MANILA, Philippines – If there’s someone who has the skills to deal Floyd Mayweather Jr. the first loss of his career, it’s Manny Pacquiao.
This is the belief of Top Rank Inc. chief Bob Arum, who promotes Pacquiao, saying the Filipino icon has the style to overcome the slick and elusive Mayweather in their May 2 showdown in Las Vegas.
“I like Manny’s chances,” Arum recently told Chris Robinson of HustleBoss.com. “I’ve always liked his chances. I’ve always thought Manny had the style and ability to beat Floyd and I certainly feel that way now.”
Mayweather has stayed unbeaten for 47 fights, thanks in large part to his superb boxing skills and tight defense. But the undefeated American, who just turned 38 Wednesday, has slowed down in his recent fights.
Arum pointed out Mayweather’s past couple of fights against Marcos Maidana. Although the Las Vegas-based boxer outpointed the tough Argentine in those two bouts, he absorbed more punches than he used to in his career.
“I think Maidana showed that Floyd is becoming a lot more vulnerable that he was,” said Arum.
Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach earlier noted that his ward’s got fresher legs than Mayweather, which will allow Pacquiao to trap him and eventually score a knockout.
Arum shares the same sentiment with Roach.
“As you age the first thing that goes is your legs and Floyd doesn’t have the mobility that he had before,” the promoter added. – Dino Maragay