Left-Hook Lounge Mailbag: Mayweather vs Pacquiao Drama Narrowed Down, Golovkin’s Next Move

02/25/201502/24/2015 Vivek Wallace

Casey C. (Daytona, FL): I’m stoked that the sport is finally getting the Mayweather vs Pacquiao fight, but now that it’s official, can you give your thoughts on this whole saga, as it relates to which stories you think will play the biggest role in the outcome and give your personal opinion on the road we’ve traveled to get to this point?

Vivek W. (ESB): Honestly, despite us being days beyond the announcement, it’s still a bit surreal in my mind. When you look back at the controversy and the negativity that came as a result of that controversy, it’s just a beautiful feeling to know that this long road has basically come to an end. The constant allegations of “ducking” and so forth; those narratives all must give way to the prevailing one. Which is the fact that the fight is now official and the time (to rumble) has come.

Nacho Beristein: “Pacquiao will definitely win”

02/25/201502/24/2015 Vitali Shaposhnikov

When it comes to picking a winner in the Mayweather Jr. vs. Pacquiao bout, you can’t help but be biased in one way or another. Of course it is essential to be rational and use the information available, and for Juan Manuel Marquez’s trainer Nacho Beristein, experience in preparing Marquez for both, Mayweather Jr. and Pacquiao, should technically add value to his opinion.

“Pacquiao will definitely win. Pacquiao is just too tough and too strong. Pressure and a lot of punches just beats Floyd up,” asserted Beristein via ringobserver.com.

There is no doubt that Pacquiao is one of the toughest fighters in the history of the sport, and packed with incredible stamina and power, he is an absolute freight train in the ring. It is also true that Mayweather’s kryptonite is a fighter that can throw a high volume of punches consistently.

Floyd Mayweather detractors already making excuses for Pacquiao’s impending loss

02/23/201502/22/2015 James Sexton

What I have come to learn from boxing fans over the years is that they are fickle, and hard to please. I certainly remember the days when I would tell myself, after Mayweather does this people will respect him, or, after Mayweather beats so and so people will respect him. What I have learnt now is that those who belittle Mayweather’s accomplishments today, are the people who will continue to do so until he retires. Some people simply refuse to accept that this man is by far the greatest boxer of this generation and anyone who refuses to put him inside the top 15 boxers pound for pound of all time is simply blind.

Does anyone really want to watch Mayweather vs Pacquaio?

02/22/201502/22/2015 Fantana

The recently officially announced Mayweather vs Pacquaio fight has already, like a well-used pick up line on Tinder, started receiving mixed feelings. Some folks are calling it the fight for a generation – two of the best non-British fighters finally going at it to see which one is the greatest in boxing – whilst others have looked on, gazing up to the snowy British skies and wondering if they really want to watch two old men well past their sell by dates fight each other. Undoubtedly this fight would have been relevant in boxing and worldwide events a few years ago (try six) but now it is clearly overshadowed by much more current fighters and topics of interest such as Tyson Fury, UKIP and Richard Blackwood starring in Eastenders.

Mayweather Jr. vs. Pacquiao: Will training differ for the big fight?

02/21/201502/21/2015 Vitali Shaposhnikov

Most fighters and their coaches cater their training and strategy to best increase their change of defeating their opposition. Many boxing trainers also spend a considerable amount of time watching videos, fishing for a tell that they might be able to take an advantage of.

Some fighters on the other hand, have had enough time in the ring to let their experience and ring IQ guide them in the right direction. From the first bell they feel out their opponent, while their corner is looking for flaws and repetitions.

For Floyd Mayweather Jr., who claims that he never takes the time to review the tapes, leaving it to his trainer, a bout against Manny Pacquiao might be a good reason to get more involved.

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Official!

02/22/201502/21/2015 Mayweather Promotions

– Floyd Mayweather: What the world has been waiting for has arrived. Mayweather vs. Pacquiao … read more

Sources: Mayweather vs Pacquiao A Done Deal, Waiting For Floyd’s Announcement!

02/20/201502/19/2015 Joe Latti

Joe Latti, Brick City Boxing.com – The boxing world is certainly buzzing today as it seems we are one step closer to the mega-fight that is Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao.

A series of tweets today have informed us that negotiations are allegedly complete between the Mayweather and Pacquiao camps, and all that is left is an official announcement from Floyd Mayweather himself. The announcement of the fight was supposedly negotiated into the agreement as well, stating that only Floyd can make the announcement and it will be on his terms. Speculation suggests it will happen as soon as Friday, February 20th.

Pacquiao confirms Mayweather Jr.’s Statement

02/18/201502/18/2015 Vitali Shaposhnikov

During the All-Star Game in New York City this past weekend, Floyd Mayweather Jr. gave a quick interview to an on-site reporter David Aldridge, stating that nothing has yet been signed, despite some rumors claiming that Manny Pacquiao has already done so: “I haven’t signed yet, and he hasn’t signed yet. It’s just been speculation and rumors,” declared Mayweather Jr.

In the midst of all the speculations, this statement came not as much a disappointment, but more of a surprise. Although it is hard to classify anything as a surprise when it comes to the Mayweather Jr. vs. Pacquiao history, Floyd’s direct confirmation that no paperwork has yet been touched by either camp was contrary to the many rumors of the fight being announced any second now.

Video: Freddie Roach Confirms Manny Pacquiao Is Training For Floyd Mayweather

02/18/201502/17/2015 ESB

Freddie Roach confirms that Manny Pacquiao is Training For Floyd Mayweather…and, “I know nothing…let’s be positive,” stated Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum, who was tight-lipped regarding an update on negotiations for the long-awaited mega-fight between undefeated pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather and 8-division world champion Manny Pacquiao. Check out what else he did have to say to FightHype.com

Can a fighter damage their legacy if they miss one fight?

02/16/201502/15/2015 James Sexton

Over the years there has been much speculation as to what extent Floyd Mayweather’s reputation and legacy will be tarnished should he retire without facing Manny Pacquiao. The fans are split between two opinions, the Mayweather fans claim it will have no meaning and what he has already accomplished is enough to support his claim as a true all time great.

The critics respond by saying it will leave doubt and at the end of the day he will be remembered more for missing this fight than he will be for what he has done in the ring. Similarly some say a similar effect will take place when trying to establish Pacman’s place in history once he hangs up the gloves.