Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Predictions: Latest Celebrity Projections for 2015 Fight
The upcoming bout between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao is the kind of sporting event that encapsulates all. As such, people from all walks of life have been formulating their own view on who they think is going to reign supreme ahead of Saturday's showdown in Las Vegas.
But the opinions most people are interested in are from high-profile figures in the sporting world. So here's a look at how some of the biggest names in boxing are seeing things as the event edges ever closer as well as a few other illustrious figures from the sporting stratosphere.
Celebrities Have Their Say on Vegas Showdown
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There are only a few men on this planet who know what it's like to get in the ring with both Mayweather and Pacquiao. So, of all the people having their say on the fight, those select boxers are best placed to offer a reasoned and informed perspective.
Oscar De La Hoya—who has played a key role in the promotion of this occasion—is one, having lost to both of these exemplary competitors. The man known as the “The Golden Boy” has admitted that while he thinks Pacquiao can make things interesting, he's expecting a Mayweather win, per the Los Angeles Times:
"If Pacquiao can surprise him in the first two or three rounds, though, and get Mayweather where he has to catch him and come from behind, then it can be a very interesting fight.
That has to be Pacquiao's plan. Because if you allow Mayweather to box going backward, he's going to let you come in and expose yourself. And Pacquiao will be in trouble. …
Bottom line: The smart money is on Mayweather. Look, it's Las Vegas, Mayweather's hometown. His picture's on the side of the MGM. The close rounds are going to go to Mayweather. It's big business. It's no secret.
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Another man in that select grouping is Ricky Hatton. The Brit was beaten emphatically by both men inside the 12-round distance at the end of his distinguished career, and like De La Hoya, he thinks that home advantage could work in Mayweather's favour, per Jeff Powell of the Daily Mail:
"What I do know is that if anyone can beat Floyd for speed it's Manny. And that as a southpaw he neutralises that left shoulder roll defence of Floyd's. Even more important he throws the straight rights which could get through that defence.
Yet I still go for Floyd. Just. On points. At home. But it's so close that if I was down to my last pound I wouldn't want to put it on either of them.
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Aside from these figures, other legends of the sport have had their say on the fight. Andre Ward, the WBA super-middleweight champion, was assertive in his pick when speaking to Bleacher Report and thinks that ultimately, Mayweather will find a way to get the job done:
UFC star Paige VanZant told Bleacher Report that she thinks Money will reign supreme, too, breaking down how he'll get the better of a difficult opponent:
While Pacquiao is clearly the underdog, there's a brilliant chance for him to spring a surprise. Throughout his glittering career, Mayweather has tackled a variety of different styles with diligence. But in terms of fighting style, there aren't many competitors who can marry so many attributes together quite as devastatingly as Pacquiao.
Indeed, the Filipino's trainer Freddie Roach revealed to Bleacher Report how his man is going to get the win:
Sugar Ray Leonard also spoke about the Vegas showdown and has compared Pacquiao's current status to that of his own before fighting Marvin Hagler in 1987.
Leonard was written off prior to that bout—just like many are doing with Pacquiao here—before seizing a famous victory. Per Chris McKenna of the Daily Express, Leonard thinks the underdog can turn on the style again in this modern-day classic:
"All fighters have one last fight in them, if you look at [Muhammad] Ali against George Foreman and Ali won despite being expected to lose.
With me it was Hagler, I knew I had one last fight in me. I believe that all applies to Manny Pacquiao. Maybe Floyd doesn't know exactly what power Pacquiao has, I did not know what power Hagler had until I was in there and he landed.
I went there against Hagler, I just did not want to lose, there was so much at stake but that is what makes fighters great, that is what makes fighters champions.
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Even United States soccer legend Landon Donovan told Bleacher Report that he likes Pacquiao ahead of this one but was the first to admit his boxing knowledge is somewhat limited:
Four-time world champion Carl Froch also had his say on the fight. Speaking with Sky Sports, he tipped Mayweather to triumph but explained how Pacquiao might go about getting the best of his undefeated opponent:
"For Pacquiao to win, he needs educated pressure and he needs to work hard when he's on him.
When Mayweather's on the ropes, slipping and sliding, ducking and diving behind his chin, Pacquiao needs to punch down on his shoulders and arms. Just take what's there because the judges will have to score for Pacquiao.
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It's only natural that so many are backing Mayweather. After all, in 47 professional bouts to date, he has been relatively unscathed. While he's slowing down a little as he gets older, those revered defensive instincts are razor sharp and refined by years of experience.
However, Pacquiao brings something completely different to the table. The Filipino's intensity, southpaw stance and ability to punch in bunches will cause problems for the American. As noted by Froch, the keys to victory for Pacquiao are to channel his aggression appropriately and to ensure he avoids Mayweather's booming lead right-hand on the counter.
Prediction: Pacquiao on points
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