Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will finally collide on May 2 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas after five years of numerous negotiations to stage what could be the biggest fight in boxing history.
While most analysts and boxing icons are in favor of Mayweather, Juan Manuel Marquez and his trainer Nacho Beristain gave reasons why Pacquiao could hand the reigning pound-for-pound king the first defeat of his career.
Pacquiao is More Motivated than Ever
Marquez is worried that Pacquiao, the reigning World Boxing Organization welterweight champion, might hesitate to give his all after losing to him via a devastating sixth-round knockout in December 2013.
But according to the Mexican boxing warrior, fans and Mayweather should expect a different Pacquiao on Cinco de Mayo weekend because the Filipino boxing icon is motivated to prove his doubters wrong.
"We know that Manny Pacquiao is not at his best, but he is coming in with a lot of motivation, with a lot of hunger," Marquez told El Golpe a Golpe via BoxingScene. "But the level is not the same. After that big knockout in 2012, a fighter's mind can change. A big punch to the jaw and he can relive those moments of 2012."
Mayweather Has Not Faced a Fighter Like 'Pacman'
Marquez also pointed out that Pacquiao will be a dangerous foe for Mayweather because the reigning pound-for-pound king is used to facing opponents who are tailor-made for his fighting style.
According to Marquez, the upcoming fight is a different case because Pacquiao is way different than Mayweather's previous opponents, pointing out that the Filipino champion is not only aggressive and fast, but also has the power to hurt his unbeaten opponent.
"It's a very dangerous fight for Mayweather, because he has not faced any opponent with the speed or aggression of Pacquiao, and in this case also with power," Marquez added. "Mayweather has not faced an opponent with these characteristics."
Pacquiao is Too Strong for Mayweather
Like Marquez, Beristain, his long-time trainer, also believes Mayweather will be in huge trouble in their upcoming super fight, which is expected to set new boxing records in terms of revenue.
Beristain said that based on what he saw from Pacquiao in his four fights with Marquez, Mayweather has not collided with a fighter as strong and as skilled as the eight-division champion.
"I've seen him fight many times. He's very good," Beristain told Ring Observer, referring to Pacquiao. "And everybody picks Mayweather to win the fight because he wins so much against easy fighters, but Pacquiao is just too tough, too strong."
