Pacquiao betting on punch volume

Manny Pacquiao trains at Griffith Park on Monday, 20 April 2015. Photo by Rem Zamora/ See more at FRAME

LAS VEGAS—Once Manny Pacquiao gets within shooting distance, he will unload volume fire and leave no ground for Floyd Mayweather Jr. to launch a counter-attack, according to his handlers.

“We’ll catch him by surprise, he’ll realize that he’s fighting a different lefty,” assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez said on Tuesday. “We’ll do things differently. Somebody will fall.”

The plan calls for an immediate attack, right from the opening bell, according to Fernandez.

“That’s because Mayweather turns into a hitter starting the sixth round,” Fernandez said. “He’s a slow starter, so we’ll need to engage right away.”

The strategy, he said, also ensures that Pacquiao can cope with a Mayweather counter.

READ: Pacquiao: Relax, I’m going to beat Floyd Mayweather

“We have a game plan,” Fernandez said. “There’s still a need to assess the situation. But one thing is clear, we’ll attack. If there’s a chance to fire away, we’ll do it.”

Aware of Mayweather’s versatility and adaptability, chief trainer Freddie Roach, Fernandez and strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune, in consultation with Pacquiao, hatched several plans for history’s richest fight on Saturday night (Sunday in Manila) at MGM Grand Garden Arena.

READ: Roach: Mayweather will pay for his lapses

“One of these game plans calls for Manny to chase after Mayweather because he is expected to run,” said Fernandez. “Every minute of every round, we’ll come up with something new.”

Knowing that his bosom buddy is in prime condition, Fernandez wants Pacquiao to press on and deny Mayweather the chance to regain his bearing and retaliate.

READ: Pacquiao in near perfect shape–Fernandez

“If they get close and Mayweather chooses to engage, Pacquiao will unleash volume fire,” said Fernandez.

Pacquiao is known for unleashing as many as 50 punches against a cornered, hurting foe.

“But we won’t just punch and punch without purpose and direction,” assured Fernandez, who sees Pacquiao winning by stoppage.