Manny Pacquiao: Floyd Mayweather fight is perfect timing

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Manny Pacquiao held an open training session in Hollywood on Wednesday

Manny Pacquiao says the timing is right for his long-awaited fight with American Floyd Mayweather.

Mayweather, 38, and Pacquiao, 36, are considered two of the best fighters of their generation and the bout on 2 May is set to generate 拢162m ($250m).

The contest has been more than five years in the making and critics have said the pair have left it too late.

"It's a good thing it is happening now because more people are informed about it than before," Pacquiao said.

Speaking at his open training session in Hollywood on Wednesday, the Filipino added: "What I feel right now is motivation, inspiration and determination. The killer instinct is there, I love it."

Video caption, Pacquiao boxing 'better than ever'

Pacquiao's WBO belt and Mayweather's WBC and WBA welterweight titles will be on the line at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

And while Mayweather says it will be the penultimate fight of his career because he no longer enjoys the sport, Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach says his man is in the best shape of his life.

"We've had a very good training camp. I've never seen Manny at this level," said Roach.

"He's really motivated for this fight. It has really escalated his performance. I think he's faster than ever and he's definitely hitting harder than ever."

Video caption, Floyd Mayweather holds open training session

Mayweather has a perfect record of 47-0 with 26 knockouts, while his opponent has 57 wins, five losses and two draws to his name.

On Tuesday at his boxing club in Las Vegas, the American accused eight-division world champion Pacquiao of being a "reckless" fighter.

But Roach said: "Manny is not reckless at all. Everything we do is planned out and it's part of the game plan.

"Mayweather is a counter puncher and we have to attack really quick and get out really quick. We can't stay in the pocket too long.

"We know how to beat this guy."