Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao: 'Floyd Mayweather did not want this fight. He was forced into it,' says Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach

'I just don't know why Floyd has gone quiet for this fight. His speech is very subdued'

Thursday 30 April 2015 16:05 BST

The trainers and the fighters - Floyd Mayweather Sr, Floyd Mayweather Jr, Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach (GETTY IMAGES)

Manny Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach has questioned whether Floyd Mayweather will "show up" on Saturday night for their $300m super-fight, and says that the unbeaten American has been forced into the fight by his TV paymasters.

The build up to the richest fight in history has been notable for the lack of trash talking from Mayweather and Roach, Pacquiao's master trainer, views that as a symptom of his uncertainty.

Roach believes the 38-year-old's television paymasters Showtime, who have outlaid a minimum of £130million for a six-fight contract, ordered the clash the boxing world has craved for the last five years.

"I really am wondering if he's going to turn up on the night," Roach said during the pair's final press conference before the Las Vegas bout last night.

"I don't think any fighter is afraid, but I don't think he wanted this fight. He was forced into a fight he didn't want to take.

Mayweather or Pacquiao? Boxing greats and current fighters make their predictions

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1/10Mayweather or Pacquiao? Boxing greats and current fighters make their predictions

Mayweather or Pacquiao? Boxing greats and current fighters make their predictions

Mike Tyson (Pacquiao)

Iron Mike thinks Pacquiao will win because he throws more punches. "Floyd doesn't throw anywhere near 100 punches a round. He is more of a scientific fighter, he really plots a lot, he poses whereas Pacquiao is feinting and moving around. That's just my opinion, Pacquiao has perpetual motion he's all over the god damn place."

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Mayweather or Pacquiao? Boxing greats and current fighters make their predictions

George Foreman (Pacquiao)

"If we’ve got good judges this time, it's go Pacquiao," said Foreman. "Mayweather starts off early kind of looking for his timing and ... Pacquiao will pot shot him and get ahead on points and he’ll stay ahead. He’ll slow down later on and Mayweather will take on the more aggression but he doesn’t have a right hand. He’ll hurt his right hand. He can't get a knockout. So he’ll just have to cruise on in and win or lose the fight just by a couple of points."

Mayweather or Pacquiao? Boxing greats and current fighters make their predictions

Oscar De La Hoya (Pacquiao)

De La Hoya, who has fought both, nods in Pacquaio's direction...but only "if he can start well in the first two rounds, then the fight can go in his direction."

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Mayweather or Pacquiao? Boxing greats and current fighters make their predictions

Ricky Hatton (Mayweather...just)

Hatton said: "Manny has been in some real wars and that gives Floyd the slight advantage."

Jon Super

Mayweather or Pacquiao? Boxing greats and current fighters make their predictions

Nigel Benn (Mayweather)

Benn: "This fight is going to make Mayweather who he is. I believe that he has not got the recognition."

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Mayweather or Pacquiao? Boxing greats and current fighters make their predictions

Kell Brook (Mayweather)

"I'm leaning towards Floyd Mayweather," Brook said. "He's never lost before, he knows how to win and it's in Vegas. I think Mayweather is going to control the pace and I think he's too clever for Manny Pacquiao."

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Mayweather or Pacquiao? Boxing greats and current fighters make their predictions

Amir Khan (Mayweather)

"Mayweather will be smart and keep moving, so I think he will get a good unanimous win," Khan said.

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Mayweather or Pacquiao? Boxing greats and current fighters make their predictions

Shane Mosley (Mayweather)

"I think Mayweather’s going to out-point Pacquiao by moving, evading punches, and being able to do combinations and stuff like that," Mosley said.

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Mayweather or Pacquiao? Boxing greats and current fighters make their predictions

Miguel Cotto (Pacquiao)

"I'm rooting for Manny Pacquiao. I think the quickness of Manny is going to have a big impact on Floyd's performance," he said.

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Mayweather or Pacquiao? Boxing greats and current fighters make their predictions

Ronda Rousey (Pacquiao)

The unbeaten UFC fighter is backing Paquiao.

Josh Hedges / Zuffa LLC

"I just don't know why Floyd has gone quiet for this fight. His speech is very subdued.

"I think Floyd was forced into this fight and it's not a fight he wants. He always gets to pick and choose his opponents, but he wasn't able to pick and choose this one because Showtime wanted this fight."

"I don't think he wants this fight. Sometimes we do things we have to do to please companies and to make money. He was forced into a fight he didn't want."

Mayweather, 38, is an 11-time, five-weight world champion, while the Filipino Pacquiao, 36, has won versions of the world title at a record eight different weights.

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The fight will be broadcast on Sky Sports Box Office for UK viewers. The fight will cost £19.95 to purchase on Box Office, and will cost an additional £2 booking fee for those who book on the day.

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