"This fight should be interesting as long as it lasts. We look for Velasquez to be forced to trade while Pacquiao tries cuts off the ring and deliver heavy artillery. Don't be surprised to see low blows and one or both guys cut from accidental headbutts," stated boxingtimes.com in its in-depth analysis.
"Nevertheless, Pacquiao's speed and power will eventually catch up with Velasquez. We expect the Filipino star to end matters via a TKO by the sixth round."
Pound for pound, Boxingtimes.com conceded that Pacquiao just might be the hardest hitter in the sport, even as it also believed that the Filipino sports hero is the more superior fighter than Velasquez in terms of style.
"He is a banger/slugger, but what sets him apart is his hand speed and his accuracy. He throws wicked three, four and five punch combinations and he will come right at you firing whistling hooks and staggering left crosses from the opening bell."
Boxingtimes.com, however, indicated that Velasquez couldn't be taken lightly and will surely give Pacquiao a tough challenge.
"Despite 10 losses on his record, Velasquez is a tough hombre. He won't back off or back down despite Pacquiao's sterling reputation. Velazquez likes to muscle fighters on the inside and he will rip to the body with both hands."
In terms of strength, The Boxing Times remarked "Pacquiao is the complete athlete if you are looking for an action fighter. He throws devastating shots with both hands and he delivers the goods with withering accuracy."
Velasquez, on the other hand, is a hard nosed veteran banger who will hammer to the body with lethal left hooks and ripping right hands if he can cut the distance on the southpaw Pacquiao. He is willing to trade leathers and has a tough guy attitude.
Concerning their weaknesses, Pacquiao gets hit and is vulnerable to counter right hands. Although Pacquiao has the propensity to dictate the pace of the bout, he struggles when the action slows down and his opponent starts landing his jab.
On the other side, Velasquez lacks the boxing skill to stick and move with a mauler like Pacquiao. He has the heart but not the athletic skill to do much other than trade with a hooker. He will be compelled to fight Manny's fight and that means he will be on the short end of the power shots.
In the undercard of the Pacquiao-Velasquez showdown, The Boxing Times prognosticated that Mexican Erik Morales will defeat 1996 USA Olympian Zahir Rahim by unanimous decision in their 12-round WBC International lightweight showdown.