(CNN Philippines) — The long awaited clash between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao is just around the corner.
One of the reasons why the matchup between Mayweather and Pacquiao is so intriguing, is because of the vastly contrasting styles that the two fighters have built their careers upon.
In one corner you have Mayweather, touted as this generation’s smartest and most skilled boxer, who utilizes his air tight defense to systematically tear his opponents apart on the way to becoming the sport’s biggest draw.
In the other corner you have Pacquiao who has made a name by being a dynamic offensive force inside the ring, utilizing a dazzling combination of speed and power to pound his opponents into submission.
Related: Is Manny Pacquiao the underdog?
After years of teasing the fans with a fight that seemed impossible to make, the two fighters will finally meet in the ring in a bout that will help define a chapter of boxing history.
CNN Philippines spoke to veteran Filipino boxing analyst Quinito Henson to break down the matchup and give us an idea on what each fighter will try to do on May 2 (May 3 PHT).
Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Mayweather is known for both his boxing intelligence and defense, and Henson believes that this will be on display early on.
He will probably use the early rounds to figure out Pacquiao’s game plan before adjusting to negate it later on.
It is Mayweather’s ability to adjust to his opponent in the middle of a fight that makes him such a dangerous opponent.
The American will also try to keep the fight in the middle of the ring in order to have the mobility to circle around Pacquiao and utilize his footwork.
If Mayweather can get to his spots before Pacquiao and win the battle for positions throughout the fight, he would be poised to take whatever the Filipino throws at him.
Read: The familiar connections between Mayweather and Pacquiao
Manny Pacquiao
For Pacquiao, Henson believes that the the Filipino has to take advantage of Mayweather’s slow start and secure the early lead in case the fight goes to a decision.
Much has been said about the speed and mobility of these two fighters, and for Pacquiao to stymie Mayweather’s game plan he needs to be a step ahead and cut off the ring and limit his movements.
Pacquiao also needs to attack the body of Mayweather as he zips in and out of his reach.
In his first fight in the MGM Grand, the Filipino shocked Lehlohonolo Ledwaba in the first round by breaking his nose and making his opponent fear him throughout the fight.
On Sunday (May 3), Pacquiao has to do the same and instill that fear factor by hitting Mayweather with enough force early on to intimidate the American and force him out of his comfort zone.
Mayweather is one of the most elusive fighters in the ring but if Manny can connect and smother his opponent with punches consistently, the Filipino will be able to steal rounds should the fight go to the scorecards.
Read: Are Filipinos gambling on Mayweather-Pacquiao?
