Our partners-in-boxing KnockoutNation.com went around and got predictions for Mayweather vs. Pacquiao from all the peeps who count in boxing, sports, movies, television, music – you name it! May 2nd is almost here. Here’s the mix:
Ice T, Rapper, Rock Singer and Actor:” I learned a long time ago never bet against the champ. Mayweather, go in there and knock that muthafucker out!”
Raekwon, rapper and member of the Wu-Tang Clan: “You know I gotta go with my man Floyd.”
Teddy Atlas, boxing trainer and fight commentator: “If Mayweather’s knocking him out because if Pacquiao goes in there looking for the big left hand looking o just land that power punch he’s going to leave himself exposed to the great one of the best counter punchers of our time.”
Bernard Hopkins, retired former World Middleweight Champion with 20 successful defenses and fight commentator: “Pacquiao is going to get anxious and he is going to run into that straight right hand. Lights out.”
Mike Tyson, retired former Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World: “(Pacquiao) comes from every angle. He’s all energy. Always throwing punches. Never stops. Floyd tucks in and picks his shots and he is more accurate but he doesn’t throw anything like Manny’s hundred punches a round. It’s unlikely he can knock Manny out, so if he wants to win he’s got to change. Unless he throws more punches he can’t win the rounds.”
Amir Khan, former two time world champion and youngest British Olympic Boxing Medalist: “Manny has hand speed and fast feet that will cause Floyd some problems early on, but as it progresses I expect Floyd to make the adjustments he tends to make to counter that before pulling away on the scorecards.”
Chris Algieri, professional boxer: “If Manny comes in shape the way that he did against me and if Floyd has missed a step at all, then I see Pacquiao giving him all kinds of trouble. Ultimately though I see Mayweather winning a decision.”
Paulie Malignaggi, former IBF Light Welterweight Champion and former WBA Welterweight Champion: “I am taking Mayweather by wide decision or a late round stoppage. He has too much variation to his arsenal. Pacquiao is fun to watch, but his one-dimensional approach won’t be enough on Saturday Night.”
Sadam Ali, undefeated welterweight and 2008 U.S. Olympian: “I’m excited we get to see that fight, for all boxing fans. It’s going to amazing. If I had to choose somebody, I’d go with Mayweather. But in boxing, you never know, anything can happen.”
Sugar Ray Leonard, retired former World Champion: “I would say I lean toward Mayweather because he hasn’t tasted defeat and he doesn’t want to taste defeat. And I look at Pacquiao and I see a guy, a champion, who is equipped with such speed and power and unfortunately he was KO’d big-time by [Juan Manuel] Marquez.”
Bill Maher, political satirist, comedian and star of HBO’s Real Time With Bill Maher: “ Mayweather’s going to win!”
Tom Brady, NFL quarterback for the New England Patriots: “ It’s always about The Money.”
Mark Wahlberg, actor, Producer and former rapper: “ I’m going with Team Pacman.”
Liv Schrieber, actor, producer and director: “ Never discount Manny’s ability.”
Jamie Foxx, Actor: “ It’s Money Man.”
Shaquille O’Neal, retired American basketball player, NBA analyst: “ Mayweather 7th round knockout.”
Dana White, UFC President: “Six years ago, I liked Pacquiao…Now, I like Mayweather. I actually think Pacquiao knocks him out six years ago. It’s going to be interesting. You’re never going to tune into a boring fight with Manny. Manny goes. Manny tries to finish fights.”
Will Ferrell, actor and comedian: “You know why Manny Pacquiao is going to win? Because his dad ate his dog. That’s why. Yeah. With that atmosphere as a child, guess what? You fear nothing.”
Floyd Mayweather Sr., trainer and father of Floyd Mayweather Jr.: “This fight has already been won. We can beat Manny any day, any time, any year, any moment.”
Royce da 5’9, Rapper: “Floyd by way of ring intelligence.”
Freddie Roach, trainer Manny Pacquiao: “Nine (ninth round KO for Pacquiao)…I have a much better chin than that guy (Mayweather Jr.).”
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