Mayweather Vs. Pacquiao 2: Who Really Won?

The buzz around a potential second showdown between Floyd "Money" Mayweather and Manny "PacMan" Pacquiao has been a constant topic in the boxing world. Guys, let's dive into the details and explore what might have happened if Mayweather vs. Pacquiao 2 had actually materialized. We’ll dissect the original fight, assess both fighters' trajectories since then, and consider the burning question: Who would have won?

The First Fight: A Disappointment for the Ages

First, let's rewind to May 2, 2015. The world stopped for what was dubbed "The Fight of the Century" between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. The hype was unreal, the expectations astronomical, and the price tag hefty. Unfortunately, the fight itself didn't quite live up to the fanfare.

Floyd Mayweather employed his signature defensive style, utilizing his reach, footwork, and shoulder roll to evade Pacquiao's attacks. He consistently landed clean counter punches, frustrating Pacquiao's attempts to close the distance. Mayweather's strategy was clear: control the pace, minimize risks, and accumulate points.

Manny Pacquiao, on the other hand, struggled to implement his aggressive, high-volume offense. He had moments of success, particularly in the middle rounds, but Mayweather's elusiveness and tactical prowess proved difficult to overcome. After the fight, it was revealed that Pacquiao had been nursing a significant shoulder injury, which undoubtedly hampered his performance. This revelation added another layer of complexity to the narrative, leaving many to wonder what might have been.

Ultimately, Mayweather won by unanimous decision, with scores of 118-110, 116-112, and 116-112. While the victory cemented Mayweather's status as one of the greatest of all time, the fight left a sour taste in the mouths of many fans. The high price point, coupled with the perceived lack of action and Pacquiao's injury, led to widespread disappointment. People felt robbed of a truly epic clash, and the clamor for a rematch began almost immediately.

What Happened After? The Trajectories of Mayweather and Pacquiao

So, what happened to these boxing legends after their first mega-fight? Both Mayweather and Pacquiao continued to make headlines, albeit in different ways.

Floyd Mayweather: Continuing the Legacy

Mayweather fought twice more before officially retiring (again). He defeated Andre Berto in September 2015 in what was supposed to be his final fight, maintaining his undefeated record. Then, in August 2017, he stepped back into the ring for a highly lucrative crossover bout against UFC star Conor McGregor. Mayweather won by TKO in the 10th round, extending his record to 50-0 and further cementing his legacy as a boxing superstar.

Since then, Mayweather has engaged in various exhibition matches, showcasing his skills for entertainment and a hefty paycheck. These exhibitions have kept him in the public eye and allowed him to continue earning substantial income without risking his perfect record against top-tier boxers. His focus shifted from traditional boxing competition to more entertainment-focused events.

Manny Pacquiao: The Resilient Warrior

Manny Pacquiao, ever the resilient warrior, bounced back from the Mayweather defeat with a series of impressive performances. He underwent surgery to repair his injured shoulder and returned to the ring in April 2016, defeating Timothy Bradley Jr. in their third encounter. Pacquiao continued to fight top contenders, winning against Jessie Vargas, Lucas Matthysse, and Adrien Broner. He even scored a split decision victory over Keith Thurman in 2019 to win the WBA (Super) welterweight title at the age of 40, proving that age is just a number.

Pacquiao's career after the Mayweather fight was marked by his relentless pursuit of competition and his unwavering dedication to the sport. He remained a fan favorite, known for his exciting fighting style and his philanthropic endeavors. His decision to continue fighting at a high level, even after achieving so much, demonstrated his true love for boxing.

Analyzing a Potential Rematch: Mayweather vs. Pacquiao 2

Okay, guys, let's get to the heart of the matter. If Mayweather and Pacquiao had faced each other again, who would have emerged victorious? This is, of course, a hypothetical scenario, but we can analyze the factors that would have influenced the outcome.

Factors Favoring Mayweather

• Defensive Prowess: Mayweather's defensive skills are legendary. His ability to avoid punches, control distance, and counter effectively makes him a difficult opponent for anyone. A second fight wouldn't magically erase these advantages.
• Ring Generalship: Mayweather is a master of controlling the pace and dictating the terms of engagement. He can frustrate his opponents and force them to fight his fight. This strategic advantage would have been crucial in a rematch.
• Mental Fortitude: Mayweather is known for his mental toughness and his ability to perform under pressure. He thrives in high-stakes situations and rarely makes mistakes. This mental edge would have been a significant asset in a second fight.

Factors Favoring Pacquiao

• Aggression and Volume: Pacquiao's relentless attacking style and high punch output can overwhelm opponents. If he could have successfully implemented this strategy, he might have had more success in a rematch.
• Improved Health: If Pacquiao had been fully healthy in a second fight, his performance could have been significantly better. A healthy Pacquiao is a dangerous Pacquiao.
• Adjustments and Strategy: Pacquiao and his team would have undoubtedly studied the first fight and made adjustments to their strategy. A more focused and tailored approach could have given him a better chance of victory.

Potential Outcomes

Given these factors, here are a few possible scenarios:

• Mayweather by Decision: This is perhaps the most likely outcome. Mayweather's defensive skills and tactical brilliance would likely have allowed him to control the fight and win on points.
• Mayweather by Late Stoppage: If Mayweather could have capitalized on Pacquiao's aggression and landed a significant blow, he might have been able to secure a late stoppage.
• Pacquiao by Decision: This is a less likely, but still possible, outcome. If Pacquiao could have maintained consistent pressure, landed enough punches, and avoided Mayweather's counters, he might have been able to win a close decision.
• Draw: In a highly competitive fight, a draw is always a possibility. If both fighters performed at their best and the scoring was close, a draw could have been a fair result.

Why a Rematch Never Happened

Despite the widespread demand and the potential for another lucrative payday, Mayweather vs. Pacquiao 2 never came to fruition. Several factors contributed to this:

• Mayweather's Priorities: After the first fight, Mayweather seemed more interested in pursuing other ventures, such as the fight against Conor McGregor and various exhibition matches. He may not have seen the financial incentive to risk his undefeated record against Pacquiao again.
• Negotiation Challenges: Reaching an agreement between the two camps would have been difficult. Issues such as purse splits, fight location, and other contractual details could have stalled negotiations.
• Timing and Relevance: As both fighters aged and their careers progressed, the demand for a rematch may have waned. The timing needed to be right to maximize interest and revenue.

The Verdict: Who Would Have Won?

So, who would have won Mayweather vs. Pacquiao 2? While it's impossible to say for sure, the odds would have likely favored Floyd Mayweather. His defensive skills, ring generalship, and mental toughness are simply too difficult to overcome. However, a healthy and well-prepared Manny Pacquiao would have certainly posed a significant challenge, and the fight would have been compelling to watch.

Ultimately, the fact that the rematch never happened leaves us with endless speculation and what-ifs. But one thing is certain: the legacy of Mayweather and Pacquiao will continue to be debated and celebrated for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're Team Mayweather or Team Pacquiao, there's no denying that these two fighters are among the greatest to ever lace up a pair of gloves. Their first fight may not have lived up to the hype, but it was a historic event that will always be remembered. And while a rematch would have been amazing, we can still appreciate the incredible careers of both Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Guys, thanks for joining me in exploring this fascinating hypothetical scenario!