Negotiations for the super fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao are underway. And this early, Mayweather is being considered as favorite to win over his biggest rival if the fight between the two boxing superstars happens this year.
World-renowned trainer Virgil Hunter said that he sees Mayweather winning convincingly against Pacquiao. Amir Khan's trainer pointed out that Pacquiao's style will not work against a fighter like Mayweather because the Filipino boxing icon has yet to "reinvent" himself over the past several years.
"I see Mayweather winning the fight," Hunter told On The Ropes Boxing Radio. "The reason I say that is because Manny for some reason really hasn't reinvented himself yet. He's still fighting with the same intensity and the same training philosophy; it's a really high energy fighting style. He hasn't really come into his own from what I can see."
Hunter, who is also eyeing a showdown between Khan and Mayweather, clarified that Pacquiao is a dangerous opponent, but he cannot see Pacquiao sustaining his intensity for 12 rounds against Mayweather, saying that the Filipino boxing icon might get winded in the latter rounds.
"Don't get me wrong, he's a lethal fighter, he's a deadly fighter," Hunter said of Pacquiao. "But in a fight of that magnitude where focus is gonna be in such demand, the focus part of it. The way he fights and the energy he gives up, he could very well wear down mentally in the middle rounds, which will also cause him to wear down physically."
Former world light heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver had the same take on the possible fight between Mayweather and Pacquiao on Cinco de Mayo weekend on May 2.
Tarver said that Pacquiao will give Mayweather the most difficult fight of his career. The 46-year-old added that the Filipino boxing icon could hurt the reigning pound-for-pound king like never before, but he is convinced Mayweather will end up keeping his unblemished record via a decision win.
"I can see Pacquiao hurting Floyd and Floyd fighting back and taking over the fight and winning the decision but it's gonna be an exciting fight, I can't wait," Tarver said. "Mayweather's been in some tough fights and he's proven he can handle the pressure so you can't bet against Mayweather."
Mayweather, who holds a perfect 47-0 record, called out Pacquiao last month to face him on May 2. Recent reports indicated that both sides are still discussing fight terms for the possible record-breaking bout.
