Pacquiao has punching power edge vs Mayweather, says Guerrero

MANILA, Philippines – Former world champion Robert Guerrero believes Manny Pacquiao’s punching power would play a pivotal role when the Filipino boxing icon meets Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the ring on May 2 (May 3 in PH) at the 16,800-seater MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The 31-year-old Guerrero is no stranger to both men as he served as one of Pacquiao’s sparring partners on numerous occasions, while he unsuccessfully tried to dethrone Mayweather in May 2013.

“I think in some aspect, yeah, [Floyd is faster than Manny]. But Manny is fast. He has fast hands. I’ve been with both of them before. I sparred with Pacquiao before, and I fought Mayweather,” he said in an interview with Behind the Gloves.

According to Guerrero, there is a razor-thin variance between the two fighters in terms of speed, but Pacquiao’s power spells the disparity.

“They both have quick hands, but the one thing that Manny has is his punching power. That plays a big part in a fight with Floyd,” he explained.

Moreover, the 5-foot-8 “Ghost” from Gilroy, California is not ruling out a knockout win for boxing’s only eight-division world champion.

“If he can land that shot and catch him right on the button, who knows? Maybe he will go out,” Guerrero stated.

Pacquiao scored 38 knockouts out of his 57 career wins, but he has not thwarted an opponent since defeating Miguel Cotto via twelfth-round stoppage in November 2009.

When he was asked about his fearless forecast regarding the long-awaited bout, Guerrero chose not to make any prediction.

“Anything can happen. This is boxing. Manny might knock out Mayweather in the first round. Mayweather might catch him and knock him out. Let’s see what happens,” he ended.

Guerrero is scheduled to compete against WBA welterweight titleholder Keith Thurman on Sunday, March 8 (PH time) at the same venue of the upcoming Pacquiao-Mayweather duel. – Rappler.com