Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao: Latest Odds and Notable Predictions

Where will you be Saturday, May 2? If you're reading this article, there's a good chance you'll be planted in front of a television in an apartment, in a home or in a bar watching Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao engage in one of the biggest fights in boxing history.

A vast group of celebrities gave their predictions on the fight. Mark Wahlberg, Tom Brady, Shaquille O'Neal and others chimed in for an HBO video below:

In a case of Boston icons divided, Wahlberg sided with Pacquiao and Brady picked Mayweather.

I'm sure the notables who gave their opinions on the superfight didn't have any bearing on this, but the odds for the fight aren't as staunchly in favor of Mayweather, as one might expect. As of Friday, Mayweather was just a 20-57 favorite, per Odds Shark.

It really shouldn't be viewed as strange odds considering the accomplishments of both fighters. We're so used to seeing Mayweather as the heavy favorite over his opponents, but Pacquiao is the sport's only eight-division champion, There's no wonder he's getting a bit more respect from the oddsmakers.

Speed will be the deciding factor in the bout, and we won't know which fighter has the edge in that area until the scrap begins. Without question, Pacquiao is the fastest opponent Mayweather will have ever faced. The fact that Pacquiao is a southpaw could only complicate the assignment. 

If Mayweather can adjust to the speed, he should cruise to a victory from the fourth round. His in-ring IQ is far superior to Pacquiao's, as is his poise and stamina. Pacquiao has had an issue maintaining his energy late in fights over the past few years. That's a deficiency Mayweather will exploit if it rears its head May 2.

If Mayweather is unable to get a bead on Pacquiao's speed, the pound-for-pound king could experience some real issues—especially in the first quarter of the fight. That's the danger zone for Mayweather. Since no one in the sport is better at making midfight adjustments than Mayweather, Pacquiao must make something happen early.  

He must seize control of the bout in a way that nullifies any adjustment Mayweather might make. If that happens, Marky Mark's prediction will turn out to be true.

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