Boxing announcer expects controversial Pacquiao-Mayweather decision

MANILA, Philippines – Bob Sheridan, a long-time play-by-play boxing announcer, believes that the highly-anticipated ring encounter between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 2 (May 3 in PH) might have a controversial conclusion.

The 71-year-old commentator stressed that the contradicting styles of both fighters could result into close rounds that would be difficult for the three judges to score.

“I would not be surprised if there was a controversial decision in this fight, perhaps even a draw,” Sheridan stated in an interview with On The Ropes Boxing Radio. “I’m more concerned with a lot of controversy in the scoring of individual rounds because of the style of these two fighters.”

Mayweather is 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 shots from his opponents.

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

“It seems like Mayweather will be [in] his usual counterpunching and elusive self and move and pick his shots to go offensive,” he assessed.

(IN PHOTOS: Pacquiao makes time for the media)

On the other hand, 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.

“Pacquiao will try to keep pressure on him all the time and maybe land heavier blows during the course of the fight. That’s where the controversy is going to be in those close 10-9 rounds,” Sheridan noted.

The 36-year-old Pacquiao is not new to controversial decisions in his 20-year prizefighting career.

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Boxing’s only eight-division world champion battled Juan Manuel Marquez on four occasions, with the first three meetings ending in divisive fashion.

Aside from his matches with Marquez, Pacquiao came across another questionable outcome when he lost to Timothy Bradley Jr. via split decision in June 2012.

Meanwhile, the 38-year-old Mayweather also had a doubtful triumph in his professional record as many analysts and ringside observers believed that Jose Luis Castillo defeated the unbeaten American boxer when the two first crossed paths in April 2002.

“You may have one judge going one way and two judges going the other way. I’m really interested to see how it unfolds, but I think it will be a very close fight,” Sheridan aired his concern about the scoring the marquee match-up.

Since the super-fight takes place at the 16,800-seater MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the Nevada State Athletic Commission is tasked to supervise the contest, but the sanctioning body has yet to announce the referee and judges that will oversee the heavily-hyped confrontation.

Although a mandatory rematch is not stipulated in the contract, Sheridan pointed out that a second showdown between Pacquiao and Mayweather is possible to happen.

“I expect a lot of close rounds and I expect it to be a controversial decision because of the close rounds. If that’s the case, a rematch is a possibility,” he ended. – Rappler.com