It is very difficult not to get too excited about the upcoming bout May 2nd. Cynically, we die-hard fight-fans are the ones telling everyone that the fight is too late, and that it's really not as much of a fight between the two best as say GGG-Ward would be, etc. We can say that style-wise it may not be exciting, and that this fight is more for mainstream gain, blah blah blah. The truth is, we are all excited... very excited. Let me explain why. First, each man is the other's stylistic nightmare. Second, it means too much to the sport we love.
If you live under a rock, you may not know what I am talking about. Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are set to face one another on May 2nd. It will be a hybrid promotion, broadcast... heck, even different boxing glove companies will be used. Some of the aforementioned cynicism is well-founded. Pacquiao was knocked cold a few fights back, and Mayweather has been slowing down. However, there is just as much evidence that this will make the fight more exciting than it would have been years ago. There is also the lack of KO power. Both men were knockout artists at lighter weights, but once at 147 or higher, they seem to have stopped for both men. This can also be blamed on style and opponent quality, as much as size. I am one who ascribes to the theory that both men are aging at about the same pace.
The only cynicism left is that the fight may not actually take place. 'I'll believe it when they are both in the ring", is something I have said many times. Cancellations are very common, and usually under dubious circumstances. Often attributed to injury, too often the real problem is money. You'll notice that Mayweather and Pacquiao rarely if ever cancel fights due to injury. Are they superhuman, or are the other fighters' injuries BS? I have to believe the latter. There is too much money on the line, and too much money to be made on a rematch, if an injury is available as an excuse. NO, unless one of them is missing a limb, the fight goes on as scheduled.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
