Mayweather v Pacquiao: Mind games start at press conference

Floyd Mayweather suggested that Manny Pacquiao would be haunted by past defeats as the boxing superstars came face-to-face at their pre-fight press conference.

The two biggest names in the sport appeared in front of the world’s media in Los Angeles, in their only joint public appearance before the week of their May 2 mega-fight.

There was a mutual respect between both men throughout the press conference, but the unbeaten Mayweather could not resist a reference to the five defeats on the Filipino’s record.

If you’ve lost one it‘s in your mind, if you’ve lost twice it’s in your mind.

“This is a fight that the world cannot miss. An unbelievable match-up, action packed fight,” the American told SHO Sports.

“I’m in the gym working right now, dedicating myself to the sport, pushing myself to the limit because I have never wanted to win a fight so much in my life.

“I’m sure he will push himself to the limit because he wants to win just as I want to win. But one thing I do know about any sport – when you lose it’s in your mind. If you’ve lost one it‘s in your mind, if you’ve lost twice it’s in your mind.

“From day one, I was always taught to be a winner, stay focused, and be the best that you can be.

“Mayweather-Pacquiao, everybody that is tuning in – we want to say thank you. May 2nd, that’s when the world stops. I want everyone to tune in to the biggest fight in boxing history.”

Pacquiao admitted he had been pursuing the match-up with Mayweather since 2010 and expects to serve up a thrilling encounter for the fans at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“To the fans of boxing, I believe this is what you are waiting for since five years ago,” said ‘Pac-Man’.

“The fight is on and you are very excited. We are going to undergo hard training for this fight and we will do our best on May 2 to make you happy.”