MANILA, Philippines – Seven-division world champ and congressman-elect Manny Pacquiao will have to re-adjust his boxing style if he has to fight undefeated American Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Jr.

According to boxing historian Mike Silver, among the things the left-handed Pacquiao will need to develop against defensive-specialist Mayweather is a busy right jab.

“Mayweather has trouble with fighters that jab and move him back,” Mike Silver told David Tyler of DoghouseBoxing.com.

Silver, a former boxing promoter-turned boxing historian, is the author of critically acclaimed book "The Arc of Boxing: The Rise and Decline of the Sweet Science".

Silver added that another thing that Pacquiao should work on, should the Filipino’s anticipated fight against Mayweather pushes through, is his ability to “cut the ring”.

He said the elusive Mayweather is more vulnerable to Pacquiao on the ropes than in the center of the ring.

“Working in Mayweather’s favor is that in mid ring Pacquiao has to plant his feet before he gets off his flurry of punches and that plays right into a guy like Mayweather who is much faster,” said Silver.

Silver, however, said Pacquiao will have a tough time adjusting his style at this stage of his career.

“Pacquiao would have a tough time ahead of him. He would have to adjust his style which would be difficult for a fighter that has had over 50 fights and been successful to this point fighting his way,” he said.

Interesting showdown

As for Mayweather’s defense, Silver said that would play a big role in the mega fight that boxing world has been clamoring for.

He noted that Mayweather’s great reflexes and sense of anticipation could make Pacquiao miss. The American boxer’s defensive style could also frustrate Pacquiao.

“But Pacquiao fights fire with fire which means he will try to throw even more punches and that will really make it an exciting contest—thanks to Manny,” Silver pointed out.

The boxing historian then talked about the Pacquiao-Mayweather match-up, which failed to take place on March 13 because the fighters disagreed on the random drug testing procedure.

“This is what still keeps me interested in the game: When you have the two very best fighters today, evenly matched, at the top of their game—who are also fun to watch. Their styles mesh beautifully. It is an interesting matchup and it’s exciting to think about their eventual showdown,” he commented.

Aside from coming out with “The Arc of Boxing: The Rise and Decline of the Sweet Science,” Silver also wrote about boxing for The New York Times, The Ring Magazine, Boxing Monthly and various boxing websites.

He was a historical consultant for 18 boxing documentaries shown on ESPN, PBS, HBO, the History Channel, A & E, and Madison Square Garden-TV. He was also a member of the International Boxing Research Organization and served as Inspector for the New York State Athletic Commission.