By Kaleb Page

April 3, 2015

For years and years the talk of Mayweather-Pacquiao seemed like a far-fetched idea that would never materialize into what we all want to see.

Then the gift was given via social media on February 20, 2015. It was time, time to see what so many still debate over. Mayweather or Pacquiao, Pacquiao or Mayweather?

Set for May 2, 2015 the fight of the century will take place in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand. For Mayweather the fight holds a lot at stake. Not only does his unbeaten record of 47-0 hang in the balance, but also does the thought that Mayweather is the best fighter in the world and nearly untouchable.

As for the ‘Pac Man’ an equal amount hangs in the balance as well. There were the grumblings in the past that Mayweather was running from Pacquiao, and if Pacquiao defeats Mayweather the legend of Manny Pacquiao will grow substantially since he will be the first person to defeat Floyd.

As the hype continues to build and the days dwindle until May 2, a new release may cause some to take a second opinion on how bad they actually want to see the fight.

Reports from Deadspin.com have this fight as on of the most expensive pay-per-view buys in the history of boxing. The negotiations are on going but a standard definition Mayweather-Pacquiao pay-per-view will be sold for the modest price of $89. Now if you are feeling the urge to splurge, the fight will also be offered at the high-definition price of $99.

Is that price too much? The article poised the same question and did say it was a hefty price but when the fight of the century comes along doesn’t it warrant a big price?

It is harder to do like you could if say a UFC event was taking place and you wanted to watch it without shelling out a lot of money. With UFC events you can watch pay-per-views, Fox Sports One fights, etc. at your local Buffalo Wild Wings.

Unless this pay-per-view does it that way as well, which I haven’t seen any boxing fights that way in recent memory, it looks like the only way to watch is paying the price.

The price is reasonable given the demand. It’s smart business on the part of not only the promoters but the fighters as well; since they will see a cut (primarily Mayweather) of the buys along with the gate towards their purse.

The price is also reasonable if you have a group of friends over and split the cost, and if you are going to spend the money you might as well get the high-definition (smart move to just make it $10 more). So get some friends, some food, and enjoy boxing at its highest level.

I got 99 problem but the price ain’t one. (well, sorta)

As for my analysis and prediction on the fight you can read below. It will be interesting to watch this fight unfold and as always in a fight; anything can happen.

• If Pacquiao can find a way to cut off Mayweather almost like Miguel Cotto did when he fought Mayweather, he can naturalize the speed with which Floyd moves around the ring. From there Manny needs to find a way to open up Floyd, since ‘Pac Man’ is a southpaw he can look to use his own movement to get Mayweather out of position setting up a straight left or a solid hook. Ultimately, Pacquiao has to find a way to touch a man with great defense and with the power Manny possess he can find a shot to drop Floyd. That is a big if as it is hard to touch Floyd as the last person to really give Floyd was Cotto. If Manny wants is to win it will be by KO.
• For Mayweather its simple use the speed, length and defense to your advantage. Take the counters that you can from the southpaw and exit, stuff that Floyd is exceptional at doing. Not sure if with this fight Floyd will go for that KO in later rounds, but it is unlikely as the amount of power is not as high as Manny’s. Floyd has to put on a show with his feet and not walk his way into a powerful Pacquiao hook or uppercut. However, Mayweather has more ways of taking the fight and just has too much speed.

Final Decision: Mayweather wins by decision. 

Hard to not pick a guy who is that good and undefeated.