Modern Day Greats Mayweather and Pacquiao take a lesson from the legends of old
January 3rd, 2010
By Shaun Campbell: Roberto Duran (103-16-0), Sugar Ray Leonard (36-3-1), Thomas Hearns (61-5-1), Marvin Hagler (62-3-2). Warriors with no fear. They all faced each other, leaving their mark on the other. Not one rained supreme, and not one was outclassed. Duran was beaten by Leonard, Leonard was beaten by Duran. Duran lost to Hagler. Hagler lost to Leonard.
So Pacquiao vs Mayweather is officially off then, meaning that the boxing world will have to sit through and watch two amazing fighters face opponents that are not on their level. Mayweather and Pacquiao are arguably the only two fighters on the planet that have the potential to beat the other. Manny Pacquiao looked unstoppable under Freddy Roach in 2009, and Floyd Mayweather made his battle with Mexican warrior Juan Manuel Marquez look like a sparring session.
Marquez was ranked number two in the pound for pound listings at the time, and Mayweather dominated him. So why won’t these two meet? A disagreement over olympic style random drugs test seems to be too insignificant to be the only reason why this fight isn’t happening. They fighters probably aren’t scared of the other fighter, but scared of losing their legacy. Floyd Mayweather may not want to risk the possibility of becoming 40-1. Manny’s team have decided to look elsewhere now for another opponent.
What makes Bob Arum think that any other top class fighter will not ask for Pacquiao to take a drugs test? The only fighters that won’t ask Pacquiao for a random drugs test are those that know they are lucky to be getting a shot against the pound for pound king. For example, people like Shane Mosley know they could get a mega fight with Mayweather if that is what they want, where they wouldn’t have to risk tricky negotiations with Pacquiao and his promoter Arum.
These little problems that seem to be testing their loyalty to support Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather didn’t matter in the days of the fighters mentioned earlier in the article. Duran, Leonard, Hagler, Hearns were all boxers that couldn’t be accused of ducking anyone. They fought the best and that’s why so many people loved them. Not one of them had an undefeated record, but the fans appreciated that they were always prepared to give their all, win, lose or draw. The reason many UFC or MMA or whatever it is called at the moment, argue that boxing is destroying itself is because the top fighters don’t always want to fight the best. Look at the heavyweight division at this moment. It can only be described as a disgrace. David Haye seems to be the only man in the division that wants to fight the best.
Pacquiao vs. Mayweather needs to happen, and to be honest it probably will happen. But it reminds fans of the Tyson/Lewis fight that happened about 5 years too late. These two pound for pound kings can afford to wait much longer, people’s patiance is running out. It seems like the true boxing fans are being ripped off by the promoters asking them to pay for Pacquiao/Malignaggi or Mayweather/Mosley. Malignaggi and Mosley are both great fighters, but they cant really be put into the same league made up of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. The two fighters should look back at the legends of old and wonder how the fans feel and what they want to see.
Tags: 37 Responses to “Modern Day Greats Mayweather and Pacquiao take a lesson from the legends of old”
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time 8.50 am thursday january 7 2010 f loyd mayweeather is scumb
Mayweather is not even the caliber that brought boxing greats marvin hagler, sugar ray leanard and roberto duran, not even julio cesar chavez, what a shame, all your fights are so boring you used your big arms as shield to coward a hard hit punch but still you claim your undefeated, so what? it aint a record lol just fight floyd and stop talking when your mouth is full! just hit it hard against pacman and youll learn what true boxing is all about.
at 2.55 pm january 4 2010 floyd mayweather a great ha
Why are you picking on Manny? He IS not scared of facing any boxer. That is why he ended up several weight classes up. You should address all your concerns to Mayweather alone. Other than that, great article.
it wouldn’t matter if Manny called Floyd out 5 times. He is not showing that he really wants to fight. Floyd is too slick and too accurate. He can avoid multiple punches thrown and his connection is highest in boxing. When he throws punches they land. Easy decision win if not a KO. Roach better keep a tight leash on him cause if he get loose and get in the ring, he will get put to sleep
mosley is a contender!
manny pacquiao over floyd mayweather
@Robert Smith, Philipines country or not Manny is going to get knocked the F*&K out!!!
Manny should go for Random Blood Testing as many people voice their opinion such as his tatoo and Pacman fights for his people etc why Pacman does not want it? Should i was pacman i will do if am clean
yes correct I still believe that there is no doubt Mayweather is scared.GFlyod you all the advantage from heigh,reach,hometown,country and maybe in weight on fight day.Why be afraid.Your not the commissioner you don’t order the rules.Let the Nevada do their job not on just braging your the best and bullying someone from asia.I really think you are just envy at Manny.I know your no.1 before but now thigs has change because you retire.Now it’s the time to prove if you have the hearth of a champion.If you want an even playing field go witht the rules not outside the rules.Your in professional boxing not twist the and telling everyone that manny is backing off.The best thing to do is apologize because your not no.1 you just open you big mouth and tell what you want to tell just to punish and make falase staements and go for a kill that someone has leaked that manny doesnt want to tell the details if he is tested positive?Men you a big man you know inside you that Manny will not do that and not even cheat>if he is not confident why he will file a law suite.The pride of the Philippine nation is on the shoulder why will hedo soemthing thing that will tarnish his reputation and the philippine nation so i reallyknow that he is not doing that you just making stories so there will be doubt on the current champion and you are the best in everyone.It’s onl;y a game floyd pls do not mae it perosnal.You a big guy why are you a couward and backup in the fight.Manny ahs just finish a fight this november and running for congress but still squeezes his schedule just to fight you.You watch all the pacman fight check if there any cheat that Pacman does different.he always obey what the refs ask him.he doesnt go cheat just to make a lucky punch.He give his every blood for his country not for US Olympic Commision.You have3 approve blood tetsing floyd why are you so bother after the fight you can also have a another check but if you win i think you do not bother any.You see all the fight of pacman win or loose he always accept it.He doesntgo out to public and tell everyone that he ahs been cheat when he loose to his opponet.that’s a really champion.that’s why Ali,Hagler,Hearns,SugarRay,freizer was on the best they never been afraid of loosing.They just fight for the fans and prove everyone that they are the champion.Dont think Mayweather for a second your like Ali.Your different.Ali is the best of all time not only inside the ring but outside the ring.Your the money man you want Money this the Money fight and nothing more.If you want to have more money which is the one you like.specially on your HBO doucmentation in Mayweather Marquez fights that you have all the materials things and your “not paying for it”.Manny is the bigegst draw in boxing whether you agree or not.this the only fight you earn as big as 40million. so better do it right now.Go Go Go!march 13.Fight of the Century!Dont be coward!
Guys, I hate to disturb your Pacquiao groove, because you are on a good one. The ONLY fight for Pacquiao in the welterweight division is Mayweather. Think asbout it!
1) Shane Mosely – Would Kill Pacquiao (Roach won’t fight him above 140 so this won’t happen)
2) Berto – Too strong for Pacquiao – Again Roach said it must take place at 140
3) Williams – Would Kill Pacquiao so this won’t happen
4)Mallanagi – I think I threw up in my mouth
5) Mayweather – Biggest Payday Roach will fight at 147
The end result of this fight will be an embarrassment for Pacquiao. MOCK MY WORDS PAC FANS!!!The ONLY way Pacquiao can beat Mayweather is by KO. You know it, I know it and the world knows it! And that is like cancer being cured in the ring with them. Not happening!!!
Be sure to be on the wem on the 14th. Don’t be cowards and turn your computers off and sit in the corner and cry. That won’t help. Come on here and talk about it!
Its good therapy!
If Manny was dirty then they would have picked it up during the Morales 1 fight. Pacquiao is clean and was found clean. But the blood test was so close to weight- in night that Pacquiao never recovered from it and lost the fight as he felt weaken by the blood test.
Mosley will go Pacquiao’s direction if he wants big fight and a big payday. If Mosley fights Floyd, he is in for tough negotiation. That starts with a purse slice and throw in anything else Floyd’s camp can come with.(eg. the rules) Floyd has nothing to offer but his 40-0. Fighting Manny will unify three belts if Mosley wins against Berto. Thus creating the undisputed welterweight champion. This article is making Manny look as if he is the one hindering and stalling negotiations. Manny’s camp already made a lot of concessions, considering he is the main draw, #1 P4P and WBO champ. A fight with Manny is a better and lucrative business venture for Berto or Mosley when it comes to negotiations. I doubt Floyd will give them a 50-50 split with revenues. We know Manny will.
these two idiots are going to ruin boxing, if they do fight dont realy care who gets knocked out
One word. Scared. Mayweather is scared.
Andre00
Pacquiao Fights
Erik Morales 3 times
Marco Antonio Barrera 3 times
Juan Manuel Marquez 2 wars
David Diaz Destroyed
De La Hoya Destroyed
Ricky Hatton Destroyed
Miguel Cotto Destroyed
Mayweather Fights
Zab Judah not a world class fight but struggled
De La Hoya Split Decision
Ricky Hatton took 10 rounds
Juan Manuel Marquez, Needed to come in over wait.
Do you see my point?
Manny has fought and beating better ranked opponents and a lot quicker.
Hope this help your confusion
It’s sad not to see this fight. Why people are saying two best fighters? There is only one great fighter right now, until the other one prove it, you can’t be great fighter if you keep running away and finding excuses not fight the other great. Floyd stop those crap man. Go in the ring with him and thats time to do running and ducking.
David Haye has ducked both Kiltchko brothers, but I agree the heavyweight division is weak.
mayweathers are formerly from zimbabwe
i do hope the fight will go on. im sure mayweather will not pass an easy 40m.
and for pacquiao, fight anyone and we’ll still watch. Its a privileged to have seen manny fight.
boxing was on a roll. the best fought the best. margarito vs cotto. cotto vs mosley. mosley vs margarito. even pacquiao vs cotto. now here comes floyd and gee we might have to change the rules just to accommodate him.
I agree!
too much ignorance……..best fighters of this decade gave their respect to Manny P..only Manny P,how they view MP as a great fighter(would you argue with the boxer who had been there?)..plus some of the “Credible Boxing Expert” saying Manny is a soon to be Hall of Famer”…I didnt hear any of them giving credit to the other so called P4P king!did you?…nah!
are you kidding me? mayweather beat marquez because marquez jumped 2 weight classes, yes marquez was the best in LIGHTWEIGHT, mayweather picks on small guys
Pacquiao never dodge anybody. Mayweather is known to dodge and cherry pick. There is no legacy on Floyd Mayweather because he is afraid to lose the undefeated record(BY DODGING AND CHERRY PICKING LESSER CAPABLE OPPONENTS..DUH!).
i fully agree
To hell! Pacquiao, just retire…you made enought…
Now everyone can turn back to watching MMA.
Boxing sucks anyway. Other than Pacquiao’s fight, boxers just slap themselves around the ring…
Mosley vs MW jr will be the same result. It will be an fight for Mosley. The only thing why MW jr calling them a slick fighter coz he never fought yet the best fighter in his division. He knows that these fighters Mosley, Cotto, Paul, Margarito and Pacman are threat for him and he will never win. If he picks one of those fighters mentioned in this article to fight, i’m 100% sure he has no chance. If you saw his fight between ZAb, Zab was winning the fight where Floyd got knock down in the early round 1, and winning round 2 and 3.The only thing Zab lost was just because he did not have enough stamina to stop Floyd. I ask Floyd if you are reading this article, “be my guess”, just pick one either Mosley, Cotto, Pacman, Paul or Margarito before calling yourself the best fighter in the world.
Any of the legends asked for a drug test like Mayweathers?
Andre00
Since you haven’t been paying attention,let’s get a rundown of the future Hall of Famers Pacquiao has beaten.
Morales
Barrera
Marquez(I have them as 1-1 to be fair,but fight 2 could have gone either way)
De La Hoya(retired him)
Mayweather has beaten 1 hall of famer,De La Hoya.And that was a split decision.He fought Baldomir because it was an easier 8 million than the 8 mil he could have gotten fighting Margarito.Who in all fairness,is probably nothing without his wrap loads but the point stands.The Mosley argument has been beaten to death.Judah came off a loss to Baldomir when Floyd fought him.And I won’t mention his fights at Super Featherweight and below because that’s when Floyd was hungry and dominated great fighters in his weight class.But Manny came up through the same amount of weights and is an anomaly because he’s an asian fighter?No.His legacy is secure.Floyd needs to step it up win or lose against Manny and shut up his naysayers if he expects to be remembered amongst the greats.
I think you are wrong about no one will fight Manny without gettign what the Mayweather is demanding.. I think they are just lining up to have a shot at him.
They all know that Manny is clean and not only that, the cleanest boxer ever.
I think it is ridiculous to pick on Manny just because he had beaten all the greats in boxing. It is harrassment in my opinion.
It is wrong to be picking on him. He had passed all the test requirements that they have given him. There’s no way in the world that I would let the likes of the Mayweathers demand something like that if I were Manny.
I hope that he will not drop the lawsuit to teach others the implications of accusing someone without the proper merit.
Who are the so-called better opponents Pacquiao has fought and Mayweather hasn’t before? This is why I think many not life-long boxing fans back Pacquiao with truncated knowledge.
The only big names Pacquiao has fought are Dela Hoya (Mayweather had fought him already), Hatton(Mayewather hfa), Marques (Mayweather toyed with him),cotto and Morales. Only Cotto and Morales are the so-called big names Mayweather hasn’t fought that Pacquiao has fought.
Somebody save me the energy by listing the many many big fighters Mayweather has fought that Pacquiao can only be imagined to face – Coralles(rip), Castilo, Baldomire, Gatti(rip),Judah,Chavez,Ndough,etc.
Manny Pacquiao KNOWS FOR SURE MAYWEATHER WOULD BEAT HIM MERCILESSLY IF HE IS NOT ON THE JUICE.
Oh, how we forget…HAGLER, HEARNS, LEONARD, and DURAN were ALL under the UMBRELLA of “UNCLE” Bob Arum…
…it’s EASY to negotiate when you don’t have to split the profits with anyone else…
…(ARUM Talking To Himself): HEY BOB…what do you think about HEARNS and HAGLER fighting…
…(ARUM Rebuttal): INTERESTING concept BOB…let’s do it…I’ll make MILLIONS cuz I don’t have to share with anyone…
mayweather is the greatest fighter in the world without him boxing would be destroyed BIGTIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I respect you floyd so much for a fighter and a great person
Paul Mason, please mention those fighters, and compare, cause you make no sense!!!
In the 80′s no one reigned supreme because those great guys doesnt care about egos. Nowadays undefeated does mean everything and some guys are gonna protect that status for their own personal reason which is beyond comprehension of ordinary boxing fans who just want to see a good fight between the two best boxers in the world right now.
Who has Pacquaio dodged?
He has gone after all the greats, its them trying to avoid him. Look at his last 15 fights and see who Pacquiao has fought and look at Mayweather last 15 fight. Enough SAID