The bout needs no introduction. Nor do many of the names who will appear on this list. Still, each person quoted here will be identified with what he or she is best known for. Most are experts of the fight game. Some, however, are just interesting characters. In case you missed it, Enjoy part one of our series here.
TEDDY ATLAS (Trainer, Commenator): “I think Pacquiao has a good chance,” claims the most entertaining mouthpiece in boxing. “The greatest strength of Floyd Mayweather is also his greatest weekness – his defense. He goes into it too much sometimes. He doesn’t throw enough.” Yet Atlas isn’t afraid to weigh in on Pacquiao, either.“He’s (Manny’s) got the foot speed to get to Floyd when he has to get to him.” (ES NEWS)
Prediction: Leaning Towards Pacquiao
ABEL SANCHEZ (Trainer): “I see Floyd being a little too ring smart for Manny,” says the man behind one Gennady Golovkin. “I think it’s going to be a difficult first four or five rounds, but after that I think Floyd figures him out.” And that, according to Sanchez, will tell the tale. “I see a decision,” he says. (Boxing Socialist)
Prediction: Mayweather
EVANDER HOLYFIELD: “Mayweather won’t win, because from what I’ve seen, boxing doesn’t want nobody to get out [of the sport] undefeated, They want to keep the money in the sport by doing things to make it happen this way: Somebody beats the man, and then somebody beats the man who beat the man, and then somebody beats the man who beat the man who beat the man who beat the man. Then it’s going to be a matter of whether Mayweather is going to fight again, whether he feels like he has made enough money to say, ‘I ain’t got to fight,'”(Sports on Earth)
Prediction: Pacquiao
MICHELLE RODRIGUEZ (Actress): “Oh snap, I wish it were Pacquiao man,” claims the snappy star, “but Mayweather’s a monster.” Even without a script, those lines are well delivered.
Prediction: Mayyweather
DAVID HAYE (Heavyweight Boxer): “Everybody who has eyeballs needs to see this fight,” the outspoken Brit claims. “This is the first fight I’ve ever known that doesn’t need press conferences.” Still, Haye is more than just bluster. “The smart money,” he claims thoughtfully, “obviously goes on Mayweather…Mayweather has never let his emotions get the better of him.” True enough. “It’s hard to be against him,” adds Haye. (IFLTV)
Prediction: Mayweather
LAMONT PETERSON (Junior Welterweight Boxer): “I have to go with Mayweather,” says the slick Washington DC native, “but it’s a close fight.” Hopefully it won’t end as controversially as Peterson’s last fight (a narrow decision loss to Danny Garcia did. “I say 50/40,” Peterson claims, laying down his own unique odds. (ESNews)
Prediction: Mayweather
GERRY COONEY (Former Heavyweight Boxer): “I’m a Manny Pacquiao fan,” Cooney admits, “but I don’t think he can win. I think Floyd is too good.” (Newsday)
Prediction: Mayweather
MARV ALBERT (PBC Broadcaster): “Five years ago it certainly would have been a better fight to watch,” the iconic broadcaster admits. “But I think that Pacquiao’s going to have a difficult time, even though I know Freddie wants him to go in there like, crazed.” In the end, Albert thinks it all comes down to Mayweather’s superior skill set. “I really think that I give a slight edge to Mayweather on a decision,” he says. (Newsday)
Prediction: Mayweather
AL MICHAELS (PBC Broadcaster): “I would think Mayweather.” Michael’s says. “I think Mayweather will figure out a way to win the fight.” Yet he too, think the whole thing may have come about too late. “I think the most interesting thing about this fight to me,” he claims, “is three years ago it would have been a better fight – you have to think.” (Newsday)
Prediction: Mayweather
ALEX RODRIGUEZ (New York Yankee): Like Mayweather, Rodriguez is a big time athlete who’s all too familiar with controversy. So, does he think Floyd will carry the night on May 2nd? “I’m very, very limited in my knowledge about boxing,” the world’s most infamous Yankee admits. Still, he’s going with Floyd. (nj.com)
Prediction: Mayweather
BARRY HUNTER (Trainer): “I would pretty much pick Floyd,” claims the esteemed corner man. “I think it will be more of a chess match.” To Hunter, it’s all about Mayweather avoiding temptation. “If Floyd does what Floyd and doesn’t change anything, doesn’t play up to the crowd or the media…he should come out of the fight unscathed,” Hunter says. (International Business Times)
Prediction: Mayweather
ANGEL GARCIA (Trainer): As far as Danny’s father is concerned, the key for Pacquiao is to “not go in slugging too hard, and going all crazy. He needs to take his time a bit. He needs to throw his left hand, and come back with his overhand right. He needs to keep his head moving.” Indeed Garcia believes being overly aggressive can be dangerous for the Filipino legend. “When Manny gets involved in the hype,” he says, “that’s when he gets clipped.” (International Business Times)
Prediction: Mayweather
RICKY HATTON (Former Opponent of Mayweather and Pacquiao): If anyone knows how good these two fighters are, it’s Hatton. For the talented Brit has been knocked out by both men in major fights. “Forget this particular era,” he says. “Mayweather versus Pacquiao is one of the biggest fights of all time.” So, who takes it, Ricky? “Floyd always finds a way to win,” he claims, “no matter the style, and that’s the reason that I make him a slight favorite over Manny.” (The Ring)
Prediction: Mayweather
ANDRZEJ FONFARA (Light Heavyweight Contender): “Mayweather KO,” he claims. “Sixth to eighth round, or decision.” (Dontaes Boxing Nation)
Prediction: Mayweather
DANNY GARCIA (JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION): “I’ll be there, I thinks it’s whoever shows up that night to win the fight. But if I had to bet on somebody, I’d have to bet on Floyd Mayweather.” (HoopJab)
Prediction: Mayweather
BIG SHOW (WWE Star, Former Mayweather Opponent): “I think that’s why he’s still very pretty, that’s why he’s hard to hit.” “He can hit hard, He’s just not there when you go to hit him back.” (Sky Sports)
Prediction: Mayweather
MARK WAHLBERG (Actor): “I’m going with team PacMan” (ShoSports)
Prediction: Pacquiao
SHAQUILLE O’NEAL (NBA Star): “Mayweather, Seventh round. Knockout.” (ShoSports)
Prediction: Mayweather
BILL MAHER (Television Personality): “Mayweather’s going to win”
Prediction: Mayweather
TOM BRADY (New England Patriot): “It’s always about the money,” (ShoSports)
Prediction: Mayweather
JAMIE FOXX (Actor): “This has been a long time coming,” the long time Hollywood star says. So, in the end, who does the Oscar winner think will have his hand raised? “It’s Money May”
Prediction: Mayweather
LOU DIBELLA (Promoter): “I think Floyd wins the fight, I haven’t picked against Floyd in many, many, many years, I’m not going to start now.” (Tha Boxing Voice)
Prediction: Mayweather
DIDDY (Entertainment Mogul): “This fight is going to come down to heart. Mayweather’s the champion” (ShoSports)
Prediction: Mayweather
CHARLES BARKLEY (NBA Legend): “Manny is an aggressive person. He got punches coming from every angle.”
Prediction: Pacquiao
LIVE SCHRIEBER (ACTOR): “Never discount Manny’s ability”
Prediction: Pacquiao
MICHAEL STRAHAN: (NFL Star, Television Personality): Anybody who makes the jump from pro football to morning television host must be a well-rounded individual. And in Strahan’s case, that means he knows a bit about boxing. “Mayweather, he’s an artist,” says the morning man. (ShoSports)
Prediciton: Mayweather
TITO ORTIZ (MMA Fighter): “Mayweather is just a little more slicker. I think Mayweather will pull it off. Decision.” (ThaBoxingVoice)
Prediction: Mayweather
“STONE COLD” STEVE AUSTIN (WWE): “Am I gonna throw down some money to watch Manny Pacquiao take on Floyd Mayweather? I tell you what, I’m gonna bypass on spendin my hundred bucks because I think uhhh… I think Floyd Mayweather is gonna handily win this fight.
I’d love to see Pacquiao win this thing and upset Floyd Mayweather but it just ain’t gonna happen. Mayweather Has so much talent, he’s so damn quick and fast… I mean he’s had the career that he’s had… and that’s with all due respect to Manny Pacquiao… he’s a legend in his own country and around the world.” (Steve Austin Pod Cast)
Prediction: Mayweather
PAULIE MALIGNAGGI (Welterweight): “I think early on Floyd will be Floyd and it will be a pretty tedious affair. I don’t expect the fight to start fast, although I do expect Manny to try to start fast. I don’t think you can come out with surprises and see Manny starting slow because the slower the pace the worse it is for Manny. So I don’t think there are any surprises there.
“If Manny’s going to have a shot at winning this he’s better off starting fast. I think it’s to his own detriment if he doesn’t start fast. So I think you see an attempt at starting fast by Manny.” (Grantland)
Prediction: Mayweather
CARL FROCH (Super Middleweight Champion): After winning his share of big fights, most recently an epic war against fellow Brit George Groves, Froch knows what it means to be part of an epic matchup. “There’s a lot of emotional money on Pacquiao,” the man known as “The Corbra” claims, “because a lot of people want him to win, but my money’s on Mayweather on points.” (SkySports)
Prediction: Mayweather
OSCAR DE LA HOYA: “the smart money is on Mayweather, Look, it’s Las Vegas, Mayweather’s hometown. His picture’s on the side of the MGM. The close rounds are going to go to Mayweather. It’s big business. It’s no secret.” (LA Times)
Prediction: Mayweather
GEORGE FOREMAN (Former Heavyweight Champion): “If we’ve got good judges this time, It’s go Pacquiao. He’ll (Mayweather) hurt his right hand. He can’t get a knockout. So he’ll just have to cruise on in and win or lose the fight just by a couple of points.” (The Independent)
Prediction: Pacquaio
KELL BROOK: “He’s never lost before, he knows how to win and it’s Vegas.” (The Independent)
Prediction: Mayweather
SHANE MOSELY: “I think Mayweather’s going to out-point Pacquiao by moving, evading punches, and being able to do combinations.” (The Independent)
Prediction: Mayweather
MIGUEL COTTO: “I’m rooting, for Manny Pacquiao. I think the quickness of Manny is going to have a big impact on Floyd’s performance.” (The Independent)
Prediction: Pacquiao
Keanu Reeves (Actor): “I’ve been watching him for many years, and he’s such a great champion and from the outside, he’s a remarkable person from what’s he’s doing. It’s seems like when the fire gets hotter he just gets more hot. He’s just like on it… and it looks like he’s having fun.” (ABS-CBN)
Prediction: Pacquiao
JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ: You don’t get to find many fighters as esteemed as the great Marquez. Not only has he become one of the most respected fighters on earth, he’s lost to both Mayweather and Pacquiao. Oh, and he’s knocked Manny stone cold. So, what’s he make of Saturday’s fight? “I think Mayweather has the perfect style to win this fight,” he says. “But if Pacquiao connect(s) (with) one power punch, maybe Mayweather has a problem.” (EsNews)
Prediction: Mayweather
SYLVESTER STALLONE (Actor): “Manny, “I think he’s a super fighter, but also this guy’s (Mayweather), a super, super fighter who has never tasted defeat because he’s a chess player.” (Tecate, Sports Illustrated)
Prediction: Mayweather
LARRY MERCHANT: “When a guy has been faster than everybody he’s ever fought,and suddenly he gets into the ring with somebody who’s as fast or almost as fast or maybe a little faster, it can change everything, and that’s one of the things we don’t know.” (Tecate, Sports Illustrated)
Prediction: Pacquiao
Amir Khan: “This is a fight that the world has been wanting to see for so long and it’s great that it is now upon us. Floyd and Manny are two legendary fighters and it is only right that we get to see them share the ring together. I have no doubt that this is going to be a tremendous matchup and will be extremely exciting for as long as it lasts. Manny has hand speed and fast feet that will cause Floyd some problems early on, but as it progresses I expect Floyd to make the adjustments he tends to make to counter that before pulling away on the scorecards. Both fighters still have so much to give and on Saturday night I’m sure they’re going to produce something very special for the fans.”
Chris Algieri: “Styles make fights and I believe this is a style that suits Floyd. Floyd is the smartest fighter in the game. He will be able to pick up on certain flaws and exploit them. Manny is going to make him work in there and I believe that the first few rounds are going to be very interesting. Manny is a different and smarter fighter than he was before the Marquez knockout. If Manny comes in shape the way that he did against me, and if Floyd has missed a step at all, then I see Pacquiao giving him all kinds of trouble. Ultimately though, I see Mayweather winning a decision.”
Paulie Malignaggi: “I am taking Mayweather by wide decision or a late-round stoppage. He has too much variation to his arsenal. Pacquiao is fun to watch, but his one-dimensional approach won’t be enough on Saturday night.”
Danny O’Connor: “I am going with Mayweather. He is too smart to fall into anyone’s game plan, other than his own. I predict a decision based off of his superior boxing ability.”
Chris Rock (Comedian): Here is Chris Rock’s view on the blockbuster fight.
Read part 1 of The Experts” Pick Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquaio here