Pacquiao may win over Mayweather, say UFC stars

Nissi Icasiano

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Pacquiao may win over Mayweather, say UFC stars
Edgar thinks Pacquiao could floor Mayweather when they trade punches, while Faber believes Pacquiao’s qualities as a fighter could pull off the upset

MANILA, Philippines – Even though mixed martial arts is a different turf compared to boxing, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) superstars Urijah Faber and Frankie Edgar also had a share of opinion on the long-awaited encounter between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 2 (May 3 in PH).

Edgar believes Pacquiao could floor Mayweather if the unbeaten American boxer would trade punches with the Filipino southpaw in their heavily-hyped confrontation, which takes place at the 16,800-seater MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“If it’s a slow-paced fight, it will go Floyd’s way by decision. But if he goes out there to throw some leather, I think Manny will find an opening and possibly put him on the floor,” the former UFC lightweight champion told Rappler. 

Meanwhile, the 35-year-old Faber believes that Pacquiao’s qualities as a fighter could pull off the upset against Mayweather. 

“I’m rooting for Paquiao. I’m a big fan of Pacquiao. I like him as a person. I think if he goes out and goes for broke that’s his best chance,” he stated.

Pacquiao’s busy pace was one of the key factors of his success in the sport, capturing 12 world titles in 8 different weight classes.

On the opposite end, Mayweather is known for dictating the bout’s tempo with his distinctive and effective brand of defensive guile all throughout his career, utilizing his shoulder roll, high-guard and elbow block to get rid of the shots from his foes.

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. 

“He (Pacquiao) can’t play a point game with Floyd because that’s Floyd’s game,” Faber said about Mayweather’s typical game plan in the ring.

Faber and Edgar are set to headline UFC’s first Philippine live event numbered as “Fight Night 66” on May 16 at the 20,000-capacity SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Metro Manila.

Both men were the highlight of the fight card’s on-sale press conference on Tuesday, March 10 at Solaire Resort & Casino’s Grand Ballroom in Parañaque City. 

Tickets to UFC’s maiden trip to the fight capital of the Southeast Asian region will be available at all outlets of SM Tickets on Friday, March 13. – Rappler.com

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