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Mayweather mocks Pacquiao over opponent quality

Floyd Mayweather Jnr was on form at a media workout © Getty Images

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Floyd Mayweather Jnr could not resist another dig at rival Manny Pacquiao as he prepares for his forthcoming fight against Miguel Cotto.

Mayweather faces Cotto for the Puerto Rican's WBA light-middleweight title in Las Vegas on May 5, as the 35-year-old steps up in weight in a bid to add to his legacy. The American had been hoping to fight Pacquiao on the date, but an eagerly-anticipated meeting between the two best pound-for-pound boxers in the world once again proved impossible to arrange.

Mayweather could not resist another attack on the Filipino, however, dismissing the quality of his next opponent - former light-welterweight champion Timothy Bradley - by insisting he could not even remember the fighter's name.

"We wanted the Pacquiao fight for May 5 but it didn't happen, so there's nothing I could do," Mayweather said. "You know, as I said before I'm always looking to give the fans what they want to see.

"I'm pretty sure Pacquiao has a tough task on his hands with the young fighter - I don't really know his name - but I've had a chance to watch him and he can box a little bit, so it's not going to be an easy task for him."

Mayweather believes he is facing a far more dangerous opponent, with Cotto - the younger man by four years - enjoying a size advantage and fighting at his usual weight. Nevertheless, the undefeated Mayweather insists he will get the job done on the night.

"I never write off any opponent until I meet him in the ring. I am aware that I will be moving up in weight for the first time since 2007, which not only poses a challenge for me, but it does give Cotto a slight advantage because he will remain at his comfort weight of 154," he said. "While many may see this as Cotto's chance and opportunity to end my undefeated record, I think that it's also important to remember that I chose to move up in weight and give Cotto that advantage because I am confident that I can beat him at any weight.

"I'm well aware of Cotto's potential and the advantages that he possesses in the ring on any given night, but come May 5, those advantages aren't going to do him any good. Fight fans, get ready, because I'm about to dethrone the current king of the 154-pound weight class."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.