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Mayweather or Pacquiao? Who to support for Vegas superfight

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It's Mayweather vs Pacquiao, "the fight of the century", and as the $400million richest fight ever made, you might feel a little short-changed if it doesn't live up to the billing. So, how to get enough bang for your buck? Simple, nail your colours to one corner and give your man a passionate push from your sofa, bar, Vegas hotel room or ringside (ok, that last one is probably unlikely). And if you aren't entirely sure who to support or are wavering, we're here to help you make the call:

Personality

No getting away from it, Floyd Mayweather is a pretty appalling bloke. He spent two months in prison in 2012 for domestic violence and battery against the mother of three of his children. It was the latest of several convictions for misdemeanour battery against women. He's abrasive, exceptionally arrogant and obsessed by money. Still, being a really nice guy probably isn't that much of an advantage when your job description is "hitting people".

Manny Pacquiao, by contrast, appears a near-sainted figure. He is deeply religious. He is the most famous person in the Philippines by a mile. He will probably be president there one day and has been referred to as "the single biggest one-man charity institution in the country". Pacquiao has given millions for facilities and infrastructure, particularly after the 2011 Semdong storm.

A clear win for Manny in this round.

Political ambitions

Manny is already a congressman but has been investigated for tax issues. He could reasonably argue that he's done his bit for his country, and then some, but does the world really need any more politicians? Floyd is absolutely blameless in this regard and has shown no interest at all in running for office, which is to his immense credit.

In an ideal world, there would be a much bigger crossover between politics and boxing. As the UK prepares for a general election, who wouldn't want to watch David Cameron getting a left hook in the kisser from, say, Nicola Sturgeon? Until that day happens, though, politics should be kept out of sport where possible, so this round goes to Floyd.

Money grabbing

Mayweather's WBC welterweight and WBA super welterweight titles, as well as Pacquiao's WBO welterweight crown are up for grabs. And also: a rather large load of money. Floyd has insisted on a 60-40 split and is set to walk away with $200 million (£130m) plus. Not bad for 40-odd minutes work, even if those 40-odd minutes do involve getting punched in the mouth a lot by a very hard, angry little man from the Philippines. Floyd is already slightly richer than Manny and is set to increase his advantage here. Floyd wins.

Nicknames

A crucial part of any boxer's armoury. Manny has his go-to Pac Man. At home, he is known as The Nation's Fist, which is pretty cool. Also: the Fighting Congressman, the Mexecutioner and the Fighting Pride Of The Philippines.

Floyd initially went with Pretty Boy but then settled on Money. Because he likes money. Simple, and perhaps the most apt boxing nickname of them all, because Floyd really does love bling. Fair enough, he lives in a 23,000-foot house in Vegas. On his own. He said: "When I was growing up, seven of us lived in one bedroom. I got a closet now that's bigger than that bedroom was." As motivational factors go, "I want a really big cupboard" might seem a little thin, but that closet is a metaphor. A metaphor about getting money for hitting people in the face for pleasure and profit.

This round, like the fight itself, is a contest of styles. Manny with his many nicknames, Floyd with the more direct approach. Given that Pacquiao doesn't even like The Mexecutioner - which he was called by some because of his successful record against Mexican opponents - Floyd Money May takes this one.

Starry mates

Mayweather counts Justin Bieber among his celeb supporters/pals. That alone is probably reason to back Manny. David Hasselhoff is also Team Floyd, as is P Diddy. Not a very inspiring bunch, are they?

On the other hand, the Pac Man's supporters include cool actor Mark Wahlberg, cool talk show guy Jimmy Kimmel, cool Entourage funnyman Jeremy Piven, cool football guy David Beckham and cool plank of wood Keanu Reeves. Manny wins this round hands down.

Pets

Manny has only a surprisingly fat Jack Russell dog named, rather unimaginatively: Pac Man. Floyd, though, is the proud owner of a strikingly un-hard miniature poodle/Portuguese water dog type thing called, I kid you not, Izzyballin. Obviously, it has special dog biscuits shaped like money. Floyd wins this by a massive knockout.

Religious fervour

Manny believes he is on a mission from God. Floyd, however, seems to just believe that he is God, so this round is a clear win for the Deity from Grand Rapids Michigan. Floyd wins.

Coaching a professional basketball team and putting himself in it like a bit of a weapon

Manny has done this, teaming up with Philippine Basketball Association outfit Kia Carnival and managing to get himself picked in the first round of the draft despite being a) well into his 30s b) kind of short at five foot six and a half and c) not a basketball player. Guess he just caught the scouts' eye on the day.

Manny, who has installed himself as player-coach and point guard has, erm, made modest contributions on the court so far. Say what you like about Floyd Mayweather but at least he isn't trying to buy the Detroit Turtlenecks or whatever and make himself starting tallywhack receiver. This one's for you, Floyd.

Verdict

It's 6-2 to Floyd, then, by our highly scientific assessment. On the one hand, we have a tactical genius with a love of money and a big mouth who enjoys hitting people whatever the circumstances. A man who counts Justin Bieber as a friend.

On the other hand, we have a saintly man with the hopes of an embattled country riding on his stocky shoulders and a brilliantly delusional second career as a basketballer.

The heart says Manny, but the head says that Floyd will win on points. Hope that helps you make a choice!