Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao Fight Predictions: Mayweather Has to Knockout Pacquiao to Win Says Roy Jones Jr
The upcoming Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao fight can't get here soon enough.
Everyone who follows the sport is making predictions, following the bets and odds, and will be watching anxiously on May 2. It took a long time (a very long time) for these two Welterweight Champions to finally get in the ring, but we're almost there.
The latest boxer to give his input on the match is Roy Jones Jr.
“You don’t get Mayweather to engage. Pacquiao’s plan should be to outwork Mayweather and outpoint. He’s not going to be able to force Mayweather to engage. He can do what he wants to do and try, but he can’t force a defensive fighter who’s that skilled and defensive. You can’t make him engage. I think Floyd will have to knockout Pacquiao to win. If there’s a decision, I think Pacquiao wins the decision,” Jones said.
A very interesting take by the former middleweight, lightweight and heavyweight champion. His opinion is very fascinating because many boxing fans feel as if Pacquiao must knockout Mayweather in order to get the victory. Mayweather is the No. 1 ranked Welterweight fighter in the world, and he is undefeated at 47-0. History tells us that a tie or extremely close fight commonly goes to the higher ranked fighter.
Still, Jones knows quite a bit about close fights. He was named the "Best Fighter of the Decade of the 90s," and he is one of the most well-rounded fighters of all-time. Jones won multiple titles in numerous weight divisions. As a matter of fact, the 46-year-old Jones recently fought and beat Paul Vasquez on March 28 to get his 61st career victory. He's still going ladies and gentleman.
Now, back to the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight.
Knocking out Pacquiao won't be easy. The last time Mayweather recorded a knockout was in 2011 when he defeated Victor Ortiz in the infamous "no look" knockout. No, it wasn't cheating, but don't expect Pacquiao to let his guard down midway through the fight like Ortiz did. Prior to that, Mayweather's last knockout was against Ricky Hatton in 2007. The big knockout that everyone remembers against Pacquiao came against Juan Manuel Marquez in 2012.
Pacquiao and Mayweather have conflicting styles which should set up for a great fight. Mayweather has great speed, quickness and endurance making him a very difficult target to hit. Mayweather's best offense is his defense. For the first half (six rounds) Mayweather will most likely avoid Pacquiao, and try to get him tired by having him throw several more punches. Pacquiao has the advantage in power, and he is willing to get in close and trade blows.
Pacquiao's eagerness to get in close could be detrimental because it could tire him early. On the other side, if Mayweather falls behind early in points, he won't have a choice but to trade blows with Pacquiao.
Jones believes Pacquiao will win the fight if it comes down to a decision. As Jones previously explained, it will be tough to get a skilled defensive fighter like Mayweather to engage because of his speed and athleticism.
"This is the biggest fight for both of their careers. Neither guy wants to go home the loser the next day. Fans have been waiting for this fight for five years. The pressure is on both guys," Jones later said.
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