Manny Pacquiao’s Advantage – Losing

Tim Bradley and Manny Pacquiao (Wikimedia Commons)
Tim Bradley and Manny Pacquiao (Wikimedia Commons)

Heading into the homestretch of the fight of the century, everyone knows that Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a favorite.

Apparently this has something to do with his clean slate, undefeated in 47 fights. But does this really mean that Mayweather is superior than the fighting Filipino Pride out of Saranggani Provine in the Philippines?

Many boxing greats believe that at this point, Mayweather holds the edge. However, there are some like boxing heavyweight legend George Foreman who believe that a loss could be devastating the flamboyant one.

Mayweather does have a defensive tactic that should frustrate Pacquiao. However, given the fact that Pacquiao will be the aggressor and has time and again shown how fast his punches can be, the task at hand is for the Pacman to bring down that Mayweather defense.

All that aside, what does Pacquiao have to offer?

Well, Manny Pacquiao has lightning-quick handspeed and of course a lot of heart. But one of the least expected advantages many may not necessarily consider is that Pacquiao knows what it feels like when you lose. Mayweather doesn’t.

Why is losing an advantage? Time and again losses are necessary in any sport. It teaches you how to be humble and correct the errors that you may have done. Pacquiao has experienced this first-hand, the most celebrate of which is perhaps is knockout loss against Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez.

Since then however, Pacquiao has grown out of that debacle and has shown improvement and maturity inside the ring. His victories after that debacle have however not been by knockout. But when you see Pacquiao fight with his impressive repertoire highlighted by his fast punches, one doesn’t need to see the opposing camp floored to be delighted at what Pacquiao brings to the ring.

Pacquiao knows how it feels to lose. If he does fall to Mayweather, it will not be surprising and for all intents and purposes, not that devastating. The thing is people are looking for a show and someone who will really get it on. That alone says it all that with Pacquiao’s determination, heart and quickness, a victory is not impossible from happening.

For Mayweather, it seems unlikely he will take risks. He will play it safe since he is safeguarding his undefeated record. Despite claims by the Mayweather camp that they will ‘take Manny’s head off’, not all are convinced that Mayweather will be on the offensive.

Mayweather doesn’t know how to lose. He is comfortable at the way he has been fighting and winning. But all good things come to an end and if takes Pacquiao for granted or becomes ‘reckless’ himself, he may just see that undefeated record coming to an end.

And what becomes of Mayweather if he loses? No one knows. It could be devastating. Mayweather could claim he got cheated or fell to a lucky punch. All that depends on how the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight turns out.

Remember, Mayweather and Pacquiao get it on this May 2, 2015 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. This is one fight you should not miss.