Mayweather vs Pacquiao is almost a done deal

[KC native]

This is awesome. This will be the perfect fight. Pacquiao's a quick and aggressive puncher and Mayweather's a defensive counter punching genius. In the end I think Pacquiao will pull it out.


Pacquiao set for Mayweather clash

Five-weight world champion Manny Pacquiao and unbeaten American Floyd Mayweather are set to meet on 13 March, according to the Filipino's promoter.

Michael Koncz, who is in charge of Pacquaio's promotional company, says the 30-year-old has agreed to a March proposal from promoter Bob Arum.

"We all believe that it will be done," Koncz told GMA television.

If the 'super fight' goes ahead, it will match the two men regarded as the world's best pound-for-pound fighters.

"Arum presented what he thought was the best proposal he can bring during a two-hour breakfast meeting with Pacquiao in Manila," added Koncz.

"Manny has some additional requirements, requests, which Arum didn't think was a problem.

"The requests of Manny were so realistic that Arum doesn't feel it's a problem and it's pretty much a done deal."

Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach, who is preparing Britain's Amir Khan for his first WBA light-welterweight defence on Saturday, also confirmed the date.

"I talked to Arum and Manny is happy with that date and I can't wait to get started," Roach told Sky Sports.

"It will be the biggest fight of all time and Amir Khan will help us get ready for the fight with his speed a lot like Mayweather's."

But Roach confirmed that the fight was not a done deal but was closer to being finalised.

"There will always be negotiation and there are issues such as weight, but they can always be solved," added Roach.

"It is would be a tough fight and we will need to set some traps and work on some strategies. But it is a fight Manny wants, he is very confident he can beat Floyd."

Pacquiao last fought in November beating Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas. The Filipino stopped his Puerto Rican opponent in the 12th round of their WBO welterweight clash at the MGM Grand with a stunning display.

Mayweather, 32, returned to the ring for the first time in 21 months with a unanimous points victory over Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas with a classy performance.

Pacquiao is running for a congressional seat in the May 2010 elections and official campaigning will not start before April, making the March date convenient for the Filipino.

No venue has been decided for the mega fight but representatives of the Superdome in New Orleans and the new Dallas Cowboys' stadium have expressed interest in hosting the fight, as has the MGM Grand hotel-casino in Las Vegas, where the pair have fought their biggest fights.

There is also a proposal for a 30,000-seater temporary stadium on the Las Vegas Strip across from the Wynn resort.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/boxing/8395968.stm

[Simply Red]

my money is on the Filipino in a slight upset. 8 rounds.

[Kyle DeLexus]

Originally Posted by Simply Red

Hold old is Mayweather?
This Pacquiao is making quite the name for himself, I too, like MTG will be buying this,

I'll go w/ Pacquiao in 8, FATALITY

There going to be a watch party at your place?

[Simply Red]

Originally Posted by Kyle DeLexus

There going to be a watch party at your place?

hadn't planned on it, but thanks for the idear. Yeah, think i will.

[L.A. Chieffan]

Originally Posted by Simply Red

hadn't planned on it, but thanks for the idear. Yeah, think i will.

can i come?

[Simply Red]

Originally Posted by L.A.Chieffan

can i come?

sure, only if i don't get called off to London.

[kcxiv]

Originally Posted by Willie Lanier

hmmm, well I dont know if I would consider Manny a 50x better version of Judah.... I know there's a lot of Pacman love and Pretty Boy hate out there right now, but looking at Floyd's first fight back against Marquez (who made Manny look like a completely different fighter with much less confidence) and how Floyd dismantled him with ease, I think a lot of people will be picking this fight with their hearts rather than heads...

Marquez was 37 and had to gain 17 lb's. As much as i love him as a boxer, he stood no chance. Marquez even knew he was going to lose, but how can he pass up that payday.

Marquez was overweight and slow because of gaining so much weight. Manny goes up slow. He doesnt jump 3 weight divisions from fight to fight. lol

[ceebz]

Originally Posted by Willie Lanier

hmmm, well I dont know if I would consider Manny a 50x better version of Judah.... I know there's a lot of Pacman love and Pretty Boy hate out there right now, but looking at Floyd's first fight back against Marquez (who made Manny look like a completely different fighter with much less confidence) and how Floyd dismantled him with ease, I think a lot of people will be picking this fight with their hearts rather than heads...

Keep in mind that Marquez is a counterpuncher, is also smaller, slower and not as strong as Pac. Marquez is also a max Lightweight, who had never fought above 135 pounds. Of course, Floyd didn't do Marquez any favors by agreeing to a catchweight of 143 and still showing up 3 pounds overweight. It was a bad fight for Marquez both stylistically, and in terms of size. It takes time for your body to get acclimated to the weight. For example, take a look at pac vs. oscar, then Pac vs. Cotto. If the Pac that fought Cotto had fought Oscar, he would've KO'd Oscar in 5 rounds. Also, I think at 140, Marquez would be no match for Pac. Way too strong, way too fast. He'd KO Marquez, easily.

Pac had trouble with Marquez because Marquez is a counterpuncher who's very active and willing to take shots to give shots. Mayweather is not that type of fighter at all. I see real problems for Floyd in trying to match Pac's activity in the ring.

[blazzin311]

Well it's official. The deal is not almost done anymore, according to the following link the deal is done and the fight is on.

http://msn.foxsports.com/boxing/stor...ces:-Pacquiao-

Mayweather-fight-on-for-March

Sources: Pacquiao-Mayweather fight on for March
by Mark Kriegel
Mark Kriegel is the national columnist for FOXSports.com. He is the author of two New York Times best sellers, Namath: A Biography and Pistol: The Life of Pete Maravich, which Sports Illustrated called "the best sports biography of the year."

Updated: December 4, 2009, 5:36 PM EST 321 comments
The highly anticipated Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather mega-fight is on for March 13, sources say.

"According to Bob Arum, the main things have been agreed to," Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, said in an exclusive telephone interview this morning from England, where he is training Amir Khan to defend his light-welterweight title Saturday night.

A source close to the negotiations says the most likely venues for the fight are Las Vegas or Cowboys Stadium. The purse — which could generate $150 million in pay-per-view revenue — will be split 50-50 between the fighters, according to the source, who adds that there will be a 147-pound weight limit.

"One hundred and forty seven is ok with us," said Roach, "but we're still working on some of the other stuff like the gloves. I'm sure (Mayweather) wants 10-ounce gloves. We want eight ounces. But Bob told me he'll take care of all that."

On Tuesday, Arum left Las Vegas to the Philippines to present Pacquiao with prospective terms from Mayweather's camp and Golden Boy, Oscar De La Hoya's company, which is acting as Mayweather's promoter. They did not meet until Thursday afternoon. When the meeting was concluded, Pacquiao called his trainer for approval.

"I thought they might want more time to promote the fight," said Roach, "but I like it when Manny is busy."

The timing also makes sense given Pacquiao's ambitions. He plans to run for the Philippine Congress on May 10. A March date would give him time to campaign.

Boxing fans have been looking forward to a super fight between Pacquiao and the undefeated Mayweather after the Filipino champion defeated Miguel Cotto last month.

The March 13 date is just four months after the Cotto fight — a shorter period of time than the six months after Pacquiao defeated Ricky Hatton. But Pacquiao advisor Michael Koncz said it will be enough time for Pacquiao to get back in shape.

"Nobody knows his body better than Manny," he said. "If Manny feels that that's plenty of time to rest and recover, then you know, he has to do what he feels is right."

He said Pacquiao "cannot train for more than seven weeks."

Representatives of the Superdome in New Orleans and the new Dallas Cowboys' stadium have expressed interest in hosting the fight, as has the MGM Grand hotel-casino in Las Vegas, where the fighters have fought their biggest fights. There is also a proposal for a 30,000-seat temporary stadium on the Las Vegas Strip across from the Wynn resort.

Oddsmakers are already taking bets on the fight, with most making Mayweather a slight favorite.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Originally Posted by XXXshogunXXX

I just booked rooms for March 13th using my points in vegas. that shit better land there.

I think you may have made a mistake here. Something tells me (let's call it a hunch) that Jerry Jones is going to make this fight happen in Dallas. I personally think it should be in Vegas but I don't think it will be.

[ceebz]

Basically, Pac has agreed to the terms and signed the contract. Mayweather has yet to sign the contract. I won't call this fight a 'done deal' until Floyd signs.

[Willie Lanier]

Granted I'm splitting hairs, and I understand you're reasoning, but Marquez fights mostly at lightweight, the fight was at welterweight wasn't it? That's one weight class and 12 lbs. That said I see what you're getting at, different fights, different circumstances I'm just getting a feeling that the fact Manny is incredibly popular and likable is making a lot of people overlook Floyd's credentials

[Willie Lanier]

Originally Posted by ceebz

Keep in mind that Marquez is a counterpuncher, is also smaller, slower and not as strong as Pac. Marquez is also a max Lightweight, who had never fought above 135 pounds. Of course, Floyd didn't do Marquez any favors by agreeing to a catchweight of 143 and still showing up 3 pounds overweight. It was a bad fight for Marquez both stylistically, and in terms of size. It takes time for your body to get acclimated to the weight. For example, take a look at pac vs. oscar, then Pac vs. Cotto. If the Pac that fought Cotto had fought Oscar, he would've KO'd Oscar in 5 rounds. Also, I think at 140, Marquez would be no match for Pac. Way too strong, way too fast. He'd KO Marquez, easily.

Pac had trouble with Marquez because Marquez is a counterpuncher who's very active and willing to take shots to give shots. Mayweather is not that type of fighter at all. I see real problems for Floyd in trying to match Pac's activity in the ring.

very well said.

Still, I'm pulling for Floyd even as much as I respect Manny, I can't help but love the guy who somehow managed to make defensive fighting exciting for me. Don't know if he'll win, but can't wait to find out

[ceebz]

Originally Posted by Willie Lanier

Granted I'm splitting hairs, and I understand you're reasoning, but Marquez fights mostly at lightweight, the fight was at welterweight wasn't it? That's one weight class and 12 lbs. That said I see what you're getting at, different fights, different circumstances I'm just getting a feeling that the fact Manny is incredibly popular and likable is making a lot of people overlook Floyd's credentials

12 pounds is a lot, and lightweight, to me, was as big as Marquez could go. @ 135 he was very unimpressive against a very old Casamayor and fought life and death against feather fisted Juan Diaz.

Anyway, like they say, styles make fights, and Marquez and Pacquiao have two completely different styles. Making predictions for Pac - Mayweather off of their fights with Marquez would be foolhardy, IMO. Remember, Pac fought Marquez @ 126 & 130. Mayweather fought Marquez @ 146.

[ZootedGranny]

Pacquiao has the workrate and the puncher's chance to win the fight, but I think after the first few rounds, Mayweather settles in and eventually coasts to a decision. Mayweather is too disciplined to brawl with Manny, and I think Pac will be hitting shoulders and elbows while getting hit in the face.

Regardless of the outcome, I can't wait to see the fight. I love to watch both of these cats box.

[ceebz]

Originally Posted by Willie Lanier

very well said.

Still, I'm pulling for Floyd even as much as I respect Manny, I can't help but love the guy who somehow managed to make defensive fighting exciting for me. Don't know if he'll win, but can't wait to find out

I respect both fighters, they're both very good at what they do. That said, I just don't think Floyd is ready to deal with what Pac will bring. Mayweather's lean on the ropes and potshot style just won't get him through the fight, IMO. I think Floyd needs to be very active with the jab and lead rights, but, he hasn't been that type of fighter in years.

I've been following Pac since he was a titlist @ 112. I've gone through this fight in my head since Pac - Hatton and I just can't see Floyd keeping Pac off of him for 12 rounds while being able to pull out a decision. Floyd already retired once and is only back in boxing because he needs the $. Pac fights with the dreams of his countrymen on his shoulders. I think Pac makes Floyd quit in the 11th round.

[ceebz]

Originally Posted by ZootedGranny

Pacquiao has the workrate and the puncher's chance to win the fight, but I think after the first few rounds, Mayweather settles in and eventually coasts to a decision. Mayweather is too disciplined to brawl with Manny, and I think Pac will be hitting shoulders and elbows while getting hit in the face.

Regardless of the outcome, I can't wait to see the fight. I love to watch both of these cats box.

I will be very interested to see what Mayweather does once Pac lands a three punch combination on him. Floyd is a terrific defensive fighter, but, he's not unhittable. Make no mistake, Pac will hit him. Pac's brilliant at throwing combinations from weird angles. You can't play defense against that all night, eventually, Floyd has to get Pac off of him. Eventually, Floyd will have to open up.

Against Cotto, Pac hurt him with the very first three punch combination he landed in the 2nd round. What happens when he lands that combination on Mayweather?