Mayweather-Pacquiao Megafight: Staff Picks

The staff at theScore put on their prognosticator hats and made predictions for Saturday's megafight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, highlighting reasons for their selections. The pickers are Gino Bottero, Patrick Cwiklinski, Ali Dar, George Halim and Kyle Smith.

Floyd Mayweather v. Manny Pacquiao

Bottero: While many expected the years to do more damage to Pacquiao's chances in this fight, he's the fighter that's aged more gracefully of the two, maintaining his speed where the elder Mayweather has slowed. Mayweather had some trouble in his two fights with Marcos Maidana, and while Pacquiao may not have the same physical assets Maidana brings to the ring, he is a creative offensive fighter who can keep the pressure on Mayweather. This fight is destined to go to the scorecards, and the judges should favor Pacquiao's aggressiveness. Pacquiao by split decision

Cwiklinski: The most anticipated boxing match in recent history is now a reality, and people are dying to know: will it live up to the hype? In my opinion, no. Nothing against Manny Pacquiao, I think he's a stand-up guy and one of the true greats of the sport, but Floyd Mayweather Jr. is on another level. Undefeated and undisputed is how "Money" will be remembered well after this fight, and even though it'll have some good back-and-forth moments, I still think he takes this one handily. Mayweather by unanimous decision

Dar: An upset is unlikely to happen Saturday night. Pacquiao will be a tough test for Mayweather, but he's not the fighter he once was. Age has caught up with him, and his chin's been diminished from his wars with Juan Manuel Marquez. The Filipino's southpaw stance may give Mayweather some trouble, but his aggressive style will be his downfall. Mayweather's counter-punching will test Pacquiao often and his ability to make mid-fight adjustments will be too much for his opponent to overcome, like it was for Marcos Maidana and Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. Just like Mayweather's last five bouts, this will go to decision, but it won't be the close fight many are hoping for. Mayweather by unanimous decision

Halim: Although this is one of the most highly-regarded fights in the history of boxing, it's just another bout for Floyd Mayweather. Money is too patient to lose against Manny Pacquiao, and his undefeated record shows it. It can be fairly mundane watching Mayweather fight, because he's so tactical and refuses to jump in. But when it comes down to it, he knows how to win, and this fight will show that once again. Mayweather by unanimous decision

Smith: My heart is hoping for Manny Pacquiao to come out guns-a-blazin' and absolutely decimate Floyd Mayweather in the first round, but my brain ... well, my brain knows better. Mayweather is a defensive wizard and a technical marvel. So, although Pacquiao's aggression will likely bag him a few rounds early, Mayweather's superior technique will take over midway through the bout, and he'll win comfortably. Mayweather by unanimous decision