Teddy Atlas has offered his prediction for the rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, considering the advantages that each fighter could benefit from.
It was officially announced on Monday that the pair will square off at the Sphere, Las Vegas, on September 19, with their professional contest streamed live on Netflix.
Prior to that, it has been reported that Mayweather is set to face Mike Tyson in an exhibition match, slated for April 25 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Alongside this, though, it was always speculated that the 49-year-old would also collide with Pacquiao, his old rival, in a professional bout.
While both Hall of Famers have been involved in several exhibitions in recent years, Pacquiao has had five professional outings since Mayweather retired from the sport in 2017.
The most recent of which came against Mario Barrios, the then-WBC world welterweight champion, in July, when the Filipino boxed to a highly-contentious draw.
Before that, ‘Pac Man’ had taken a near four-year layoff following his defeat to Yordenis Ugas, which came after he outpointed Keith Thurman in 2019.
Mayweather, meanwhile, has not fought professionally since his 10th-round stoppage victory over Conor McGregor, though Hall of Fame trainer Atlas feels as though he may have less miles on the clock than the 47-year-old Pacquiao.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Atlas outlined where both fighters’ advantages might lie.
“Who’s got less miles on the odometer? Because of the defensive style of Mayweather, I gave a check to Mayweather.
“[Even] besides the [Juan Manuel] Marquez fights, Pacquiao’s been in some tough fights.
“[With] reflexes, timing and other boxing elements, I gave the check to Pacquiao. At least he’s had one real fight – Barrios – recently.
“Mayweather’s fresher, but inactivity could affect his timing.”
In terms of delivering a prediction, many will be surprised by the outcome Atlas has suggested.
“Styles make fights, and the style of Mayweather could still be a problem for Pacquiao. But again, Pacquiao has been in a real fight recently, and I know the boxing business – could [the event organisers] already be thinking about a trilogy?
“Call me crazy, [but] I’m going to call it a draw.”
Mayweather scored a unanimous decision victory over Pacquiao the first time around, in 2015, though a lack of professional rounds since then could represent a point of concern.
