adminLAS VEGAS. – Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are fighting for the future of boxing in Las Vegas in the early hours of tomorrow morning.
“If it is a dull fight, if it’s a dud, it can really affect the overall game,” says former star Oscar De La Hoya.
“But if it is an exciting fight, a fight people want to see again, it can take boxing to new heights.”
All the elements are in place to elevate the welterweight title unification into one of those memorable watershed sporting moments.
Or it could be a flop, providing another blow for a sport that is just starting to lift itself back off the canvas.
The stakes could not be higher.
The richest prize fight in history will give each fighter a multi-million-dollar pay-day and smash pay-per-view records. Eye-popping ticket prices for the clash in the 16 800-seat MGM Grand Garden Arena will result in the tournament rivalling the Super Bowl in gate receipts.
There is a garish championship belt embossed with 3 000 emeralds on the line, along with the mythical title of the world’s best boxer, pound-for-pound. But, more significantly, it is a bout that could cement a legacy; a fight on which the future of the sport could hang.
Mayweather, with a professional record of 47-0, and the Filipino southpaw, who stands at 57-5-2, are expected to produce a spectacle worthy of the ticket prices.
The fight is a classic match-up of boxing styles.
Mayweather, one of the best defensive fighters in history, is crafty and has a superior ring intelligence that has allowed him to remain undefeated for nearly two decades.
Pacquiao brings an all-out attacking style to the ring. He is a hard puncher capable of landing a knock-out blow that could hand Mayweather his first professional defeat.
Most experts say the fight comes half a decade too late because both fighters are past their prime.
The 38-year-old American may not be as slick or fast as he was and there are questions about Pacquiao’s power. The 36-year-old has not scored a knockout since 2009 when he floored Briton Ricky Hatton in the second round.
“The ingredients are there and it is only because of Pacquiao,” said De La Hoya, who lost to both men.
“We know what Mayweather is going to do. But the one person who can make this fight an exciting one is Pacquiao.
“He has a relentless style; he will be the one pressing the action. It all depends on Pacquiao.”
For Mayweather, it will be his 11th consecutive fight at the MGM Grand but it is Pacquiao who will have an entire nation in his corner.
A politician, philanthropist, recording artist and action movie star, Pacquiao is a national hero in his homeland where his image has featured on postage stamps and video games.
His rags-to-riches story since he was a young man living on the Manila streets is inspiring, a source of motivation Pacquiao routinely draws upon.
“I have a good feeling for this fight,” he said. “For me, it’s about how we can make the fans happy. They are paying big money so they deserve to have a good fight.”
For Mayweather the fight is the one that will define his legacy and place him among the boxing greats.
Even if he retired unbeaten, there would always have been a question mark over his career if he never fought Pacquiao.
“This fight is about one fighter who is at the top fighting another fighter who is at the top. It’s about giving you guys excitement.
“We don’t know how this fight is going to play out, but I believe in my skills. I believe I am going to win,” said Mayweather. – AFP.
Online Reporter