Manny Pacquiao is taking an unconventional approach in preparing for his big fight against Floyd Mayweather on May 2.
Sporting News reported that earlier in March 2015, Pacquiao requested former UFC lightweight fighter Dashon Johnson to aid in his training. Johnson also has experience in boxing, with a career record of 15-19-3. He has a 0-2 record in the UFC. He does not have the same fighting style as Mayweather, but is able to copy the style that Mayweather uses in most of his fights.
Johnson shared, "My style isn't necessarily Mayweather's in real life, but I can definitely emulate his style very well and not to mention I'm the exact same size as Mayweather as far as reach and height and size."
Johnson said about Pacquiao, "Pacquiao's work ethic isn't like anything I've ever seen," Johnson says. "He's such a hard worker and has a solid group of guys around him always pushing him to the limit and giving him positive encouragement. He's one of the hardest workers I've ever seen and I've been around and trained with a lot of world champions."
He continued, "He's coming from different angles. He's honestly hard to predict. It's going to be a tough fight for Floyd."
He added about training with the eight-division champ, "Honestly, it's a dream come true. He's trusted me with the biggest fight of his life, the biggest fight in boxing history."
RingTV reported that Johnson believes that Pacquiao can be the first boxer to hand Mayweather his first professional defeat. He said that Pacquiao looks unbelievable and he does not see the fight going the distance.
Boxing News 24 reported that it was an odd choice for Pacquiao's camp to have tapped the 27-year-old Johnson to help out. Considering his mediocre boxing record and winless UFC record, Pacquiao may be wasting his time and effort. Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach is most likely the person who came up with the idea to bring in a mixed martial arts fighter to spar with the champ. Johnson was cut from UFC in November 2014 after he violated his contract by participating in a boxing match on short notice. He also lost that match.
Boxing News 24 cited in the same report that Pacquiao might have been better off requesting for Saul "Canelo" Alvarez.
Whatever Pacquiao and Roach's motives may be for tapping Johnson will prove to be worthwhile or a complete waste come May 2.