He wasn’t the underdog heading into the fight
We know Vegas odd-makers had Mayweather taking this fight in a signature decision ending, but he lost momentum and buzz at being the favorite to win. Before the contract was actually signed, Floyd had an obvious advantage in the fight, with holding the record and being expected to walk-away successfully.
When media, fans, celebrities and former fighters of the game threw all of their support Pacman, he essentially became the favorite to win the fight – which was the worst thing that could’ve happen if you dislike Floyd. Like we previously mentioned, the Filipino boxing sensation went on a serious promotional campaign with numerous TV appearances, interviews and commercials among other things.
This took away the beauty of Manny being the true underdog, promoting many to publicly voice their opinion in support of him and prompt Mayweather to completely focus on the task at hand. If Pacquiao could’ve come into the bout clear-headed and not as a favorite, we would’ve seen more urgency against Floyd.