Nigel Benn: Pacquiao early or Mayweather late

It's the occasion of the century as the two greatest names of the sport collide for the WBC, WBO and WBC 'super' world welterweight titles,

And with their long-anticipated meeting drawing hundreds of millions, it's also expected to be the highest-grossing contest there's ever been.

Benn has been in there for his own big nights, with most of the nation tuning in when he drew with Chris Eubank in an ITV-televised unification bout 22 years ago.

And the former WBO and long-standing WBC super middleweight champion is putting his money on Mayweather - if the bout goes to the later rounds.

It's thought to be Pacquiao's last time in the ring win, lose or draw and Benn advises that he goes out all-guns-blazing from when the bell rings.

He told the Express & Star: "I still follow boxing and I am really looking forward to this fight. Without a doubt, it's the big one for the sport.

"It's hard to put your money on anyone, but it's going to be a great occasion and one not to be missed. It really could go either way.

"It's either going to be Pacquiao early or Mayweather late. I don't think the time that has elapsed since we were first talking about the fight will change that.

"They both knew what they have to do, regardless of whether it's five years too late. This is the night of their lives and they will be up for it.

"It's not about age, it's about mentality. They are both more dedicated than they have ever been."

The pundits have been waxing lyrical about how the result will pan out and all will stay up until the crack of dawn to watch it live.

Ricky Hatton is the only Englishman to have been in with both of the combatants and has painful memories, particularly against Pacquiao.

He battled well against Mayweather in 2007 and hurt him in the first, before 'Money' stepped it up and floored him for the 10th round finish.

An in-his-prime Pacquiao finished Hatton as a force two years later, knocking him clean out with a hammer of a left hook in the second.

Hatton said: "The first thing I noticed about Manny was his speed, like in the Floyd fight. But he was heavy-handed, a lot more than Floyd.

"His punches were more explosive. Floyd is more calculated. Manny clipped me with a lead right hook and even the non-power punches I felt very, very much.

"I got caught with massive shots that I just didn't see coming. I'm not saying I would have beaten them. These are two best boxers in the world.

"Manny is always on top of you and his hand and foot speed are very hard to read. He's very herky-jerky and extremely dangerous when he gets into punching range.

"Floyd will have his work cut out for him, that's for sure, but he always finds a way to win, no matter the style. That's the reason that I make him a slight favourite."