Roach sees Floyd going down

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao will jump on Floyd Mayweather Jr. once the bell rings inside the MGM Grand on May 2.

Pacquiao said he will rain punches on Mayweather.

To the Pacquiao camp, it’s the best way to neutralize Mayweather and break his rhythm.

It’s where all of Mayweather’s opponents in 47 fights have failed.

Pacquiao, faster and stronger than anyone else in the sport, must be feeling the need to score a knockout against Mayweather.

The 38-year-old American is the best when it comes to defense and only does what’s needed for him to win a decision even if at times unpopular.

“We have to dominate him in the first round and take him out of his comfort zone,” said Freddie Roach yesterday in Hollywood.

Roach also told USA Today that he expects Mayweather to go down “a couple of times.”

Roach faced a ton of questions before Pacquiao and Mayweather walked the red carpet and into the Nokia Theatre for the formal press conference.

“The plan is to win one round at a time, might get the knockout, have to dominate him in the first round,” Roach told the international press.

Mayweather is undefeated and is the star of the show. He said the Pacquiao fight is “just one of the fights.”

Pacquiao, he added, will be No. 48 in May.

Pacquiao is the underdog for the first time in a long while, the last time against Oscar dela Hoya in 2008.

But Pacquiao, heavy-handed, turned his “Dream Match” with Dela Hoya into a mismatch.

He hopes to do the same against Mayweather.

“I like being the underdog and it’s been a while since I have been. It’s given me more motivation and determination,” said Pacquiao.

Pacquiao will go for the kill early.

And they’re not keeping it a secret.