Floyd Mayweather may have knocked out 26 opponents in his illustrious career, but he would require a 27th knock out in order to defeat Manny Pacquiao on 2 May at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Will it happen?
American boxer Roy Jones. Jr feels that if the bout on 2 May between Mayweather and Pacquiao has to be decided on decision, then the Filipino will turn out victorious, hence only a knockout can help the American defeat Pacquiao.
"I think Floyd will have to knock him out to win. I think if there's a decision, I think Pacquiao wins the decision, " Jones told ESPN's Sports Center.
It is not going to be an easy task for the Filipino to knock out the American, a task, which has not been done by any of his opponents in his last 47 fights, where he has remained unbeaten.
But Pac-Man possesses a different game and can catch Mayweather by surprise with his speed inside the ring and use his southpaw stance to full effect.
Both the boxers have an impressive career record, so it could be anyone's game on 2 May. They have had some high profiled fights in the past, but this fight on 2 May surpasses all their respective fights. This has got to be the mother of all fights.
"Both are knockout guys. Both knocked out Ricky Hatton. This is the biggest fight for both of their careers. Both guys are capable of knocking out everybody in their respective weight class."
"Neither guy wants to go home the loser the next day. Fans have been waiting for this fight for five years. The pressure in both guys."
The fight between the two was supposed to take place some years ago, when they were at their prime, but it did not materialise then for some reason or the other. However, boxing fans are happy that the fight has finally been made official, though the American and Filipino might be at the fag end of their career.
Irrespective of them being at their peak or not, one can expect a great bout , for there is a lot of pride at stake apart from the money at the offing.
Jones, also nicknamed the Superman, talked as to how Pacquiao should go about his fight.
"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," Jones said.
