Mayweather will never be considered as one of the greats if he retires now

By B.G.B - 05/07/2014 - Comments

floyd0034By B.G.B: Floyd Mayweather Jr (46-0, 26 KO’s) is an excellent fighter. His boxing skills and ring craft are second to none and he is a multiple time world champion that has never lost a fight. These factors have indeed culminated to title Mayweather as the P4P number 1 fighter in the world and rightfully so. His recent fight of the year candidate against Marcos Maidana has shined a new light on Floyd, however a light significantly different to what he is used to.

Unlike his more recent fights, Mayweather was pressured by a durable, determined and underestimated (by boxing fans at least) brawler which has inevitably led to cries for a rematch. The significance of this fight implied that Mayweather is still very, very good, but he is not invincible.

By easing past both Robert Guererro and Saul Alvarez, many believed Mayweather was taking a relatively easy night by facing Maidana, yet those many could not have been more wrong. The pressure of expectation rest upon Mayweather’s shoulders (as it always does) to expose Maidana’s lack of speed, accuracy, defense and footwork and be the first man to Knock Maidana out. Indeed, Mayweather had something to prove in this fight and the result has only further developed a split between those who believe Floyd proved he is still the best and those who believe (who always have done) the King can be defeated. It is because of this paradox that Floyd’s legacy is in the balance and if the talk of retirement is true, Floyd would be making a very ill judged decision.

Prior to this bout I published an article suggesting Marcos Maidana could be Floyd’s ‘Boogeyman’. Although Floyd did win the fight, Maidana did more than trouble Floyd. His work rate, aggression and determination willed Maidana to produce perhaps the best performance of his career, albeit a losing one. In his own mind, Maidana and his camp believed they had done enough to complete what would have been one of the greatest upsets in the sports history. Whether it was close, lopsided or controversial is irrelevant. Mayweather emerged the victor with precise shots that snapped Maidana’s head back multiple times, a feat Maidana himself was unable to achieve.

Talk of a declining Mayweather is nonsense. In fact, I believe it was Mayweather’s condition and astonishing fitness that allowed Floyd to adapt to extremely difficult circumstances. Floyd did not panic, he was not flustered and most importantly he did not lose his defensive structure. The ability to maintain such attributes of his game are credit to Floyd’s gruesome training camps and his physical and mental condition. This fight showed fans and haters alike that Floyd is still the best fighter in the world whether it be a narrow or wide margin.

Taking everything mentioned into account, talk of retirement is perhaps one the most surprising, rash and irresponsible decisions Floyd can possibly make. To many, Floyd has nothing to prove. To many more Floyd has lots to prove. The greats must prove more than the ordinary. They must succeed in the face of adversity and overcome barriers that make achieving legendary status such a difficult and compelling feat specific to boxing. A rematch with Maidana will enhance Floyd’s legacy in ways which he may not realize himself. However its not just Maidana out there. Floyd’s career will never be regarded as one of the greatest of all time by defeating Maidana twice. He must take other challenges. As said before it is inaccurate to suggest Floyd is declining and that he is not the best fighter in the world. Floyd now enters the most important and difficult period of his career. Leaving it now will result in questions of Floyd Mayweather that will forever go unanswered. Unfortunately, only one question will never escape Floyd if he leaves now.

Would he beat Manny Pacquiao? Regardless of what fans say in relation to Manny and Floyd, if Floyd retires now he will go down as an excellent fighter that never lost. However, underneath all the glamor of a perfect record, Floyd will never have conquered his one and only rival.

Those who think that the Pacquiao Vs Mayweather mega fight is no longer significant are also highly mistaken. All you have to do is follow Muhammad Ali on twitter to understand that. Leaving the question in the quarrels of fans to decide is not enough to be recognized as legendary. Floyd’s career is indeed brilliant with some excellent fighters on his resume, but the one fighter that is absolutely essential to Floyd’s legacy is Pacquiao, whether he likes it or not.



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