by Ryan Jacques

Created on: August 30, 2009   Last Updated: August 31, 2009

It is looking as if a match between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao could very well happen in early 2010. The fighters are very close in weight, the fight will generate huge income and both have a desire to be recognized as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Each one has an upcoming fight against a well-respected opponent and both are favored to win. Provided they do it seems almost certain they will meet each other. However, what exactly should we expect from a meeting of these two great boxers?

Floyd Mayweather is coming off a year-long layoff to fight Juan Manuel Marquez on September 19. He was widely regarded as the number 1 pound-for-pound fighter at the time of his retirement and is looking to reclaim his throne. He's a very cautious, defensive minded, counterpunching fighter who rarely likes to take risks in the ring. His last two fights, against Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, were both unexciting because of this. He is a phenomenal athlete with an extreme amount of boxing skill and a very high fight IQ. That being said his opponents for the last few years have all been somewhat safe choices. De La Hoya was on the downside of his career, Hatton was a limited fighter, Judah was small with very little punching power and Baldomir was a one trick pony. Floyd has been criticized, and rightly so, for not fighting the best opponents. He seems to be interested in more in the financial side of the fight than being recognized as a man who only fights the best fighters.

Manny Pacquiao, on the hand, is a man who has always fought top level competition. He has turned in stunning performances in every weight class against top opponents on his move up the charts. He knocked out Eric Morales, won decision against Barrera and outpointed Juan Manuel Marquez. After beating those three future hall of famers he moved up in weight to completely dismantle De La Hoya and Hatton. So where does all of this leave us in a future showdown?

Mayweather likes to counterpunch and Manny will give him the opportunity. Manny will come forward with relentless aggression and continually throw accurate, crisp, hard punches. Floyd has great defense and reflexes, but he has never faced a man who will tax his defense like Manny. The great combinations, aggression and omnipresent pressure will wear on Mayweather as the fight goes on. Manny also has outstanding conditioning and has never shown signs of wearing down in the later rounds of his fights which means he will be able

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