Boxing analyst Larry Merchant talking Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao (Photo: Boxing Fanatik)

By Chris Robinson

I’ve had several conversations with veteran boxing analyst Larry Merchant over the years in regards to Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao.

While admittedly not always a huge believer that the fight would happen, Merchant genuinely seems pleased to see boxing’s dream match on the near horizon, as Mayweather will face Pacquiao on May 2 from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“I think it’s a big deal for boxing to have an event that theoretically spans the globe, transends the sport,” Merchant told HustleBoss.com. “Hopefully the fight itself lives up to the high expectations of it.”

When asked why the time was right, after all these years, for the bout to happen, Merchant gave his take.

“My guess is that there was pressure on Mayweather because of his declining pay per view numbers more so than on Pacquiao’s pay per view numbers because of the contract guarantees he has from Showtime,” Merchant explained.

“So I think that probably made him a little more open to various pressures,” Merchant added. “That’s in general what I think of it. But I’m not going to complain, because it’s finally happening.”

Merchant has no prediction as of yet in regards to a winner come May 2.

“I’m going to give myself some time to think about the fight itself,” he stated.

*** Check below for the full audio interview with Larry Merchant

Chris Robinson can be reached at CRobinson@hustleboss.com