By: William Holmes
Only two weeks remain until the consensus number one and number two pound for pound boxers in the world face off at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada for what is considered by many to be the biggest boxing match of the 21st century.
In the past month Boxing Insider had the opportunity to speak with trainers Freddie Roach and Floyd Mayweather Sr. to get their thoughts on the May 2nd mega bout.
Manny Pacquiao was able to take some time away from his hectic training schedule to share some of his thoughts on the fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. and address some questions concerning some prior controversies surrounding the fight, the future of his career, and some poignant thoughts on what the fight means to the people of the Philippines.
Boxing Insider: In September of 2010, Floyd Mayweather posted a video on the internet in which he said the following about you: “As soon as we come off vacation, we’re going to cook that little yellow chump. . .Once I kick the midget ass, I don’t want you all to jump on my d—. So you all better get on the bandwagon now. . .Once I stomp the midget, I’ll make that mother f—– make me a sushi roll and cook me some rice. . .we’re going to cook him with some cats and dogs.”
What did you think about that statement when it was made? Do you use it as motivation for your upcoming fight against Mayweather?
Manny Pacquiao: I prayed for him. I do not use anything negative for motivation. It is not productive.
Boxing Insider: Have you watched any tape of Floyd? What about his style impresses you the most? What about his style do you think is overrated?
Manny Pacquiao: I have watched tape of Floyd. He is a gifted athlete. His undefeated record is what impresses me most. Until he loses he deserves a lot of credit
Boxing Insider: How is training camp going? How does the pressure of this fight compare to some of your other fights?
Manny Pacquiao: Training camp has been great. I have no pressure on me at all.
Boxing Insider: What would you say is the biggest and most impressive win of your career? Why?
Manny Pacquiao: That is a hard question because so many of my victories have had deep meaning. My victory over Oscar De La Hoya changed my life as a fighter. I will forever be grateful for that opportunity.
Boxing Insider: What would you say is the biggest and most impressive win of Floyd Mayweather’s career? Why?
Manny Pacquiao: That is for Floyd to answer
Boxing Insider: The last time you fought in the Philippines was in July of 2006 against Oscar Larios. Do you think you’ll be able to fight in the Philippines again before you retire? How much longer do you think you will fight?
Manny Pacquiao:: I will fight for as long as Freddie and I think I can at an elite level. Perhaps until I am 40?
Boxing Insider: Have the random drug tests affected your training? What were your concerns when Floyd Mayweather made random Olympic style drug tests a condition for the fight?
Manny Pacquiao: It has not affected my training and I had no concerns. I welcome random testing.
Boxing Insider: Has the preparation for this fight affected your duties to the Filipino people as a congressman? What are your future political aspirations?
Manny Pacquiao: Boxing is my passion. Public service is my calling. I hope to serve my country for a long time.
Boxing Insider: What do you think this fight means for the Filipino people? Does it add more pressure to your training?
Manny Pacquiao: I fight to win and to bring glory to the Philippines. It is an incentive, not pressure. My fellow Filipinos know that I carry their love and pride in my heart when I am in the ring.
Boxing Insider: What’s your prediction for the fight?
Manny Pacquiao: It is time for Floyd to lose.
