It's official!

[H2O Man]

Mayweather vs Pacquiao will be on May 2, 2015. Both fighters have signed.

DU sports forum members will recall that I said it was going to happen, in an OP last month. Another person mistakenly challenged me on that, claiming it would not happen. Let this be a lesson: never doubt my word when it comes to boxing.

[H2O Man]

1. Predictions?

I think that a very good case can be made for either man winning. It's a lot harder to make a case for either losing.

Who do you think will win? How? (decision, knockout)

Who do you want to win? Why?

[twogunsid]

5. Mayweather by decision

[H2O Man]

6. I think that

is the most likely outcome. But I believe Floyd will be gunning for a knockout, after the 6th round.

[Auggie]

2. The researched pick: Pacquiao by decision.

Bob Arum:

"The reason I like my guy's chances so much is because of his speed, the tremendous number of punches he throws, the quality of his punches and the fact that he is left-handed," Arum said. "Top Rank promoted Floyd Mayweather for 10½ years and we recognized that he had difficulty handling a speedy, left-handed fighter and that he and his father (and trainer, Floyd Mayweather Sr.) were insistent that we not match Floyd with a southpaw. I remember two fights he had with southpaws who didn't have the ability Mann has but who gave him trouble -- (DeMarcus) 'Chop Chop' Corley, who buzzed him and had him in real trouble and Zab Judah."

http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id/12355361/floyd-mayweather-announces-fight-manny-pacquiao-set-2

I just like the way Pacquiao looks, too.

This from the link: The networks (HBO and Showtime) resultingly will come together to produce and distribute a joint pay-per-view telecast, which is expected to cost a record-high $89.95 (and probably $10 more for high definition).

One could invite some friends over and have a heck of a party.

[H2O Man]

3. There will be

at least 75 people here, but likely closer to 100.

[H2O Man]

4. In some ways,

the build-up and excitement for this fight, will be similar to that of The Fight of the Century (the first Ali vs Frazier bout).

[TSIAS]

7. I never felt this fight would happen

Many in the media were skeptical as well. There was a perfect storm of sorts brewing that led to the fight happening. SHOWTIME and CBS wanted a return on their investment, and Les Moonves brought together Bob Arum and Al Haymon. I think Floyd genuinely believes he can easily outpoint this version of Pacquiao, and will be rewarded handsomely for his troubles.

I'm happy this fight is happening now, but I won't really judge either fighter's overall legacy by who wins or loses. I think Pacquiao probably wins a majority or split decision, but I could also see Mayweather putting on a clinic a la the Marquez/Mayweather fight.

[H2O Man]

9. Stealing rounds .....

I think that Pacquiao's best bet -- which Teddy Atlas spoke of on the ESPN FNF -- is to "steal" rounds by throwing several fast combinations when Floyd is in his defensive mode. That would be, in a way, like what Ray Leonard did, when he decisioned Hagler, although Floyd won't be the aggressor, as Marvin was.

[trumad]

8. This is such an easy pick---

Mayweather will beat the crap out of Pac Man......

[H2O Man]

10. Jeff isn't as

well-known as his brothers, Roger and Floyd, Sr. His career wasn't as successful as either of their's, and although he trains fighters, he isn't really associated with the championship level. But, in many ways, he is the most interesting of the three to listen to. I've never heard him "trash talk," for instance. He comes across as an intelligent, laid-back gentleman.

He said that it will take Floyd two rounds of measuring Manny, and that then he will start to unload on him. I think the most interesting question is: will Floyd be gunning for the knockout? It seems likely that he will be looking to plant hard right-hand counters, just as Marquez did. And Floyd is bigger, stronger, faster, and hits much harder than Marquez.

I've also been told that there is a re-match clause in the contract. I haven't read that officially is in it, but that's the rumor. If it does go to a decision, they may meet again in September. Of course, due to taxes, it might not be until next May, though from the fighters' perspective, September would make more sense.