By Vitali Shaposhnikov: With the way the media has been covering the potential of a Mayweather Jr. vs. Pacquiao fight actually coming to fruition, got many people thinking of what this could really mean in terms of significance in boxing history.
First of all, I think its important to not only think of this event as a Mayweather Jr. vs. Pacquiao bout, but an entire colossal occasion for boxing fans. If Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank take a crack at making the undercard more exhilarating than many expect, than this may as well be, not only the biggest fight, but the biggest and most important day in boxing history. Can you imagine names such as Bradley, Khan, Canelo, and Cotto, being a part of it all? Just think of all the celebrities that will undoubtedly pack the front seating of whichever arena the fight may be held at? We have all seen tremendous fights with famous visitors gracing the audience, but this, this would achieve a whole other level.
Now on to the fight: Will the fight live up to its hype? Well, after all the drama, we sure hope so. Many people just want the result, the announcement by Michael Buffer as the camera zooms in on both the winner and the loser. The anticipation and the rowdy debating that would take place as the fans await the result, will most definitely be overwhelmingly electrifying. But unfortunately, that would mean that the fight would end in a decision.
Personally, I do not think that there is another way for this fight to live up to its hype, without a knockout. Either Mayweather Jr. or Pacquiao must hit the canvas in order to deliver what the fans deserve. Not only hit the canvas, but one of them needs to not get up.
If Floyd was to win via a decision, people would instantly recognize his outstanding skill level, most importantly his unparallel technical boxing ability. If Pacquiao was to take the win with a decision, he would be crowned as a fighter with absolutely no weaknesses, as he is not only a mind blowing power puncher, but also a smart and adaptive champion.
Both of the above mentioned decision results are excellent, but simply not enough. Fans want and need to see a complete domination. Minds get put at ease a lot easier that way, and a smoother road is paved for the final label of that respective winner.