WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao (50 - 3 - 2) has agreed to a March 13, 2010 super fight date with Floyd Mayweather, Jr (40 - 0), as conveyed by Pacquiao advisor Michael Koncz.
Weight and Gloves
1. Two major obstacles remain in the proposed clash that pits the sport's former pound for pound king (Mayweather, Jr) against the current pound for pound king (Pacquiao). Floyd Mayweather, Jr is insisting on a 154 pound junior middleweight limit, while Team Pacquiao is aiming for a 147 pound welterweight limit, according to Freddie Roach in an interview on Sky Sports.
2. Additionally, the Mayweather camp wants to use 10 ounce gloves (otherwise called "pillows" in the industry) as opposed to the preferred 8 ounce gloves of Manny Pacquiao.
Pacquiao's last loss, which occurred in 2005 against Erik "El Terrible" Morales, caused controversy as a lack of contractual diligence led to the signing of the fight contract that stipulated the use of 10 oz gloves. Team Pacquiao would later argue that the results of the first Morales fight would have been different had then-manager Murad Muhammad negotiated for Pacquiao to wear his normal 8 oz ("puncher's") gloves.
Concerns for Pacquiao Camp
The most Pacquiao has ever weighed for a fight was 144 lbs in his most recent bout with Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto. The Filipino weighed in at 142 lbs against Oscar de la Hoya in December 2008.
Last Six Weight Limits: Manny Pacquiao [ Last 10 Fights ]
Source: Boxrec Date Weight Limit Opponent Outcome
Nov 14, 2009 145 pounds - Welterweight Miguel Cotto W - TKO 12
May 2, 2009 140 pounds - Jr Welterweight Ricky Hatton W - KO 2
Dec 6, 2008 145 pounds - Welterweight Oscar de la Hoya W - RTD 8
Jun 28, 2008 135 pounds - Lightweight David Diaz W - TKO 9
Mar 15, 2008 130 pounds - Super Featherweight Juan Manuel Marquez W - SD 12
Oct 6, 2007 130 pounds - Super Featherweight Marco Antonio Barrera W - UD 12
Floyd Mayweather, Jr has stepped in the scales in excess of the contracted weight limit in four of his last six fights. He weighed in two pounds over the 144 lb catchweight with Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in September 2009, and he was also two pounds over the 145 lb weight limit with British Ricky Hatton in 2007. Mayweather came in over one pound heavier than the contracted weight against Zab Judah (2006) and Sharmba Mitchell (2005).
Last Six Weight Limits: Floyd Mayweather, Jr. [ Last 10 Fights ]
Source: Boxrec Date Weight Limit Opponent Outcome
Sep 19, 2009 144 pounds - Welterweight Juan Manuel Marquez W - UD 12
Dec 8, 2007 145 pounds - Welterweight Ricky Hatton W - TKO 10
May 5, 2007 154 pounds - Jr Middleweight Oscar de la Hoya W - SD 12
Nov 4, 2006 147 pounds - Welterweight Carlos Baldomir W - UD 12
Apr 4, 2006 145.5 pounds - Welterweight Zab Judah W - UD 12
Nov 19, 2005 145.25 pounds - Welterweight Sharmba Mitchel W - TKO 6
A second concern for the Pacquiao camp will be additional terms that may be sought after by Team Mayweather. As Arum seeks to close a deal by requesting both a 147 lb weight limit and 8 oz gloves, Floyd and his advisors will in turn seek concessions. These include the possibility of entering the ring last (although Manny Pacquiao will be defending his WBO welterweight belt), or a slightly higher purse split over the Filipino.
Finally, trainer Freddie Roach had earlier advocated a May or late 2010 fight in order to accomodate the healing of Manny's broken right ear drum as well as to secure a longer than usual 12-week training camp. Pacquiao also suffered a broken right hand from his victory over Cotto on November 14.
The fight is significant for boxing and sports in addition to the former pound for pound king in Mayweather clashing with the current pound for pound king in Pacquiao. Mayweather is currently considered boxing's number two rated fighter, second only to Pacquiao. Both boxers also are on top on the decade's top 10 best fighters list.
Contributing Sources: Sky Sports, ESPN, Associated Press
Source: examiner.com
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