Pacquiao on Mayweather: I was more worried about the De La Hoya and Cotto fights

As the anticipation for the upcoming showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather reaches a fever pitch, the trash talk has started to flow freely.

Mere hours before the official press conference kicks off what should be a memorable month of gum-flapping, Pacquiao has fired the first shot, telling ESPN's "First Take" that he felt more threatened by past opponents than by Mayweather.

"In my heart and my mind, I was more worried about the Oscar De La Hoya and Miguel Cotto fights than this fight," Pacquiao said. "Cotto punched harder. (Mayweather) has a good defense, but I have a very good plan."

According to Pacquiao, Mayweather's fear of losing has postponed the potential fire-fight for years, and a victory over the undefeated great would be best for the sport.

"Beating Floyd Mayweather is the best for boxing," Pacquiao said. "It is good for boxing."