Former world champion Antonio Tarver believes Manny Pacquiao could give Floyd Mayweather the toughest fight of his career if the showdown between the two boxing superstars happens on May 2.
Tarver said in an interview with On The Ropes Boxing Radio that the showdown between Pacquiao and Mayweather will be a chess match because of the two fighters' fighting style.
The former world light heavyweight champion expects Pacquiao to be very aggressive that will give him the opportunity to land big shots, while Mayweather will lean on his vaunted defense and accuracy.
"I think styles make fights, I think it's a perfect style that really lends to the fact that it could be a great fight because Pacquiao is gonna be pressing, coming from different angles, giving Mayweather movement," Tarver said. "Mayweather's gonna be sharp on his defense, throwing those pot shot accurate punches, working off of that beautiful jab to the stomach and to the head."
When pressed to predict the outcome of the rumored super fight, Tarver said that he can see Pacquiao hurting Mayweather. But even if the reigning pound-for-pound king will be tested like never before, Tarver believes that Mayweather will win by decision and keep his record unblemished.
"I can see Pacquiao hurting Floyd and Floyd fighting back and taking over the fight and winning the decision but it's gonna be an exciting fight, I can't wait," Tarver said. "Mayweather's been in some tough fights and he's proven he can handle the pressure so you can't bet against Mayweather but you just know he's gonna be tested in a way he's never been tested before."
Like many other boxing fans and analysts, Tarver said that he is eagerly waiting for the potential record-breaking showdown between Pacquiao and Mayweather. The 46-year-old believes that both sides will eventually set aside their egos and make the fight happen for boxing fans.
Michael Koncz, Pacquiao's legal adviser, told The Philippine Star that they are doing their best to finalize the fight and are only waiting for Mayweather to decide. Koncz said that Mayweather needs to face Pacquiao because there will always be questions about his legacy if he decides not to collide with his biggest rival.
"Manny said the fans deserve the Mayweather fight and we're doing everything that we can possibly do other than say that we can fight for free to make it happen," Koncz said. "It's really up to Floyd. If he wants to cement his legacy and pull his head up when he retires he's got to give the fans what they want."
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