Mayweather vs Pacquiao: The Picks (Part One)
It’s the biggest fight of the year, maybe the biggest of the decade, and everyone’s got an opinion on who will win. Lots more picks to come, but here’s a sampling of Mayweather vs Pacquiao picks from a wide variety of pundits, punchers, ex-fighters, champions and trainers. Check it out:
Sugar Shane Mosley: Mayweather by decision.
Kevin Francis, Daily Star: “I think it will go to the judges. I think Pacquiao’s ability to avoid punches will stand him in good stead and I take him to get the decision.”
Peter Fury, trainer: “Close fight, Mayweather to edge it.”
Nigel Collins, ESPN: Pacquiao by decision.
Steve Goodwin, promoter: Mayweather on points.
Andrzej Fonfara, light-heavyweight contender: Mayweather by KO.
Anthony Crolla, lightweight contender: “I think it’s hard to go against a Mayweather points win. Expecting a pretty cagey start with a lot feinting early on before Pacquiao starts taking more chances, which is where I believe Floyd starts landing more. Not much in the rounds but see the quality coming from Floyd. Scorecards something like 116-112, 117-111 and then a wacky scorecard.”
Kal Yafai, super flyweight contender: “Mayweather by KO after round eight. I think it will be a game of chess early on but Pacquiao will start to press and as the fight goes on I see him getting desperate then walking into a Floyd counter.”
Marv Albert: Mayweather by decision.
Dana White: “I like Mayweather.”
Carl Froch: Mayweather by decision.
Mickey Helliet, promoter/manager: “Mayweather by points. He’s good at boxing come forward types whereas Pacquiao struggles against counter punchers with good movement.”
Stuart Hall, former world bantamweight champion: “Well I can’t see Mayweather getting beat. I’d love Pacman to win but think Mayweather wins on points but not having it all his own way think it will be a close fight. I wouldn’t rule out a draw so they can do it all over again.”
Dan Rafael, ESPN: Mayweather by decision.
Haroon Khan, British super flyweight: “Mayweather by KO. So we can get Amir to make that zero a one.”
Darren Barker, former world middleweight champion: “I fancy Mayweather by points in an intriguing fight that will struggle to come to life due to Mayweather’s ring craft and his willingness to stay out of trouble!”
Billy Nelson, trainer: “Mayweather on points.”
Iran Barkley, former world champion: “Mayweather wins a decision.”
Chris Algieri, former WBO welterweight champion: Mayweather by decision.
Nacho Beristain, trainer: ”It won’t be an easy fight but Pacquiao will definitely win.”
Teddy Atlas, ESPN: Pacquiao by decision.
Gerry Cooney, former heavyweight contender: Mayweather by decision.
Ryan Farrag, British bantamweight contender: “I see Mayweather not talking any risks as usual and winning on points although I would like to see Manny win.”
Larry Holmes: Mayweather by decision.
Martin Murray, middleweight contender: “I reckon the fight will be a draw.”
Jamie Conlan, super flyweight contender: “Being a Pacman fan I hope I’m wrong but I think Mayweather by unanimous decision. I feel he will just control the pace and distance of the fight. He will keep things at middle range and at a slow pace to land his shots as Manny attacks. The only question mark is if his reactions are still what they once were. If not, then Manny can land them dynamite combos!”
Mike Tyson: Pacquiao
Willie Limond, British light welterweight: “I’m going for Pacman inside the distance.”
Conor McGregor, UFC fighter: “Floyd will stop him late.”
Dominic Ingle, Trainer: “Mayweather on points. Manny’s pace in the early rounds may be a problem for Mayweather until he gets settled. This is where Manny has his best chance of hurting Mayweather and getting the early points. After five rounds Mayweather should start getting Manny under control and start to score more effectively.”
Paulie Malignaggi: Mayweather by wide decision or late round stoppage.