Joel Diaz Breaks Down Mayweather vs. Pacquiao

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    Joel+Diaz+Manny+Pacquiao+v+Timothy+Bradley+jWSoa9Vwlc6lThe prospect of a Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao fight has grown in to a sprawling saga epic enough to rival the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Every expert from armchair quarterback to ringside analyst  has their opinion on how it would play out, with varying degrees of plausibility. One of the more valid opinions you are likely to hear on the subject is that of esteemed trainer Joel Diaz, mentor to a litany of world champions including; Timothy Bradley, Omar Figueroa, Abner Mares, and Julio Diaz.

    Before breaking down how the fight itself could develop, Joel first echoed a sentiment voiced by many as to who is to blame for the interminable delay of the biggest fight this century.

    “Of course it could happen. As a matter of fact they’ve been holding back because of Mayweather. It’s all up to him. If Mayweather wants it, the fight’s a done deal.”

    Now, anyone who is even slightly familiar with the gossip surrounding this fight will be aware of the ceaseless back-and-forth blame throwing regarding which of the two fighters is holding this up. I couldn’t say with any degree of accuracy who that is. However, as Mayweather himself said in an interview with Brian Kenny back in 2009, “Bob Arum is Manny Pacquiao’s boss, Floyd Mayweather is his own boss.” Draw your own conclusion.

    Regardless of which fighter is perceived as a duck, the consensus view within the sport is that this mega-fight will be a close encounter. Joel Diaz feels the same way but his head is cocked slightly towards Grand Rapids, Michigan.

    “Even though I have it as a 50/50, I would lean towards Mayweather because of Mayweather’s defence. He’s very accurate with his right hand, and Manny Pacquiao is very strong and fast but at the same time he’s reckless when he unloads you know? I think Floyd with his defense can catch him on the way in.”

    Sound logic, but he added an addendum to his prediction that would, should it occur, both add drama to the contest and provide a handy excuse should the Filipino emerge victorious.

    “There’s also a problem. Manny can take punches you know. He comes, and Mayweather has always had hand issues, and if he has hand issues that night, he’s going to have a tough night.”