Split Decision 5.4.15: Mayweather vs. Pacquiao #MayPac

By @jddiantis

Saturday night had two winners, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. And although I can sit here and say that the rest of us were the losers the biggest loser of last night was the sport of boxing. Last night boxing had its two biggest stars fighting the fight that the world wanted to see (albeit five years ago). It had an opportunity to rekindle the flame that once burned in this country for the sweet science. Instead, two of the greatest fighters of their time poured a bucket of water over that flame.

So why are Mayweather AND Pacquiao winners? They cashed in the largest pay checks in boxing history.  Perhaps the lack of action in last nights fight was due to the both of them focusing more about their newly swollen bank accounts then swelling the their opponents face. In a night that saw Leo Santa Cruz LAND over 400 punches in ten rounds of action, Mayweather and Pacquiao both THREW just over 400 punches in a full twelve rounds.

For Mayweather it was a typical Floyd; a very accurate defensive puncher too quick to get hit. Although they threw about the same amount of punches, Floyd landed many more. For Pacquiao it was a different story. The usual aggressor got out punched, and when he was throwing he was mostly missing. He said after the fight he thought he was winning the fight. It's tough to say what he felt in the ring but I have a hard time believing he really thought he was winning that fight. He also said he had a shoulder injury and that they wouldn't allow him to have an anti-inflammatory shot for it before the fight. I can't say one way or the other if Pac-man’s shoulder was hurting, but I also don't think it would have mattered.

For those looking for a breakdown of the fight, here it goes. Personally I scored it 118-110 Mayweather, ten rounds to two. Floyd controlled the pace and was comfortable giving Pacquiao the center of the ring as he danced on the outside. There were times when Pacquiao pressed the action and forced Mayweather against the ropes. But those exchanges were few and far between. Mayweather was comfortable with the pace of the fight although his dad wasn't. His corner was very vocal about wanting Floyd to push the pace and be more aggressive but Mayweather said after the fight that he knew Pacquiao was dangerous and he felt he was in control, and he was.

My highlight of Saturday night was good libations and better company. At the end of the day these two fighters had an opportunity to repay the sport that has made them ridiculously wealthy. Boxing needed this fight to match the hype that made it the most lucrative showdown in history. Last night had millions of losers, but the biggest loser was the sport of boxing.