Vera picks Pacquiao to win over Mayweather

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-American fighter Brandon Vera is one of many people outside of the boxing world with an opinion to share on the highly-anticipated encounter between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr on May 2 (May 3 in Manila).

The 37-year-old Vera, who is currently under contract with Singapore-based mixed martial arts (MMA) organization ONE Championship, believes Pacquiao could walk out of the 16,800-seater MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada with a victory over Mayweather.

“I am for Manny Pacquiao all the way because he is Filipino,” he said during his media scum before the ONE: Valor of Champions official weigh-in on Thursday, April 23 at the City of Dreams Grand Ballroom n Parañaque City, Metro Manila.

Although most boxing observers say Mayweather’s flashy and tactical style in the ring could give Pacquaio a difficult time, Vera is totally convinced the Filipino boxer’s busy pace would overwhelm the unbeaten American pugilist.

“Both men have different styles, and many said that Mayweather has the leverage on that subject. But Manny is a fighter. He has the speed and power to get the job done,” he assessed.

In his illustrious 20-year prizefighting career, Pacquiao’s signature speed and relentless power are two of his key traits that helped him to capture 12 world titles in 8 weight classes.

On the other hand, Mayweather is known for his distinctive 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.

“I strongly believe that Manny Pacquiao will win over Floyd Mayweather,” Vera quipped.

In a 2012 interview, Vera stressed the glory days of boxing will be over after the Pacquiao-Mayweather era and suggested that MMA will take over the international combat scene.

“I don’t really care about boxing anymore. Until the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight, I don’t really care anymore. That’s the last fight we’re going to watch boxing anyway. I think after that, boxing is over. It’s all about MMA,” he stated.

Vera is the country for ONE Championship’s first Philippine event dubbed as “Valor of Champions” tonight at the 20,000-seater SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City as he is tapped to be one of broadcast panelists. – Rappler.com