BY GABRIEL PRINCEWILL
Judgement day is finally here for both Mayweather, 47-0 and Pacquiao, 57-5-2, in the biggest fight of this generation. A fight long overdue, millions around the globe will tune in to see who the best pound for pound fighter is in this division. Most knowledgeable fans are aware that this fight should have taken place immediately after Manny Pacquiao knocked out Ricky Hatton 5 years ago, because both fighters were ripe and in the twilight of their respective careers.
Pacquiao remains a dangerous customer in this very competitive division blessed with an abundance of talent, but his abilities have slightly deteriorated after 4 defeats over the span of his career. Mayweather who himself may also be in relative decline, but really and truly has made his chances higher by fighting Pacquiao now, when he should have fought him some years back. He opted for him now to avoid the more risky contest of Amir Khan, who, though less fancied to beat Mayweather, possesses greater hand and foot speed than Pacquioa and thereby presents a greater risk of an upset than Pacquiao does. Meanwhile, a separate juicy contest between Amir Khan and Kelly Brooks has been penned for New year’s eve, and the winner of tonight’s big showdown will surely have to face the winner of Khan v Brook, except in the even of a magnificent close fight that calls for a rematch
Speculation abounds as to who will win on a day that will bring together even the most casual fans of the sport. Pacquiao, respected for his conquests as an 8 division champion, is also lauded for his humble personality and generous heart. Held in very high esteem in his native Phillippines, Pacquiao is a real icon with rare virtues that make him a treasure to the sport.
Emerging from a life of poverty, this one time rough sleeper who defied the odds and became a congressman as well as a well respected sportsman has captured the interests of all fans and won several plaudits for both his statesmanship and his excellent performance in the sport. He will be pleased to know that most Phillippinos, Americans, Brits, and several others are hoping for him to crush Mayweather’s ego and inflict the first defeat on the impeccable record of the American. On past form, he possesses the wherewithal to trounce Mayweather, but tonight will need to be his night for his big hopes of fruition to materialise. Every move, every thought will count on this big stage tonight.
And although most bets will be on Pacquiao, the unmistakable reality is that Mayweather is likely to emerge the victor tonight. A defensive craftsman and genius counter attacker, the arrogant American has some magic in him that has always enabled him to thwart the threat posed by the opposition. He is no stranger to meeting and defeating top opposition in the ring. His mastery in quelling adversity is second to none. The unbeaten ‘money man’ who hails from a family of boxers is supremely durable and very adaptive in the way he rises to the demands of every occasion that faces him. A points victory is the most likely outcome, but I somehow how sense that the magnitude of the fight will generate a sense of urgency in both fighters forcing a knockout or stoppage around the 9th round in a sensational display of athletic prowess that will surely wet our appetites
Pacquiao credits the grace of God to his elevation from poverty to near greatness, but he will need such grace to win tonight. Expect a cracking fight, but Mayweather will pull this off unless it time for the American, who claims to be greater than Ali to eat humble pie.
