Manny Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, has a hypothesis on why the usually flamboyant Floyd Mayweather Jr. has been surprisingly faint leading up to Saturday’s feverishly-anticipated mega-fight on Saturday at MGM Grand.
“I am wondering if he [Mayweather] is going to show up, I really do,” Roach said before their final press conference on Wednesday.”
“His speech is very subdued and low-key. I don’t think any fighter is afraid, but I think he [Mayweather] was forced into a fight he didn’t want to take. He didn’t get to pick this opponent like he usually does.”
Mayweather, undefeated in 47 professional fights, steps into the ring on May 2nd as the favorite as he attempts to improve on his perfect record.
Mayweather assured fans there is nothing to worry about. He ordinarily takes part in trash-talking to promote fights, but the American added he has adopted a new approach to promoting the most lucrative fight of all-time. Mayweather is guaranteed at least $180 million when he steps into the ring against eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao. The fight is expected to make at least $400 million in revenue.
“I’m glad I was flashy and outspoken when I was younger, but I’m close to the big 4-0,” said Mayweather. “I don’t have to bash anyone. I know what I can do.
“I don’t focus on all the festivities going on. I just focus on being the best that I can be. When it comes down to it, it comes down to the two fighters.”
I think this is another psychological ploy by Floyd Mayweather Jr. By the way he is talking, it seems that he really isn’t interested in the fight. Again, this is the biggest fight of his career, and he is going to try everything in his power to have some sort of psychological advantage against Manny Pacquiao when they finally go toe-to-toe. It’s going to be an amazing fight.
Speaking with Reuters, Freddie Roach unhesitatingly acknowledges that he has examined more video of Floyd Mayweather than any other fighter and now he feels he and Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao are ready to win on May 2nd.
“We’ve had a great training camp,” said Roach. “We have more speed and more power and we are 100 percent ready for what he [Mayweather] will bring to the table.
“I have studied Floyd more than anyone else. I think we can outpoint him and win a decision. If the chance for a knockout comes, it will be a bonus. We like being the underdog.”
Pacquiao likes being the underdog as well.
“Any time I’m the underdog, I like that,” Pacquiao said. “It means my killer instinct is there and focus is fully there. Other people are getting nervous for me, but I am excited. This is the moment I believe he [Mayweather] will experience his first loss.”
Manny Pacquiao comes into the super-fight with a height and weight disadvantage – he has typically beaten fighters who have this type of advantage over him – and Roach reminded everyone that it’s not about height and weight that wins fights.
“Weight doesn’t win fights, speed does,” Roach said. “Manny is faster than ever and he’s definitely hitting harder than ever.
“Mayweather is a good counter-puncher, but Manny has faster hands and his combinations are better. I’m really happy where we’re at.”
