will land.

The American has to move around the ring, use his jab to dart in and out of Pacquiao's reach and counter as soon as Pacquiao launches one of his flurries. The rope won't be his friend in this fight.

Jae C. Hong/Associated Press

Pacquiao has been waiting for this fight for years, and it will be important not to let those emotions affect him in the ring. If he tries to turn Saturday's bout into an all-out brawl, Mayweather will simply bide his time and strike late. Money is also too good a counterpuncher to give too many open shots, so in this fight, patience will be a virtue for Pac-Man.

Fans shouldn't expect a dramatic, wide-open fight on Saturday, and in a battle of stamina, the edge has to go to Mayweather. He may be two years older, but he's been hit far less during his career and has always been one of the best closers in the business.

Expect a close fight (and likely a rematch) that ultimately goes Mayweather's way via decision.