Regardless of it being 5 years too late, it’s still the biggest fight around. Still the top 2 P4P fighters and it’s great to see Floyd actually take a chance. To be honest there is no credible opponent left for either of them now.
5 years ago my money would have been on Manny (an unpopular opinion). Now it’s much harder to call, which is probably why Floyd took it. Both have slipped from their peaks. The Manny that destroyed (a weight drained) ODLH, Hatton, Cotto & Margarito would have presented Floyd’s biggest challenge. I thought Manny’s explosive power and speed would have found a way through Floyd’s masterful defence.
The fact both are past their peak doesn’t really detract from the fight. On one hand Floyd has struggled with southpaws. On the other hand counter-punchers like JMM have given Manny fits. The ingredients are there for a classic as styles make fights. Crossing my fingers it doesn’t turn out to be a damp squib.