LOS ANGELES – Floyd Mayweather brushed off claims Wednesday that he is utterly terrified of seeing his undefeated 47-0 slate get tainted by Manny Pacquiao on May 2 in Las Vegas.
“I never wanted a fight so badly in life,” Mayweather said just before taking the spotlight during a press conference held at the Nokia Theatre.
“I was very adamant in making this fight happen. It took a while. I have been asking for this fight. It’s been long,” he said, looking not only subdued and was likewise calm, cool and collected during the 45-minute conversation with print writers.
This is perhaps the reason why Mayweather probably didn’t even raise the issue of having a rematch clause inserted in the contract, knowing that at the end of the day, he will be victorious.
Still, Mayweather, who turned 38 last month, expressed optimism everything will fall into place in his favor.
“But one thing I do know about any sport, when you lose, it’s in your mind and if you lost once it’s in your mind, if you lost twice, it’s in your mind.”
Pacquiao has lost a few times and Mayweather feels that being unbeaten and having a positive vibe all the time give him a clear edge.
“From day one, I was always taught to be a winner no matter what, be a winner.”
Pacquiao, even though he is extremely motivated and determined to prevail, “has losing in the back of his mind,” noted Mayweather, who is the favored fighter among oddsmakers.
And while Mayweather says that Pacquiao, like any other opponent, can’t be taken lightly, he has full confidence in his skills.
“I can instantly figure a guy out,” said Mayweather, noting that he can make key adjustments at the press of the button.
Besides, with his motivation to win at an all-time high, it will be virtually impossible for him to lose.
“I am pushing myself to the limit.”
So does Pacquiao, who is relishing the idea of trading places with Mayweather in a rematch.
As Mayweather basks in the limelight as the A-side, Pacquiao can’t wait for the opening bell.
If Pacquiao emerges victorious and Mayweather begs for a rematch, the Filipino gets the right to call the shots.
And that’s definitely a downside to Mayweather’s A-side claims. (Nick Giongco)