Countdown to showdown: Pacquiao pressure-free ahead of Mayweather bout
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The wait is almost over, with Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao both soon entering into the final week of preparations for their globally anticipated welterweight showdown at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Despite the worldwide audience and likelihood of becoming the highest grossing fight in history, Filipino ‘Pacman’ has admitted that he isn’t feeling any pressure and is remaining extremely calm thanks to his devoted faith.
“God is with me, so I have peace of mind. Peace of mind is the most important thing. If God is with you everything will be right,” said Pacquiao.
The eight-division world champion (7/2 with Coral to win by points decision) has always held highly religious beliefs and in doing so, he says it helps with his training regimes, especially ahead of this mega bout with undefeated American ‘Money’ Mayweather.
“I’m doing my best in training to make sure I am at 100% condition,” Pacquiao continued.
“To make sure I am doing my job, as a human. I am preparing for the fight mentally, physically and, most importantly, spiritually.”
‘The Filipino Slugger’, currently the reigning WBO welterweight champion, is aiming to inflict ‘Pretty Boy’ Floyd with a first ever professional defeat, with the 1996 Olympic Bronze medallist boasting a flawless 47-0 record.
When the 36-year-old enters the Las Vegas ring on May 2, not only will his entire home nation of the Philippines be passionately supporting his attempts to topple Mayweather, but fighting fans from all around the world.
“I’m enjoying that a lot of fans and people are supporting me, not only Fillipino people. It’s good,” stated ‘Pacman’.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao’s defensively astute counterpart recently declared his unquestionable status as number one in the history of the sport, claiming he eclipses even the legendary Muhammad Ali.
“I feel like I have done just as much in the sport as Ali,” said Mayweather.
“It is hard for a guy to be like me, still sharp at 38. No disrespect to Ali, but I feel like I am the best.”
The confident Vegas-born fighter, 6/1 to win by knock out or TKO, will need to call upon all of his rapid reflexes and clinical counter-attacking style in order to overcome ‘Pacman’ and continue along the path to a perfect boxing career.
Watch a tantalising promotional reel for the super showdown between Mayweather and Pacquiao.
