Former world champion Zab Judah believes Manny Pacquiao may have the advantage in his much-awaited rematch against Floyd Mayweather Jr., citing the Filipino boxing icon’s movement, speed and combination punching.
Pacquiao, who owns a 62-8-3 record, is set to face the unbeaten Mayweather, 50-0, in a rematch scheduled for Sept. 19.
Judah, a former Mayweather opponent who lost to the American via unanimous decision in 2006, shared his assessment in an interview with MillCity Boxing.
“I mean yeah, you’re gonna give Manny an edge, because he has movement, he has fluidness and he has those good combinations,” said Judah, a former two-division world champion who retired in 2019 with a 44-10 record.
He said Pacquiao’s offense remains a major asset, although he noted that the Filipino’s defense could still be a concern.
“He is a combination puncher with speed and power, so he is always going to do good and he is elusive. The only thing with Manny Pacquiao — his biggest problem is his defense. Sometimes he slacks on the defense and gets caught standing straight there and allows his opponent to connect. Other than that, the guy is phenomenal,” Judah said.
Judah’s view differs from that of another former Pacquiao foe, Adrien Broner, who remains unconvinced that the Filipino can overcome Mayweather in a second meeting.
“I think it’s going to serve a purpose; it’s going to be a great fight to watch. Pacquiao’s definitely coming to fight, and it’s going to be an exciting fight,” Broner said in an interview with HeadBussinBoxing.
“I still don’t think he can beat Floyd no matter what, but I can’t wait to see it,” added Broner, who holds a 35-5-1 record.
Pacquiao, 47, and Mayweather, 49, first met in 2015, with Mayweather winning by unanimous decision.
Their rematch is set to take place at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada.