10 Reasons Why You Need To Watch Mayweather Vs Pacquiao

Fight fans of a cynical nature would contend that Mayweather finally agreeing to face Pacquiao was precipitated by a couple of defeats endured by the Filipino in recent years. Then again, some would suggest Mayweather isn’t quite the fighter he was either, and lately both boxers have exhibited marginal decline.

Pacquiao’s remarkable run of form came to an end in controversial circumstances. He was awarded a dubious points victory over old foe Juan Manuel Marquez in 2011 and then robbed of an obvious win against Timothy Bradley via a bizarre points decision the following year. But it was his fourth encounter with Marquez in December 2012 that marked the low point, as Pacquiao was knocked out cold in the sixth round.

Mayweather may remain undefeated in his 47 fights to date, but there have been a few signs that he is now past his peerless best. The crude but game Argentine Marcos Maidana landed a surprising number of blows in two losses to Mayweather last year, and the American’s speed of foot and uncanny reflexes appear to have dulled a shade.

At 36 and 38 respectively, it’s understandable if Pacquiao and Mayweather are now a little past their peak, but it’s feasible that this could translate into a more entertaining spectacle than would have been the case had they fought a few years ago.