Teddy Atlas has given his prediction for the rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, taking into account the benefits that each fighter can benefit from.
On Monday, it was officially announced that the pair would compete at the Sphere in Las Vegas on September 19, and their professional competition would be streamed live on Netflix.
It was previously reported that Mayweather would face Mike Tyson in an exhibition match on April 25 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In addition, there has always been speculation that the 49-year-old will also face Pacquiao, his aged rival, in a professional fight.
Although both Hall of Fame members have competed in several exhibitions in recent years, Pacquiao has made five professional appearances since Mayweather retired from the sport in 2017.
The newest of them faced Mario Barrios, then WBC welterweight champion, in July, when the Filipino boxed to a draw.
Previously, “Pac Man” had a nearly four-year hiatus following a loss to Yordenis Ugas that came after he overtook Keith Thurman in 2019.
Meanwhile, Mayweather has not fought professionally since a 10th-round stoppage victory over Conor McGregor, although Hall of Fame trainer Atlas feels he may have fewer miles on the clock than 47-year-old Pacquiao.
I’m talking about his YouTube channelAtlas outlined where the advantages of the two fighters might lie.
“Who has fewer miles on the odometer? Due to Mayweather’s defensive style, I gave the check to Mayweather.
“[Even] apart from that [Juan Manuel] Marquez is fighting, Pacquiao has had some tough fights.
“[With] reflexes, timing and other elements of boxing, I gave the check to Pacquiao. At least he had one real fight recently – Barrios.
“Mayweather is fresher, but inactivity may affect his timing.”
When it comes to providing forecasts, many will be surprised by the results proposed by Atlas.
“Style breeds fight, and Mayweather’s style could still be a problem for Pacquiao. But then again, Pacquiao got into a real fight recently, and I know the boxing industry – maybe [the event organisers] Are you already thinking about the trilogy?
“Call me crazy, [but] I’m going to call it a draw.”
Mayweather scored a unanimous decision victory over Pacquiao for the first time in 2015, although the lack of professional rounds since then is a concern.