Billed as “The Fight of The Century,” undefeated Floyd Mayweather will take on eight-time welterweight world champion Manny Pacquiao on May 2 in Las Vegas. While boxing’s popularity has waned in the onset of the 21st century, Pacquiao and Mayweather are, without a doubt, the most popular boxers on the scene, making this fight one of the most anticipated bouts in decades. Pacquiao is a fan favorite, but it remains to be seen if his grit and toughness can overcome the physicality of the undefeated Mayweather.

While these two multiple time champions are extremely evenly matched, Mayweather does hold an advantage over the Congressman from the Philippines. Mayweather is taller and has a longer reach than Pacquiao, which gives him a clear edge. This means that Mayweather can move more freely around the ring, as his reach allows him to engage Pacquiao without needing to be too close. Mayweather’s height advantage also allows for him to punch downward, unlike Pacquiao’s difficult task of hitting upward. Mayweather also has the ability to keep his hands up and dance out of trouble, which makes him incredibly difficult to knock down.

Mayweather is a fast fighter, with the ability to hit and move without needing to spend much time setting his feet. Pacquiao on the other hand, has been dealing with a nagging leg injury that might make it difficult for him to get much force behind his punches. Pacquiao employs an unorthodox footwork style to begin with, so any kind of leg ailment might disrupt Pacquiao’s rhythm. Both fighters are known for exerting their will on the opponent, but if Pacquiao is not at 100 percent, it might be all that Mayweather needs to secure the victory.

While this is a bout between two of the premiere figures in boxing today, Mayweather has a distinct advantage over the slight underdog Pacquiao. Height, reach and physical conditioning are all in Mayweather’s favor, which makes a victory for the undefeated fighter likely. Keeping up with Mayweather could perhaps wear Pacquiao down, which opens up the opportunity for Floyd to finish him off. These two are both durable and similar in ability, so there is almost no doubt that this fight will go the distance. After a long, hard-fought match however, I believe that Floyd Mayweather will remain undefeated.