Saipan boxing fans pick Pacquiao over Mayweather

Saipan is going Manny all the way as the Philippines’ Pambansang Kamao (National Fist) Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao seems to have the hearts and minds of the island’s boxing aficionados in his fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. this Sunday (Saturday in Las Vegas), based on a random interview by Saipan Tribune reporters.

While the streets in Manila and every conceivable city and town in the Philippines are expected to be deserted come fight time, Saipan’s most eager boxing fans will be cramming venues on the island showing the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight via pay per view.

Below are the thoughts of 11 prognosticators Saipan Tribune interviewed for this Sunday’s “Fight of the Century.”

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“While Mayweather may have a bit more height and weight advantage on Pacquiao, Manny has the entire country behind him. I am sure there are lots of Mayweather fans out there, but I think Manny has the edge. Pacquiao will win by split decision.”
Glenn Policare
PIC SEA director

“Pacman for sure…Mayweather can’t run from this guy…Pac-Man is just too quick…plus I want to see our ‘kaibigan’ win with a knockout.”
Carl James Hocog
DPS officer

“Pacman needs to win with a KO. If it goes the distance 90 percent Mayweather will win via decision. Pinoy pride all the way.”
Francis Mendiola
KES teacher

“Pac-Man…via unanimous decision. Ever since he beat the Golden Boy Oscar dela Hoya, I have been following his fights.”
Robin Sapong
NMA secretary general

“I will go for Pac-Man. He has to be patient to win it. He also needs to show quickness and power in his punches.”
Noel Puno
Association of Filipino Pastors on Saipan president

“Manny Pacquiao all the way. Cheering for our Kababayan!”
Rep. Edwin Propst
Precinct I Representative

“Manny Pacquiao. Since he is relentless and it’s hard to beat a persistent athlete. His corner will try to find a solution in the hardest situations. He will break through the defense of Floyd Mayweather Jr.”
Norman Del Rosario
IT&E art director

“Floyd Mayweather Jr., I mean statistically speaking, Manny has been dropped before, knocked out, and he lost before but never once has I seen that from Mayweather. Manny has a strong foundation and fast hands with amazing technique but so does Mayweather. I’m rooting for Mayweather but on the other hand I believe Pacquiao has the experience and heart to win as well.”
Ryan Babauta
Wrestler

“I am rooting for Manny Pacquiao all the way! This is the pinnacle of the sport and their careers talent-wise. None of them have faced fighters of each other’s caliber and talent before. Mayweather has fought and beaten the best that boxing promoters have put in front of him. Same goes for Pacquiao, all the top fighters in the division. Now, finally, the two best fighters will face off and the people of the world will once and for all see who will be crowned the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet. This is sort of like an unstoppable force, Pacquiao, going up against an invincible object in Mayweather. Although, Mayweather is undefeated, Pacquiao seems to be the only one left in the universe who will be able to render Mayweather human and beat him. When Pacquiao wins, I feel it will be by unanimous decision, then this will solidify his dominance in the sport as well as his place in boxing.
Cuki Alvarez
Trench Tech promoter

“My pick—Pacman. I like rooting for the underdogs. Pacquiao’s style is similar to our gym. We will be in your face until someone gets knocked out. Mayweather was raised to fight. But Pacquiao was born to fight. And when you’re born with power, you don’t have to train for power.”
Donney Fejeran
Team Zalaka MMA coach

“Mayweather will kiss the floor once, possibly on the ninth round, just enough for Pacquiao to win via unanimous decision. Pacman’s 10-combo will overwhelm Mayweather’s vaunted shoulder roll defense. Pacman’s right hook will be the key just like what he did to British boxer Ricky Hatton in the first round. Pacquiao’s fighting style has similarity to Zab Judah, who is also a lefty. Although he did not win, Judah’s right hook sent Mayweather to the canvas in the second round. Pacman’s volume punches combined with excellent footwork and stamina will destroy Mayweather.
Ferdie de la Torre
Journalist