Saturday January 19th a couple of boxing megastars will clash when Manny Pacquiao faces Adrien Broner in a 12-round welterweight bout from Las Vegas. Manny Pacquiao vs Adrien Broner Fight Odds have Pacquiao -360 with only 30% of boxing predictions on Broner +300. Pacquiao, 60-7-3, 39 KO’s, is coming off an impressive 7th round stoppage over heavy-handed contender Lucas Matthysse. Broner, 33-3-1, 24 KO’s, was lucky to come away with a draw in his last bout against Jessie Vargas in a bout many thought Vargas won. Manny Pacquiao is #12 on the Pound-4-Pound Boxing Rankings but can he hold off the younger, stronger Broner? ESPN2NEWS gives away our expert fight picks. Manny Pacquiao vs Adrien Broner Fight Odds have Pacquiao -360 moneyline
Adrien Broner – Boxer
Strengths: Fast twitch athlete that has a smooth style like his idol Floyd Mayweather. Bigger puncher than his mentor ”Money” and is physically a little stronger weighing in the 157-158 Lbs. range on fight night. Slick fighter with excellent ring vision and shoulder rolls. Fights very effectively at mid to long range. Excellent counter-,puncher especially with left hook. Goes to the body with authority and good power. Above-average chin. Knows how to close the show when he has an opponent hurt. Carries power late into fights.
Weaknesses: Short for a welter at 5’6 1/2″. Questionable focus and training habits. Fights flat footed. Uses jab sporadically. Punch volume is poor for a top level contender. Slow starter that often gives away early rounds fighting too cautiously. Can be hammered over the top because low hand positioning and lack of height.
Manny Pacquiao – Boxer
Strengths: Southpaw’s style could best be described as a whirling dervish that is constantly moving, darting and attacking from angles. Fast feet are his biggest strength. Good power in his straight-left hand that is set up brilliantly behind two quick jabs. Evolved from a high-volume puncher to a boxer/puncher that counterpunches effectively. Slicker than meets the eye with eagle ring vision and active head movement. Most impressive talent is his ability to punch hard from unusual angles with great accuracy. Despite getting knocked out by a possibly “juiced” Juan Manuel Marquez, Pacquiao has always displayed a decent chin. Once legendary stamina has faded but still fights with a good motor.
Weaknesses: Past his prime at 39-years old. Short at 5’6″and short armed with a 67″ reach. Small for a welter weighing only about 150 lbs. on fight night. Bad temper causes him to get careless. Loads up left hand getting caught out of position frequently. Average balance. Small hole in defense for uppercuts. Never been the same since Marquez iced him in late 2012.
ESPN2NEWS Boxing Predictions: Broner +300 (3 Units)
Manny Pacquiao vs Adrien Broner Power Ratings
Pacquiao/Broner
Power: 8/7.5
Hand Speed/Accuracy: 8.5/9
Stamina: 8/7
Defense 8.5/8.5
Chin/Resiliency: 8/8
Punch Volume: 8/5
Jab: 8/6
Boxing Ability: 8/8
Agility/Balance: 8/7
Bodypunching/In-Fight: 8/7
Height: –
Strength/Size: Broner +1
Bodypunch Resiliency: –
Intelligence: –
Confidence/Focus/Will To Win: Pacquiao +3
Cuts/Injury/Age/Inactivity: Broner +3
Judges Scoring: Broner +3
Trainer: –
Check out exclusive ESPN2 News Pound-4-Pound-Boxing Rankings!