Bernard Hopkins is the latest to weigh in on the much-talked about fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao. The 50-year-old former light heavyweight titlist recently shared his thoughts about what Mayweather needs to do to beat the Filipino eight-division world champion.
In an article by CBS Sports, Hopkins claimed that if Mayweather gets past the first few rounds, the undefeated American fighter can certainly beat the Filipino. Hopkins sees that Pacquiao will try to devastate Mayweather with his trademark boxing style in the first six rounds or less.
Mayweather has proven in some of his past fights that he can easily make adjustments. Mayweather had made adjustments when he fought Shane Mosley, Oscar De La Hoya and Victor Ortiz. Hopkins reckons that Mayweather must be able to do the same thing and must learn how to adjust to the Filipino in their mega-buck showdown in Las Vegas on Cinco de Mayo weekend.
According to Hopkins, it is going to be an easy fight for Mayweather if he can adjust as far as distance is concerned. Mayweather will not only have to adjust his striking distance but he should also be able to prevent a threat when Pacquiao rushes at him. Hopkins also believes Mayweather should trade more punches with Pacquiao to win.
“Floyd has to produce more than he has before, in terms of punching,” Hopkins said. “He’s not fighting Hatton - Pacquiao can bring it all night so Floyd’s jab and counterpunching will be the key.”
Like many, Hopkins puts his money on Mayweather against the underdog Pacquiao. However, Hopkins said that winning the bout would not be a ludicrously easy task for Mayweather. He said that Mayweather can win as well as be beaten up and lose his 47-fight winning streak. As for his last words, Hopkins said Mayweather will beat Pacquiao by controversial decision.
Pacquiao has lost twice in his last five fights including his dramatic knockout loss to Juan Manuel Marquez in 2012. He has not scored a knockout since he let go of Alex Ariza, who is now with Mayweather’s camp. With less than a couple of months until fight date, both camps are shifting to high gears in their training camps as they continue their preparations for the superfight.
As the bout draws closer, ESPN reported that the superfight is projected to break all revenue records in the history of boxing. With ticket prices ranging from $1500 to $10,000, the fight will reportedly pull in an estimated $74 million at the gate. It will break the gate record from Mayweather’s fight with Canelo Alvarez, which amounted to $20 million.
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