Waiting to beat Floyd

It’s now up in the air whether Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather will end up facing off in a much-awaited rematch of the ages. An announcement was made by both camps last February that the return bout would take place on Sept. 19 at The Sphere, Las Vegas. Pacquiao said it would be a “real” fight, not an exhibition, with a distance of 12 rounds. But with Mayweather’s recent insistence that the fight would be a virtual sparring session where nobody wins or loses, it looks like all bets are off. Pacquiao has repeatedly said he’s not engaging in an exhibition and that his goal is to deal Mayweather his first career loss.

Assuming an actual fight eventually comes off the wraps, here are 10 ways to beat Mayweather. If ever they meet on Sept. 19 as initially penciled, Mayweather will be 49 and Pacquiao, 47. Let’s disregard the age factor and just focus on things that are controllable.

• Be unpredictable. Pacquiao, a southpaw, has the uncanny ability to lead off with either a right jab or a left straight. Mayweather won’t know what to defend at the first instance. Pacquiao is a master of deception and won’t telegraph his punches.

• Take the initiative. Pacquiao likes to counter and wait for his opponent to make the first move. Not this time. It’s critical for Pacquiao to initiate and not allow Mayweather to dictate the pace.

• Put Mayweather on the defensive. Pacquiao will pressure Mayweather and force him to fight on his backfoot. The key is not to allow Mayweather to square up. Keep him off-balance so he’s not able to unleash on his terms.

• Don’t stop moving. Mayweather needs a standing target. Pacquiao’s mobility will turn him into a phantom in the ring. Now you see me, now you don’t. Mayweather won’t know where to train his sights. Pacquiao’s in-and-out forays will leave Mayweather wondering how to pin down Pacman.

• Don’t allow Mayweather space to operate. Stay close to Mayweather, narrow the gap. Mayweather thrives in fighting from a distance. He’s not the slugging type. He won’t trade at close range. Mayweather doesn’t like taking chances and would rather pick up points striking from a wide comfort zone.

• Never stay in the pocket. While Pacquiao brings the fight close to Mayweather’s chest, it’s critical not to stay long in the pocket. Cracking combinations, instead of a punch at a time, won’t give Mayweather the timing to counter. But staying longer than usual in the pocket could be dangerous.

• Outwork Mayweather in every round. Don’t ease up and make every round count. Don’t leave your fate in the judges’ hands. Leave them no choice as to whom to pick as the winner if it goes the distance.

• Don’t hesitate to pull the trigger. Stay aggressive from the onset and make Mayweather feel your power. When there’s a chance to land a big punch, go for it. Mayweather won’t be the same once he realizes he’s in for some heavy punishment.

• Vary points of attack. Mayweather’s shoulder-roll defense makes it difficult to pinpoint where his feet are. But if Pacquiao varies his points of attack with side-to-side movement, it will create angles and keep Mayweather guessing where the punches will come from.

• Fight like there’s no tomorrow. This is Pacquiao’s golden opportunity to slay the Mayweather ghost. Mayweather won’t know what hit him if Pacquiao steps on the gas from the first round. Stamina will play a big role and the fighter who’s in better shape will win. No doubt, this will be Pacquiao’s fight to win.