The first fight was a clash of defense and efficiency vs volume. The numbers tell the story — and set the frame for the rematch on September 19, 2026 (Sphere, Las Vegas, Netflix). For nerds who care about connect rates and historical comparison, here’s the full breakdown: Floyd’s defensive numbers, what happened in 2015, why volume can land on him (the Maidana benchmark), and what the numbers mean for the rematch.
Floyd’s Defensive Numbers
Across CompuBox-tracked fights, Mayweather landed ~46% of his punches. His opponents landed ~16% — among the lowest opponent connect rates in the database. That’s a +30% gap: hit and don’t get hit. For context, other greats like Hagler (+17%), Leonard (+13%), Duran (+8%) had smaller margins (MLive/BoxingScene). So Floyd’s system isn’t just “good defense” — it’s historically stingy. Tactical summaries put it simply: when one guy lands 148 and the other 81, and the guy who landed 81 threw more and missed more, the guy who landed 148 is winning. CompuBox isn’t gospel for scoring rounds, but it reflects who’s landing clean — and in 2015 that was Floyd.
What Happened in 2015
Pacquiao landed 81 of 429 (19%) — the same percentage Floyd’s previous 13 opponents had landed on him. He threw a lot; he didn’t land enough clean. Mayweather landed 148 of 435 (34%) and 48% of his power punches (81 of 168). So Floyd threw more total punches than Manny and landed far more effectively (BoxingScene, ESPN). Volume lost to efficiency. Manny’s 19% and low jab count (18 in 12 rounds) also reflected the injured right shoulder and modulated output (BBC); his usual volume in other bouts was much higher (e.g. ~674 punches per 36 minutes in some fights). Dr. Neal ElAttrache noted that Pacquiao “modulated his approach” and his punch count was “less than it has been.” So the numbers weren’t just “Manny had a bad night” — they were the product of injury and Floyd’s defense. The rematch asks whether a healthy Manny can change those numbers.
The Maidana Benchmark: Volume Can Land on Floyd
Pressure and volume aren’t doomed against Mayweather — they just have to be both high and accurate enough. Marcos Maidana (May 2014) gave Floyd one of his toughest tests: 858 total punches thrown, 221 landed (26%) — the most punches ever landed on Mayweather in 37+ CompuBox-tracked fights. Maidana had size and a mauling style; Floyd chose to stand in fight one and was on the ropes for the first four rounds. In the rematch Floyd moved constantly and won a fairly lopsided decision. So the lesson is double:
- Volume can land on Floyd when it's relentless and accurate
- Floyd can adjust
Maidana's 26% accuracy was better than Canelo (22%), Cotto (21%), Guerrero (19%), and Pacquiao 2015 (19%). For comparison:
| Fighter | Thrown | Landed | Connect % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maidana (May 2014) | 858 | 221 | 26% |
| Pacquiao (2015) | 429 | 81 | 19% |
| Canelo | — | — | 22% |
| Cotto | — | — | 21% |
| Guerrero | — | — | 19% |
So "defense vs volume" isn't a fixed outcome; it's a question of whether Manny can get his volume and connect rate into that Maidana-tier range. In 2015 he didn't; in the rematch, the numbers to watch are total thrown and connect rate — if Manny pushes toward 25%+ and 200+ landed, the fight looks very different.
What the Numbers Mean for the Rematch
For Manny to win, he either has to raise his connect rate (better angles, entries, right hand, body work) or land the kind of shots that sway judges even with fewer total connects — clean, visible power shots that win rounds on effective aggression and clear punching. For Floyd to win again, he just has to keep the same gap: make Manny miss, land clean, control the numbers. Floyd’s jab to the body, his lead right hand, and his ability to tie up and spin whenever Manny got close meant Manny could never sustain the kind of assault that would have won him rounds on all three cards. So the rematch is, by the numbers, still defense vs volume — and the side that wins that battle will likely win the fight. Watch the CompuBox totals and connect rates on the night; they’ll tell you who’s imposing their style.
Train Like Floyd or Manny for the Rematch
PunchCamp's fight-style camps let you shadowbox like Mayweather (counter-punching, Philly Shell) or like Pacquiao (pressure, volume, combos). No equipment. Guided rounds. Get ready for September.
Download free on Android →For a full breakdown of Floyd's style — Philly Shell, shoulder roll, pull counter — see How to Box Like Floyd Mayweather: The 50-0 Blueprint.
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