How Pacquiao can turn the tables on Mayweather by British boxing legend Carl Froch

Super-middleweight world champ Carl Froch breaks down this weekend’s Mayweather-Pacquiao mega-fight in Las Vegas...

“Events like these put boxing on the map. Floyd Mayweather stands to earn $150m from this fight – which shows how big boxing is. When you look at my rematch against George Groves at Wembley last May, it was a massive crossover event for the British public. But Mayweather-Pacquiao is a global, once-in-a lifetime fight.

“This fight’s been slated since 2010 and it should have already happened. Mayweather’s shown signs of age since then, but his defence and fitness is so good he gets away with it. Manny Pacquiao’s shown more signs of wear and tear, losing a couple of times and being badly knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez.

“Mayweather is pound-for-pound the number one in the world. He’s unbeaten, but really he lost the first Jose Luis Castillo fight – he just got the decision. Pacquiao would’ve also seen what Marcos Maidana did to Mayweather in their first fight, he made it tough, punching low when Mayweather tucked back behind his shoulder, hitting his shoulders and arms, throwing body shots. So if Pacquiao gets himself in great shape, which is what his trainer Freddie Roach is talking about, there’s a strong chance that Pacquiao can back Mayweather up and win virtually every round. It’d shock the world. 

“I think it’ll be a points decision for Mayweather, but it’s going to be close, I can’t see anyone being knocked out. The smart money is on Mayweather, but Pacquiao can do it, he just needs to do something very special.”

Froch took part in the £1m guaranteed Main Event at the PokerStars UK & Ireland Poker Tour; pokerstars.com

And for everything else you need to know about Pacquiao and Mayweather, check out this fascinating infographic