Berto: Odds favor Mayweather to win over Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines – Two-time welterweight champion Andre Berto says that one of the main reasons why Floyd Mayweather Jr. is favored to win over Manny Pacquiao on May 2 (May 3 in PH) is because of his remarkable undefeated streak.

According to Berto, Mayweather’s outstanding reputation that he established nearly 19 years ago makes him the clear choice to walk out of MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada with a victory against Pacquiao.

“It’s a tough fight. It’s kind of hard to go against Floyd because I know he’s undefeated,” he stated in an interview with FightHype.com.

After capturing the bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Mayweather (47-0, 26 knockouts) immediately turned his attention to the pros, making himself merely an unstoppable force ever since courtesy of his unique style of fighting.

Similar to in-ring tacticians such as Willie Pep, Wilfredo Benitez and Pernell Whitaker, Mayweather is likewise known for dictating the bout’s tempo with his distinctive and effective brand of defensive guile, utilizing his shoulder roll, high-guard and elbow block to get rid of the blows from his opponents.

In addition, he is also recognized as a minimal-but-accurate hitter, clobbering his counterparts with a drop jab, leaning right hand and inside slap hook.

Mayweather has been unbeaten since his professional debut in October 1996, owning notable victories over high-profile fighters such as Jose Luis Castillo, Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, Oscar De La Hoya and Miguel Cotto.

The 38-year-old American seeks to follow the footsteps of Rocky Marciano, Joe Calzaghe and Ricardo Lopez, three of the few boxers in history who retired without a single loss in their records.

Although he is giving his nod to Mayweather, Berto believes that Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs) would sport his best foot versus boxing’s current pound-for-pound king with an effort to pull off the upset.

“I know Manny is going to come and bring it,” he said.

Pacquiao is famous for his speed and volume punching, two of his key qualities that enabled him to capture 12 world titles in eight different weight classes.

“It’s hard to say. It’s a big show, and I got to be there,” said Berto, who scored a sixth-round technical knockout win over Josesito Lopez on Saturday, March 14 (PH Time). – Rappler.com