Larry Merchant compares Pacquiao-Mayweather to Lewis-Tyson

MANILA, Philippines – Long time boxing commentator and respected journalist Larry Merchant is comparing the upcoming mega fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather to a bout that took place in 2002 between heavyweights Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson.

In an interview with boxingscene.com, Merchant said that Pacquiao-Mayweather is the biggest fight “since Mayweather-Dela Hoya in terms of interest, but it’s more like the Lewis-Tyson in 2002.”

Merchant says that comparing the Pacman-Mayweather match on May 2 at the MGM Grand Arena to Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier or Leonard vs. Hearns in 1981 is a bit of a stretch, because those boxers fought each other while still in their prime.

Mayweather, though still undefeated in 47 fights, is already 38 years old. Pacquiao is 36.

Ali was 29 when he lost to Frazier, who was 27 and won the fight via unanimous decision after 15 rounds.

In comparison, Tyson was 35 when he was defeated by the 36-year-old Lewis. The ages of the boxers when they went toe to toe are similar to how old Pacquiao and Mayweather will be come May 2, hence the comparison by Merchant.

“It’s because how long it took to make the fight and because in a way, Mayweather is like the heavyweight champion in America. He’s the guy who filled the void of real heavyweights as a box-office attraction. So in that sense, it’s fair to compare them,” according to Merchant.

Merchant, 84, also said that there were other fights that were “highly anticipated,” but “none that maybe broke through the fight fan barrier like this one.” – Rappler.com