To avoid bad judging: Donaire says Pacquiao needs to finish Mayweather via KO

Either Manny Pacquiao beats Floyd Mayweather by knockout or he loses by decision. 

 

That is how former world champion Nonito Donaire sees the much-awaited mega fight between the two pound-for-pound stars playing out.

 

"Mayweather has to figure him (Pacquiao) out, use his boxing intelligence. Whoever controls this fight, wins this fight," Donaire told GMA News Online on Monday.

 

"I'll give the first six rounds to Manny Pacquiao, if it goes to decision, it's gonna be Mayweather. Mayweather is good when the rounds goes, he starts to figure you out. He's very cautious but it's hard to be cautious when you're fighting Pacquiao."

 

Donaire thinks the difference in styles will result in a competitive showdown on May 2.

 

"I think both fighters have never faced the type of fighters, of style, so I think it's 50-50 for me," said Donaire.

 

"I'll sway myself down to Pacquiao because he's overwhelming and extreme. And if he can do the right game plan I think he'll be able to hurt Mayweather and change the whole fight."

 

Mayweather is best known for his shoulder roll defense, but Donaire sees the southpaw Pacquiao breaking through that.

 

"I've seen Mayweather hurt a few times, I've seen him hurt the worst when he fought [Demarcus] Corley who was a southpaw. With Manny's punches, if he gets hit by those he's gonna go down," said Donaire.

 

Donaire doesn't take away the possibility of Pacquiao winning by decision, but he would rather see his fellow Filipino go for a knockout.

 

"There is a possibility of Pacquiao winning the fight [by decision] but we all know what the decisions are in Vegas like the Bradley fight. The first time Pacquiao won overwhelmingly but they tend to focus on people who boxes. I'd rather have him go out there and finish the job," said Donaire.

 

"Floyd brings in a lot of people to Vegas and sometimes it becomes politics that way." —JST, GMA News