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November 25th, 2009 | by Tim Harrison
 The respective careers of Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KOs) and Floyd Joy Mayweather Jr. (40-0, 25 KO) have ultimately brought them together. The path each man has taken in getting to this point in their career couldn’t be farther apart in substance, when you get down to detail.
Mayweather was born into a boxing family in Grand Rapids, Michigan. To say he was born into a wealthy boxing family would be something of an overstatement. His parents’ drug problems were public knowledge, as well as his father supplementing his boxing income with drug profits. In short, Mayweather has brought himself up from the slums of Grand Rapids to the mansions of Las Vegas and he never misses an opportunity to tell the world of his new-found wealth and fame.
Pacquiao was born into blinding poverty in General Santos City, Philippines. As a child, he and his family struggled to eat. At only sixteen years of age, he turned professional in the Strawweight division (106 pounds). For Pacquiao, every fight was ‘do or die’. Like Mayweather, Pacquiao drug himself out of life’s gutter and has made a grand life for his family. He is a national hero in the Philippines and is fast becoming a mega-celebrity in the United States. He has made a more-than-generous living for himself, but won’t be the one bragging about it on camera.
Mayweather has made himself into anything but a hero. He has firmly entrenched himself in the role of the villain for every promotion that he has been involved with as of late. He is comfortable being the villain of the promotion. It can be hypothesized that most people tune in to Mayweather’s fights in hope of seeing him laid flat on his back with his opponent standing victoriously over his unconscious body. I may be in the minority in saying that I watch Mayweather’s fights to watch a display of pure boxing; hit-and-don’t-get-hit. I do hope for more action, but I’m willing to settle for what Mayweather dishes out.
Pacquiao’s soft-spoken nature and humility have made him much more loveable in the eyes of the American boxing fan. When casual and hardcore boxing fans tune in to a Pacquiao fight, they can’t help but hope for him to emerge victorious. I was one of the unfortunate fools to pick Miguel Cotto to win by late-round KO over Pacquiao, but knew deep down inside that he would win.
In the ring, Mayweather uses a ‘defense-first’ mentality. He rarely takes chances that might expose himself to danger. Some say he trains harder than he fights. In preparation for his match with Ricky Hatton, he reportedly knocked out sparring partner Carlos Baldomir, a man whom he pot-shotted for twelve rounds en route to an easy twelve-round decision only a year earlier.
Pacquiao goes in the ring with the mentality that he is on display for the entertainment of the fans. His health seems to be of little concern. When he is punched in the mouth, he bounces on his toes and raises his hands in the air, begging his opponent for more action. On the other hand, if someone slips a punch through Mayweather’s impenetrable defense, he ties up his opponent or retreats from the reaches of danger. The two men couldn’t be more opposite in style and personality, both in and out of the ring.
When you have one fighter that is all about action, and one that is all about defense and controlling the pace of the fight, what have you got? You most likely have an unpredictable outcome. You have a battle of wills. WILL Mayweather, the pure boxer, control the fight? Or WILL Pacquiao, the boxer-puncher, control the fight? I know most fans of Pacquiao will drop a comment stating that Mayweather likely will not last the full twelve against Pacquiao and I’m crazy for even suggesting the possibility, while Mayweather fans believe their man will prove to be the better man with ease.
The outcome is difficult to predict, indeed. Will Pacquiao prove too strong and fast for Mayweather to side-step and shoulder-roll to death? Can Mayweather keep Pacquiao away with stiff jabs to the midsection and trademark lead rights? Will Pacquiao’s multiple-punch combinations overwhelm the defensive wiz and force him to fight or will Mayweather stay in his shell, only coming out to blast the Filipino hurricane with one punch at a time and cruise to victory?
A panel of the most brilliant boxing minds can sit around and debate the outcome, but the only thing that matters in the end is Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather stepping into the ring and answering the questions for us. Conventional wisdom would have some of us believing that Mayweather should walk away with an easy victory. He is the naturally bigger man, more skilled and polished, but if recent history has taught us anything, it is that picking against Manny Pacquiao is not a smart bet.
Both men came from small beginnings. Mayweather has taken what some call the easier road to his fame. Most can say that Pacquiao has taken the road with more ups and downs to achieve his fame. The bottom line is that both roads are about to cross. They must in order for the itch to be scratched for the fight of the decade to finally come to fruition. Whichever man emerges victorious will also lay claim to the mythical “Pound-For-Pound” title.
So raise your glass or tip your hat or perform whatever your ritual of salutation may be in hopes of a deal being reached between Golden Boy and Top Rank. Pacquiao versus Mayweather is something we all, as boxing fans, need.
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November 25th, 2009 at 2:47 AM
hope this fight transpires to at least answers all speculations and debates… this will be an interesting fight eventhough with a contrasting styles. split over whoever will have a lion’s share could have been a constraint but here they should get into a fine agreement for their love of the boxing… a lot of money will be on stake, but both boxers should prioritize the extinction of their names that one of them is the greatest in this boxing era… goodluck to both fighters!
November 25th, 2009 at 4:33 AM
Finally, an intelligent analysis of an upcoming mega fight…Pacman Go!
November 25th, 2009 at 5:36 AM
Being a Pacquiao fan, the article gave me a better appreciation of who and ‘why’ Mayweather is the way he is.
It’s easy to hate someone who begs to be hated, but that doesn’t mean we abandon sportsmanship and recognize that Mayweather is a skilled fighter and that’s why we are all excited to see this fighter.
Pacquiao isn’t just fighting someone we all love to hate, but someone who is equal the warrior he is in the ring. Now that I got out of the way -
Gooooooooooo Pacquiao!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
808 represent!
November 25th, 2009 at 6:49 AM
God I hope it will be Pacquiao who will be victorious but I have severe doubts. My question will be if Mayweather will come down to the weight of the fight and not again like against Marquez cheat and come in way too heavy
If Mayweather plays fair and I severely doubt then Pacquiao can beat Mayweather
Bart
November 25th, 2009 at 8:04 AM
Good article. Just want to say about Mayweather accusation that Pacquiao was using steriod. He sounds like he’s afraid to let his son fight Pacquiao after he saw the Pacquiao/Cotto fight. He’s just making excuses not to let his son fight Pacquiao. Probably he saw that Pcquiao could take punches of a natural welterweight and still so fast with his weight.
November 25th, 2009 at 8:41 AM
well, all i can say is- the zero in maywether record is reserved for pacquiao to become one. hope their duel is for best of three
November 25th, 2009 at 8:55 AM
you are clearly a Manny fan but nice article.(definetly gave yourself away trying to show the weight that Manny started at even though Floyd started at 116) Floyd will pick Manny apart worse than Ricky Hatton, that will be Manny’s next fight after he loses to Money
November 25th, 2009 at 9:17 AM
I think it was a good and objective article. My perception of the outcome can only tip to Mayweathers camp. He will train like a madman even more than he did for previous fights. He’s been on big stages before so the nerves-edge have to go to Mayweather. I do see Pacquiao getting hit probably more than he ever has in his life. One sided Unanimous decision for Floyd.
November 25th, 2009 at 9:24 AM
I’m actually more of a Floyd fan, but I’ve grown more critical of him. In an older piece I wrote chronicling the apparent double standard in comparing their careers I do point out Floyd’s early weight, as compared to not being so different from Manny. I didn’t think it was imperative here. I highlighted his home troubles and Manny’s starvation to compare their early life’s struggles.
November 25th, 2009 at 9:24 AM
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by supermaniaco65: Pacquiao-Mayweather: Opposites Attract.. http://la.fighthype.com/2009/11/25/pacquiaomayweather-opposites-attract/ #boxing…
November 25th, 2009 at 9:47 AM
mayweather needs to prove a lot of things to be consider as one of the greats of all time.
November 25th, 2009 at 9:48 AM
i bet Pacman will KO mayweather in Round 1…
November 25th, 2009 at 1:06 PM
maywether will be dacing all 12 rounds and hope to win by unanimous decision between Pacman and him, but Roach knows to well to put up a strategy for the fight. Gayweahter will be shutdown together with his trash talking mouth and his father who believe himself is the best trainer and boxing analyst.
November 25th, 2009 at 1:38 PM
With his bestial attitude and self-proclaimed greatness, mayweather will always be not a GOOD persona model in boxing!The good must always prevail against the evil.May Pacman wins!
November 25th, 2009 at 1:41 PM
“He is the naturally bigger man, more skilled and polished, but if recent history has taught us anything, it is that picking against Manny Pacquiao is not a smart bet.”
Wonder how much you loss in betting while picking Manny’s opponent.
November 25th, 2009 at 1:46 PM
floyd and his big mouth will certainly be favored in this fight because of his size, speed, superb defense, and hesitance to engage his opponent toe-to-toe. but like you said in this article, betting against manny is usually not a smart idea.
November 25th, 2009 at 1:57 PM
I am afraid Pacman will pick Chreaterweather apart worse than Ricky Hatton. They may have about the same speed but Pacman proved that he can take a punch from a powerful welterweight Cotto. Pacman has more power than Cheaterweather. Aside from boxing skill, power, speed, endurance and support of his nation and faith in God, Manny become determined to win for the people of the Philippines.
November 25th, 2009 at 2:24 PM
those who are fortunate to have followed Manny Pacquiao’s boxing career from the start will have no doubt that Manny will win. fight with Jr is already written in the stars just as there was no doubt that he would defeat Cotto.
this is just a replay of his early fights with different opponents of the same style. he really was never picked to win in all his championship fights starting with Chokvavit and Sasakul, both legends in their own way.
November 25th, 2009 at 2:41 PM
Floyd will run when he gets hit, and will try to tie Manny up each round. I don’t think Floyd can take the 4-5 punch combinations, as much as Manny needs to cover up on Floyd’s left hook, and straight right hand. Floyd will get hit with a punch that he can’t see, and there goes the fight.
November 25th, 2009 at 2:47 PM
this is gonna be like jake lamotta vs sugar ray robinson
November 25th, 2009 at 2:52 PM
i rather see mosley vs pacman. better fight. floyd is boring
November 25th, 2009 at 2:53 PM
No one ever won a boxing match on shoulder rolls and defense. Floyd will have to come out to fight when he gets hit with 5-6 punch combos from Manny. I love what Freddie Roach said, if he gives us the shoulder roll, on the shoulder. The best defense only works when you have an offense to go with it. Manny will destroy Floyd–Pacman all the way…
November 25th, 2009 at 3:50 PM
nice article. i can say, no doubt pacquiao is very much interested in this fight. he is so eager to once again prove his doubters wrong. he is so determined and greatly motivated to knockout floyd.
November 25th, 2009 at 4:22 PM
This will be a great fight if it happens but Floyd will out point Manny in a close 12 round decision. Floyds defense will carry him to victory. Manny is great and he can win if Floyd makes a mistake but that has never happened and it will not happen in this fight Floyd will be ready.
November 25th, 2009 at 4:23 PM
It’s no wonder that this Fraud will cheat again. This Fraud is the most arrogant boxer that ever exists inside the ring.Pacman will even train harder on this fight. If he got a hands of stone against Cotto, come fight night he will be the man of steel. Fraud’s chin will be exposed and he will fall harder than the Hitman.
November 25th, 2009 at 4:44 PM
This fight is even harder to predict than Cotto Pacquiao fight. “The best defensive boxer and best offensive boxer.” Ofcourse, I will bet on Manny - even when I’m not really sure who to call it for. It’s served me well in the past 4 years.
Win or lose, I hope Manny makes to the top ten in boxing greats. And, that people will recognize what Manny has done to the sport of boxing in setting a standard, as well as showing humility, courage, class, and excitement come fight night.
Nice article!
November 25th, 2009 at 4:56 PM
This is perfect: USA vs. Philippines. The United States invaded the Philippines in the guise of a Spanish American war, sending 120,000 troops against 30,000 soldiers of the Philippine liberation army led by a 29-year old general. It took USA 2 months to destroy the Spaniards in CUBA, while UNCLE SAM had to pacify the Filipinos from 1899-1913 at the cost of 2 million lives or 20% of the entire population. This without the Philippines having any advantage in terms of a foreign country supporting them in supplies, ammunition, and diplomacy. Then, also in WWII the US was defeated by the Japanese as well, and returned by destroying all the treasures of the Philippines including the Pearl of the Orient, the Walled City of Manila. Pacquiao is a hero because he detstroyed all the Mexican legends of his time. Philippines was ruled by Spain through Mexico (New Spain). Now its time to get back at the biggest bully of them all- in the person of Mayweather- a true embodiment of what that USA has been to the World
November 25th, 2009 at 5:57 PM
i enjoyed you’re article tim….im going with mayweather will stay in his shell and only come out to blast the filippino with one punch @ a time and cruise to victory….but if pacquiao catches him with a hard shot it’s over lol
November 25th, 2009 at 7:21 PM
If I were Floyd,I rather not fight Manny for ths simple reason that this will be Manny’s last fight. In short it’s a win- win situation for Manny. If Manny losses (which I doubt) — it will be big loss for Floyd as that might force him to retire just like the other boxers in his class like– Morales, Barrera, Marquez, Dela Hoya and Hatton. From the look of it, Floyd is giving himself more fights for “THE BIG BUCKS”. Manny has enough money to make him live the good life.
November 25th, 2009 at 7:24 PM
Nice article..Maybe the best write up coming from a non Pacquiao believer…Tim Harrison, I salute you…Keep on doing such something good to read on.
Pacquiao vs Mayweather..Lets get it on!!!!
November 25th, 2009 at 7:27 PM
“Like Mayweather, Pacquiao drug himself out of life’s gutter and has made a grand life for his family” (sic)
Have you seen 24/7? “American poor” is like luxury compared to “Philippine poor”. Some destitute parts in the Philippines looked as bad as some of the worst places in Africa.
I think one of the main reasons why Manny Pacquiao is celebrated even here in the States is precisely because he has shown everybody that anyone can survive even from the most dire situations (more dire than recession America) if you’re willing to work hard enough.
It’s strange, the Pacman, a non-American, looks more and more like the symbol of the “American dream” where virtues like hardwork can earn you a better life in the land of opportunity while Mayweather (who flaunts his money and acts like an elitist)looks like a symbol of why America is in a recession to begin with because of his tax problems.
November 25th, 2009 at 7:33 PM
not anymore. FLoyd is very skilled and so is PAcquiao. Pcquiao is even more agile than floyd and trhows a lot od power punches than floyd. Its only on the defense category as well as size that floyd has a advantage! not accurate article!
November 25th, 2009 at 7:48 PM
the speed of pacquiao will caught coward untested brawler mayweather flat on the floor or wiil be thrown outside the ring with a solid punch on the weak cheek .he can always run run run but eventually he will suffer the same fate of hatton. you can run but you cant hide. as what the americans always say
November 25th, 2009 at 8:12 PM
If Mayweather will accept the fight, He is in danger because Team Pacquiao will request a small ring to squareof between this two boxers. IYet i beleived this time his run defense technique will no longer effective due to a small space ring. So he can run but he cannot hide. Its very easy for Pacman to kill him in a short distance. Otherwise he may ingage to Pacman toe to toe. He will be punish same with Cotto this time.
November 25th, 2009 at 8:51 PM
WHO KNOWS??? FLOYD IS A GOOD FIGTHER, AND PACMAN IS ALSO A GOOD FIGTHER BOTH OF THEM ARE GREAT!!! WOW!!! let the ring shows “MATIRA ANG MATIBAY”
November 25th, 2009 at 9:16 PM
Great article.. what makes mayweather great is because he is the villain who is a blabber mouth (which makes me hate him even more!)and i agree with a lot of articles that everybody wants to see him down!… I’m a pacquiao fanatic and i got really really really excited after the fight with Cotto coz i know pacquiao will fight mayweather next… I would love to see pacquiao make mayweather look like a fool. And then when mayweather will ask for a rematch, make pacquiao make him look like an amateur..
November 25th, 2009 at 9:50 PM
THE FIGHT WILL NOT HAPPEN.
November 25th, 2009 at 10:36 PM
Excellent article. Unbiased and honest. I can’t wait for these 2 fighters to meet. It will be a spectacular match. I will go against conventional wisdom and place my bet with the Pacman as I always do. Floyd is a good boxer with excellent defensive and running skills. I am one of those who would just watch him fight in anticipation to see someone knock him flat on his back. I know the Pacman is the man to do it. It will happen. Maybe it would shut his father’s mouth once and for all. But, I wouldn’t bet on it.
November 26th, 2009 at 12:29 AM
I used to like boxing, I love martial arts and now love boxing again because of Pacman ! When Pacman fight its very exciting maybe because hes Filipino or maybe because of his fights - never a dull moment!! I know there has been other world champion filipino boxers long before my time such as Pancho Villa, Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, Cafereno Garcia, Gerry Peñalosa, Luisito “Lindol” Espinosa, etc. Whats really gets me excited about Pacman though in this generation is because he’s willing to fight and stand up against bigger opponents, hes not that guy that backs out when stronger opponent comes around - hes humble but not weak, he’s silent but strong. He does not only stand up and face bigger and stronger opponents he’ll go head to head, toe to toe until a KO’ !!
November 26th, 2009 at 1:12 AM
The first big question: Is Floyd’s defense good enough for Manny’s offense. The biggest mistake Floyd can commit is the same mistake that Manny’s recent opponents made, which is to underestimate him. Manny’s offense is just too relentless that at that some point Floyd would have stand his ground and engage him. Floyd cannot defeat Manny by boxing him. He would have to stand up to him and fight him. The second big question: Can Floyd take Manny’s heat? Floyd is a safety first fighter, he hasn’t been hurt that much before. How will he react once he feels the sting of Manny’s punches, which will come in bunches wave after wave? How tough is Floyd’s chin, not to mention, his mind for this type of adversity. In the Marquez fight, Marquez did get to Floyd in a number of significant occasions, except that Floyd laughed it off because Marquez’s punches have no power to hurt him. Pacquiao’s punches hurt and Floyd will feel it. The third big question is: Can Floyd really hurt Manny? Cotto is a much bigger puncher than Floyd, with a higher KO ratio, and yet Manny took his punches really well. While Floyd knocked down Marquez, he can’t put him away Manny will handle Floyd’s punches and it will frustrate Floyd. I’ll put my money on Manny on this one.
November 27th, 2009 at 4:42 AM
When Gayweather fights money in May, the ill effects of a long layoff will come out. In his fight with Marquez, the rust didn’t show up because Marquez was not able to pressure him. Gayweather has only 1 fight in 2 years compare to Manny who has 5. Even his goofball dad is having second thoughts in letting his son fight the Pacman coz he might get the same faith as Cotto thats why they are looking at a tune up in the UK against one of the Hattons. But if Gayweather will go for the tune up fight, the fight with Manny might not happen. No more excuses Gayweather, the Pacman is the only fight you got.. step up & be a man for the first time in your life..
November 27th, 2009 at 8:35 AM
[...] The respective careers of Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KOs) and Floyd Joy Mayweather Jr. (40-0, 25 KO) have ultimately brought them together. The path each man has taken in getting to this point in their career couldn’t be farther apart in …Read Original Story: Pacquiao–Mayweather: Opposites Attract – Fight Hype [...]
November 27th, 2009 at 8:36 AM
mayweather a hero?
bullshit
November 27th, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Mayweather is a five division champion. I’m not sure what people mean when they say he has something to prove. He’s a HOF and currently 40-0 with a lot of solid names on his record. This will be a great fight and I’ll will be there to watch it. It’s ok not to like Floyd but to say he has something to prove is crazy.
November 28th, 2009 at 12:12 PM
if manny becomes underdog when the fight made,a KO or TKO for manny!! manny is dangerous if he is underdog!!
November 28th, 2009 at 2:50 PM
Mayweather Hate him or love him a lot of yall are gonna hate for me to say this because I’m a huge pac-man fan but name me one “boxer or defensive technician” pac-man has fought??? None I can think of… An this is comin from a huge pac-mab fan berrara, hatton, cotto and morrales were brawlers… Marquez was a slow but percise counter puncher and manny had hell wit him when marquez got his timing down… So jus imagine floyd whose a pure boxer who’s taylor made for aggressive fighters!!! The only man out there fuckin wit “money may” is paul williams!!! An it will still be a tough one for the punnisher… So mannys better safer bet is a fight wit mosley!!!
November 29th, 2009 at 12:52 AM
if this fight would ever happen,mayweather would definitely win over pacquiao. but thats if the fight would reach its full length, 12 round to be exact. he floyd would win by the cards, take my word for it but he floyd would have to take with the win the most brutal most painfull and the most horrifying experience of his boxing career.
November 29th, 2009 at 2:25 AM
Hey Mr. Tim…wow..thanks for a very nice article about PACMAN and Mayweather…I agree with you…only these two men holds the answer to all the questions…and debates fans and boxing analysts have right now…
And I’ll go for your own quote…”but if recent history has taught us anything, it is that picking against Manny Pacquiao is not a smart bet.”
Mayweather may have the best defensive skills in boxing today…but Pacquiao has the most unpredictable punches out there…as Mr. Holyfield said it…it’s not the hardest punch that can knock you out…but the punches you never saw coming…
And PACMAN is the best one in throwing those blinding punches…
It’ll be VERY interesting fight…
December 7th, 2009 at 3:14 PM
Fight fans, be prepared to see a track meet, because Mayweather is running all night. It is going to be an interesting fight to say the least, but don’t keep your hopes up! I think I’ll go to a local Wing House bar instead of ordering it on paperview. I’ll save my money for the more explosive fights. Speaking of which, I think Pacquiao and Mosley would be more of a action type fight. If you think about it, Mosley was regarded as the true welterweight champion after dismantling Margarito, who happen to give Cotto a beaten. Oh well, I’ll just jump on the “bang wagon” and hype myself up with anticipation in hopes that someone finally shuts Pretty Floyd’s mouth.
December 11th, 2009 at 7:13 PM
US Immigration are tough and willing to defend their country from illegal immigrants…Philippines are small country but can penetrate in any countries they wish to go by studying its weakness (legally or illegally).
Just like Mayweather and Manny.. Mayweather said he is tough and cannot be defeated…ha ha ha WRONG! Remember, Manny is a natural born child from Philippines.
Poor Mayweather…your weaknesses has been studied and concluded.