Holyfield says Pacquiao bigger draw than Floyd -- ABS-CBN News

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MANILA, Philippines – Boxing great Evander "The Real Deal" Holyfield agreed with the camp of “Fighter of the Decade” Manny Pacquiao that Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s demand for a 60-40 cut in revenues “won’t work”.

Holyfield, a 5-time world boxing champion who figured in a controversial match with Mike Tyson, said Pacquiao is expected to draw more people into a fight than Mayweather, which is why the latter doesn’t deserve the “bigger cut of the pie”.

“Pacquiao has a big crowd of people that wants to see him win because of his good attitude,” Holyfield told Brad Cooney of 8Countnews.com.

The boxing legend said one reason for the boxing community's interest in a Pacquiao-Mayweather match is that it's shaping up as a battle between “good and bad”.

“When people see Pacquiao, they look at him as the good guy, they want to see him win morally. These are the people that don't like Mayweather, so what makes this fight big is the ultimate good and evil,” he said.

Holyfield is best remembered for his heavyweight clashes with Tyson, whom he stopped by technical knockout in their 1996 match to win the World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight crown.

They had a rematch the year after, which ended in a controversial fashion after Tyson bit him in both ears in the 3rd round. A portion of Holyfield's right ear was bitten off.

"The Real Deal" remains a world champion at 47, currently holding the World Boxing Federation (WBF) heavyweight title.

Mayweather has skills; Pacquiao courage

Holyfield thinks that while Mayweather is better than Pacquiao in terms of boxing skills, the Filipino champ’s courageousness could make Floyd an “erstwhile undefeated fighter”.

“On paper you always give it to Mayweather, but on personal ability and in a guy that fights through and through, you would say Pacquiao. This is what makes this fight a toss up,” he said.

"Whoever he fights, he gives it his all. He's not gong to go in there and just put on a show that's not productive. I don't think that 60-40 is going to work," Holyfield added.

He also frowned on his fellow American’s indirect accusation claiming that Pacquiao’s boxing success has been fueled by drug use.

Mayweather's camp had demanded an Olympic-style drug testing which Pacquiao opposed. This led to the collapse of their earlier negotiations. The Filipino later gave in to the demand, agreeing to undergo blood testing 14 days before the fight.

“Why bring that steroid thing up? Either sit on the pot, or get off of the pot... If Manny is on something, they will catch him, but Mayweather don't make up the rules. Either fight the guy, or don't,” said Holyfield.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com