Easy Money for Mayweather

By Boxing News - 05/29/2014 - Comments

floyd8888By Lucio Nunez: Floyd Mayweather Jr. didn’t become one of the greatest paid athletes in the world by accident. His pugilistic skills and an undefeated record have made Mayweather a superstar and moneymaker for the sport of boxing. Some critics claim his style is boring but now he reaps the benefits of being the pound for pound king, sits at the upper echelon’s of boxing and represents a huge paycheck for any challenger.

As a result, several boxers have called Mayweather out, from Amir Khan to Bernard Hopkins. Heck, even rapper T.I got into a brawl with “Money” over allegations of his wife cheating on him with Floyd, or at least that is the rumor.

So here we go now, at potential opponents and possible outcomes.

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao

Where do I start?

So many factors have derailed this fight and as time passes, the least likely the fight will be made.

But the most determining factor in stopping this mega event is the massive egos involved. I won’t dwell too much in the drama but it seems certain that Pacquiao and Mayweather will continue their separate ways without meeting in the square circle, make millions and retire claiming they could have defeated each other.

So he loses in this fight?

The losers won’t be the promoters or fighters, the real losers are boxing fans that crave and analyze this fight inside and out.

Therefore I see this outcome as a toss up. Mayweather, who recently defeated Argentinian Marcos Maidana, claims he decided to use less lateral movement and exchange with Maidana in order to make it a more interesting fight. Personally, I think it is an excuse for slower footwork and Maidanas effective pressuring.

Pacquiao, on the other side has looked more vulnerable and who could forget the blistering knockout he received at the hands of Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez. However, the Filipino icon bounced back with a tough, but convincing win against Timothy Bradley.

Outcome: Only time will tell if these two ever meet, but I think they battle it out to a controversial draw.

Mayweather vs. Garcia

Garcia and his flamboyant father have said they do not intend to force a fight against Mayweather. Both should be praised for not forcing their way into a Mayweather fight and receiving a massive payday. Let’s not forget either that Garcia is coming off a dubious decision win against Mauricio Herrera. Because of this, the fight has lost a lot of interest among fight fans.

The fight for Garcia would be a major step up but Garcia is still young and currently developing his fight game for a future fight against Floyd. What is the hurry?

Outcome: This is nothing Mayweather hasn’t faced and could cruise to a UD

Mayweather vs. Provodnikov

It is a bit disappointing to hear that Provodnikov is ready to hang the gloves in a few years. He is an exciting fighter with devastating punching power. Just ask Mike Alvarado and Timothy Bradley.

Provodnikov is also coming out of an inspiring win against Alvarado and is all out pressure fighter with serious firepower to pressure Mayweather and force him to fight. Perhaps Provodnikov could mimic Maidana’s game plan but with more pressure and power.

At the same time, we shouldn’t get our hopes up, this fight is probably the least likely to happen because Provodnokov is a high-risk low reward fight.

Outcome: Relentless pressure might make Floyd struggle the first few rounds, but would adjust midway and cruise to a UD.

Mayweather vs. Maidana II

Who is up for the rematch?

Hard hitting Marcos Maidana did better than expected. Pressured Mayweather throughout the fight and never stopped trying, even throwing some knees in the process.

I believe the rematch would be exciting and who knows, Maidana might connect cleanly this time.

Outcome: Unless Maidana connects, Mayweather will play it safe and outbox Maidana for a UD.

Mayweather vs. Bradley

Timothy Bradley showed a great heart and chin against Pacquiao in their rematch. There is no shame in receiving his first loss to a legend and future hall of famer. If he is able to bounce back against a quality opponent he should be in line for a rematch against Pacquiao or a showdown with “Money” Mayweather.

Outcome: Bradley has serious speed and footwork to match Mayweather. His defense might not hold and lack of power might not pose a threat to Mayweather. Mayweather should easily get a UD.

Mayweather’s ultimate defeat

The blueprint to beating Floyd is not constant pressure, but weight. At least that is what has uncle claims.

So perhaps a move to middleweight against the likes of Sergio Martinez or Gennady Golovkin would seriously pose some problems for “Money” Mayweather.

Realistically, Mayweather would struggle to come even close to 160. His max weight would probably be 154, still under the middleweight limit. Secondly, why would he even risk fighting against them?

Mayweather will do what he does best, win and pick up “easy money”.



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