Teddy Atlas has weighed in on the rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
Once upon a time, some 15 to 20 years ago, this was one of the most exciting fights that could be made in world boxing.
Pacquiao is boxing’s only ever eight-weight world champion and a legend of the sport who has fought a real who’s who of talent, including Juan Manuel Marquez, Timothy Bradley, Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton and many more.
He was last out back in July last year when he fought to a draw with then WBC ruler Mario Barrios despite being 47 years of age.
Mayweather is also one of the greatest of his generation and retied unbeaten with a record of 50 wins against the likes of Marcos Maidana, Hatton, Cotto, Canelo Alvarez and Oscar De La Hoya.
Speaking to Bet Victor, Atlas gave his honest breakdown on the contest and said that although both men are past their best, he has no problem with it.
“Manny is not near the athlete he was, and neither is Mayweather at the ages they are. But the first fight was 5 years too late, this fight is 15 years too late. That’s the truth.
“If the first fight was 5 years too late, which was the consensus of everyone, well, then this fight is 15 years too late. But they’re not hurting anybody. They’re not holding a gun to nobody. They’ve earned the right to get their pension. I ain’t going to begrudge them that. I’m sure as hell not.”
Mayweather won the first fight back in 2015 with a wide points decision, though ‘Pacman’ later claimed to have had a shoulder injury. The rematch takes place at the Sphere, Las Vegas, on September 19 – though Mayweather recently cast doubt on both the venue and whether or not the fight will be professionally sanctioned.
