MANILA, Philippines -- HBO boxing commentator Jim Lampley said unbeaten American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. would be "a prohibitive favorite" to win a boxing match against Filipino champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao.

In an interview with Examiner.com, Lampley explained that boxing history points toward Mayweather having the advantage against Pacquiao.

"In the long history of boxing, and you can go back to the first gloved fight between James Corbett and John Sullivan, the great defender has almost always dismantled a great attacker," Lampley said.

Mayweather is noted for being the finest defensive boxer of his generation, utilizing his shoulder roll and foot-speed to neutralize opponents' attacks. Pacquiao, meanwhile, is an offensive-minded fighter who became popular because of his spectacular knockouts.

Lampley said Mayweather has a greater chance of neutralizing Pacquiao with his defense, than Pacquiao does of overwhelming Mayweather with his offense.

"I've always felt that Floyd Mayweather has tactical advantages and geometric advantages over Manny Pacquiao. I've seen nothing in recent years to change that," he said. "I still believe that Floyd, in my view, would be a prohibitive favorite to win the fight."

Mayweather recently challenged Pacquiao via Twitter to a May 5 fight date, but the Filipino boxer said he prefers to fight later in May for "economic reasons."

Pacquiao has reportedly chosen his next opponent, though his promoter, Top Rank's Bob Arum, has remained mum about the Filipino boxer's choice.

Lampley said the two boxers will meet inside the ring sooner or later.

"I still suspect that at some point, money, logic and the prevailing law of gravity will see to it that they get into the ring together," he said.