By Babatis Banda: I have heard so many comments about Floyd’s unbeaten record. Some are positive and indicate that the ‘O’, as it is popularly referred to, is indicative of Floyd’s greatness. The negative comments are also in abundance, and they seek to show that Floyd is not the first unbeaten fighter ever. It is true that a number of fighters have hung up their leather unbeaten, and a good example is the warrior Rocky Marciano.

Recently, the former world champion, Mike Tyson in reference to Floyd Mayweather junior said that it was fine to have an ‘O’ for as long as one fought once a year. It is fair also that Tyson realizes that even when Floyd was very active, he never registered a loss. Plainly, Floyd has no reason to punish his body unnecessarily by fighting many times a year when he makes too much money fighting once. What would be the motivation? All this talk to me means that the ‘O’ is an issue and here are my thoughts.

Consider two students. One is so intelligent that he has never failed an exam before. The other may have also excelled, but after repeating some grades or re-writing some exams. At the end of the day, they may both become engineers or doctors or lawyers….you can name it. The fact of the matter is that, just as they have both made it, the other is an exceptional student. If the two went after the same job, who is likely to get it?…….Yes, you guessed right, the one with a better resume, despite having the same qualifications, may get the job.

The reason there are ‘performance records’ in boxing is to grade the boxers. It is the only way boxing as sport grades boxers. Floyd’s ‘O’ weather one likes it or not, is an asset. It is a prized possession and indicative of his achievements in the ring. To those that argue that Floyd’s record means nothing as many other boxers have the ‘O’ must start asking themselves why the same boxers have not excelled to the same level Floyd has. Other than the ‘O’ there must be something else that he does that cements his record, and it is his unmatched boxing skills.
For as long as no any other fighter grosses the amount of cash that Floyd does, and for as long as no any other fighter draws more PPVs than Floyd does, then their ‘O’ is not at the same level with Floyd. It means they are yet to do what Floyd has done. It is like a country that has been to war, it is never OK to lose a war, no matter how many you win thereafter.

While an ‘O’ will not define greatness in itself, it is a definite measure to greatness. Here is what makes Floyd’s ‘O’ different, it is backed by performance. Floyd has beaten champions to become a champion. Floyd has beaten unbeaten fighters and better still, he has never been knocked down, he has never been stopped. Floyd has beaten fighters way stronger than himself by using pure boxing skills.

Of all the active top class fighters, he has taken the least punishment in his entire career because of his well acknowledged defensive skills. All fighters would love to have an ‘O’. Mention one that wouldn’t.