Floyd Mayweather Expecting Tough Fight Against Marcos Maidana, El Chino Ready to go 12 Rounds

Leonard Ellerbe, Mayweather Promotions CEO, said that Floyd Mayweather Jr. is not taking any chances in his upcoming showdown with Marcos Maidana on May 3 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, reiterating during a recent conference call that Mayweather is expecting a tough fight against "El Chino."

Ellerbe cited the reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight champion is capable of knocking out opponents with a single punch, noting that the last time Mayweather was wobbled was "Money's" showdown with Shane Mosley in 2010 when the reigning pound-for-pound king took a hit from his veteran foe and was almost knocked down in the second round of the bout.

"This is going to be a tough fight for Floyd," Ellerbe said, BoxingScene reported. "A lot of people have kind of paid attention to the odds, but when it comes down to a fight, we know that Maidana can end this thing with one punch. We almost saw it happen in the Shane Mosley fight a couple years ago. There was a nervous moment."

When asked why he thinks Maidana is capable of shocking Mayweather, Ellerbe said that the 30-year-old Argentinian fighter is the type of boxer that always comes into the ring without fear, the reason why the Mayweather camp is not thinking about the odds favoring the reigning pound-for-pound king.

"I think the difference in this fight is a lot of fighters in the past have come in, really, they say one thing, but this guy's a little different in my eyes," Ellerbe said. "I'm not paying attention, and Floyd's not paying attention to no odds. We know that we're in a tough fight, because, one, this guy brings it from the opening bell."

For his part, Maidana, who will look to snatch Mayweather's World Boxing Council welterweight title belt, expressed confidence about his chance, while also adding that he is ready to stand toe-to-toe with Mayweather for 12 rounds.

"I am preparing myself to go 12 rounds if it's necessary," Maidana said in an interview. "I am preparing to hurt him [Mayweather] every time I throw punches, and if the knockout comes, then great, but I am preparing myself to win after 12 rounds."