Damian Lillard respects Pacquiao, but picks Mayweather to win

MANILA, Philippines – Portland Trail Blazers All-Star Damian Lillard says that though he has respect for eight-division boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, he is picking the Filipino fighter’s opponent Floyd Mayweather Jr to win their mega fight on May 2 (May 3 in Manila) at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.

While talking to members of international media on Wednesday, April 1, Lillard says he is both a boxing and Mayweather fan, and believes that the undefeated fighter is the best pound for pound boxer in the sport’s history.

“I am a boxing fan and I respect Pacquiao as a boxer, but I’m a Mayweather fan,” said the third-year point guard out of Oakland. “I’m not just a fan of him being undefeated and probably the best pound for pound boxer ever. But I’m a fan of his work ethic.”

Lillard also talked about Mayweather’s reputation for trash talking opponents both in and away from the ring, but believes that the hard work the boxers puts in training for his fights – he’s 47-0-0 in his career – makes up for it.

“You hear a lot about his trash talk and you know, how flashy he is. But I think anybody that works as hard as him, they deserve to be as successful as him,” Lillard said.

“I really respect his work ethic so I think because of that he’ll come up on top.”

The Trail Blazers are currently 48-25 and on pace to win the Northwest Division in the loaded Western Conference, which would lead to a top-four seed in the first round of the playoffs.

If the NBA playoffs opened today, Lillard’s squad would take on the Los Angeles Clippers in a best-of-seven series. – Rappler.com