Share

Boxing experts bet on Mayweather

Cape Town - Boxing promoter Rodney Berman has put his hard-earned money on Floyd “Money” Mayweather to reign supreme over Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.

According to the City Press website, Berman is one of many local boxing fans who believe that the undefeated Mayweather will floor Pacquiao when the two highly decorated boxers clash at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, US, on May 2.

Interest in the much-awaited fight between the American, Mayweather, and the Filipino, Pacquiao, has peaked in Mzansi.

The world-renowned boxers have one thing in common with Mzansi - they have previously beaten South African foes in title fights.

Mayweather pole-axed Phillip Ndou in the seventh round of the World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight championship bout in Detroit, Michigan, in 2003.

Pacman knocked out Lehlohonolo “Hands of Stone” Ledwaba in the sixth round of the International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior-featherweight crown at the MGM Grand in 2001.

The WBC, World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Organisation (WBO) welterweight crowns will be at stake in the upcoming bout.

Mayweather holds the WBC and WBA titles while Pacquiao wears the WBO crown.

Berman believes Money will outpace Pacman.

“I think Floyd will be too slick and will win by knockout. His clever movement inside the ring and punching power will expose Pacman’s limitation,” he said.

Renowned trainer and former SA welterweight titleholder Harold Volbrecht believes Mayweather will capitalise on Pacquiao’s mistakes in the ring.

“Manny often runs forward and changes his feet, losing his balance. This flaw will give Mayweather the upper hand to overcrowd him and win by knockout,” he said.

Top South African boxer Brian Mitchell, who has previously held the IBF and WBA junior-lightweight crowns, said: “Mayweather will reign supreme because he would like to prove a point against an opponent who has been blowing hot and cold about his chances of winning. I don’t see the fight lasting the distance.”

International boxing historian Ron Jackson added: “Mayweather’s superior skills make him the favourite. I can see him winning by a knockout. Pacman is strong, but he will be outclassed by a more polished opponent.”

But Ledwaba favours his former conquerer Pacquiao.

“I believe he will be hungry and he’ll go out for the kill from the first gong. The fact that Pacman is being perceived as the underdog will give him the edge in my book,” he said.

Internationally acclaimed referee and judge Stan Christodoulou believes the fight will go Pacquiao’s way.

“When I was in Panama recently, I saw former world champion Roberto Durán saying on TV that Pacquiao was going to take his man out.

“Duran outlined Pacman’s strategy that will stand him in good stead. With this coming from a man like Durán who knows boxing, I believe Pacquiao will win.

“But with boxing being full of upsets, anything is possible,” said Christodoulou.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1271 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1469 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE