Pacquiao scores on 1-2-3 blow

Video by Tyler Cook/INQUIRER.net contributor

Manny Pacquiao unloaded a surprise three-punch combination at Floyd Mayweather Jr. after their press conference at Nokia Theater in Los Angeles on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila).

In an ESPN “First Take” interview posted on YouTube, Pacquiao was in a playful mood with co-host Stephen Smith, who earlier predicted that Mayweather would “pick him apart.”

First, Pacquiao said the Super Fight took long to happen because “Floyd is afraid of losing.”

Second, he said his May 2 showdown with Mayweather doesn’t worry him a bit.

Boxers Floyd Mayweather Jr., left, and Manny Pacquiao, of the Philippines, pose for photos after a news conference, Wednesday, March 11, 2015, in Los Angeles. The two are scheduled to fight in Las Vegas on May 2. AP

“In my heart and in my mind, I was more worried with Oscar De La Hoya and Miguel Cotto than this fight,” said the Filipino icon, adding that “(Antonio) Margarito is more dangerous (than Mayweather) because he’s big.”

The 5-foot-11 Margarito entered the ring at 165 lb and the 5-6 Pacquiao at a puny 148 in their WBC super welterweight title bout which the Filipino thoroughly dominated in 2010.

Pacquiao then delivered the clincher: “I really wanted this fight to prove that Manny Pacquiao can easily beat the undefeated.”

Mayweather is unbeaten in 47 fights, with 26 knockouts to boot. But Pacquiao believes the American world champ isn’t invincible.

“Floyd has good hand speed, but his feet are not the same as his hand speed,” said Pacquiao. “I have quick hand speed and good footwork. He has a very good defense, but I have a very good plan for his defense.

“I’m going to force him to fight my way. I won’t hold back.”

Pacquiao also said Mayweather “doesn’t punch as hard as Cotto or Margarito.”

Mayweather acknowledges the “very solid competitor” in Pacquiao, who is “exciting, kind of reckless.”

But the 11-time world champion said in an “Umagang Kay Ganda” interview on ABS-CBN yesterday that he holds certain advantages over Pacquiao.

“My ability to make adjustments instantly. Go to another level. Experience,” Mayweather said. “We’ll see how everything plays up (on May 2).”