Is Floyd Mayweather Jr. a cherry picker?

By Michael Vena - 04/26/2014 - Comments

mayweather344By Yannis Mihanos: My definition of cherry picking in boxing is this: Someone who selects carefully his opponents with no intent to lose. The privilege of cherry picking have the so called “paper champs.” A paper champ is the one who is afraid to put everything on the line. His boxing record is supremely important. Throughout the years similar references have been used for the name of the one and only Floyd Mayweather Jr.

His boxing record remains stainless (45-0) and is the number one pound for pound. Accusations of him cherry picking opponents have been circulating the internet and to all other media for a few years now.

All these accusations center towards one name. One opponent equally popular and equally important: his name is no other than Manny Pacquiao.

Manny Pacquiao seems to be the only reason for all these accusations to stand.

One look in the boxing record of Floyd is easily noticeable that he has fought many strong and at times younger opponents.

Some they have come to fight him with perfect clean sheet records too, such as Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Also, Mayweather has fought many dangerous opponents the likes of Juan Manuel Marquez, Miguel Cotto, Robert Guerrero, and Oscar De La Hoya. Luis Castillo and many more.

Another element that also shows a lot in cherry picking opponents is selecting declining but famous fighters.

When Mayweather fought Shane Mosley in 2010, Mosley was coming from a big victory against Antonio Margarito, and was also a title holder. Was Mosley in decline? I think he was but still was coming with a title and a convincing victory.

Through the years Floyd Mayweather continues to select opponents in their prime. Latest example is Marcos Maidana. He is an aggressive fighter, and dangerous enough to knock out every one in boxing.

So for Mayweather to cherry pick someone like Maidana I think it’s absurd. Maidana comes at the peak of his powers and condition. For Mayweather remaining unbeaten and having faced this kind of opposition through the years, I think is an achievement and it will certainly be acknowledged after his retirement.

To me, it all goes down to one and only evidence that still stands against him and is a valid one: It’s his reluctance on facing Pacquiao.

The rule in boxing says that a champion must fight another champion.

Mayweather has done that to a large extent. So when all cherry picking accusations will be finally over? Until the day where he will face Pacquiao, I think that will clear all the false accusations. And the sooner it happens the better for everybody.



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