Mayweather pieces in place for May “surprise”

By Cameron Stone - 09/03/2014 - Comments

floyd99By Cameron Stone: WBA/WBC welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr’s second night out with Marcos Maidana (35-4, 31 KOs) is just under 2 weeks away. As is the reveal of his “surprise” for next May. As much of the boxing world waits in anticipation for the September 13 “Mayhem” to take place, there is much anticipation for what is to be disclosed once the dust settles that same night.

Of course, this is assuming win number 47 is attained by the self-proclaimed “TBE” and the future plans are not thwarted by the Argentine gunslinger. Knowing Floyd, his surprise could be anything. From a Manny Pacquiao or Amir Khan clash to a collaboration album with the Beebs and Weezy. After some thought, I am going to predict that the reveal for next May will be a rematch with Miguel Cotto, for his 160 pound strap, taking place in New York.

Here are my points. Since the press tour with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in 2013, Mayweather has mentioned his interest of fighting in New York, or as he called it, “the mecca of boxing.” On July 3, 2014 it was reported that Mayweather got a license to promote in New York, indicating that his proposal to fight in the “concrete jungle” could soon come to fruition. After choosing venue, Mayweather has a myriad of fighters licking their chops for a stab with Floyd.

A popular thought for the May surprise was a fight with Amir Khan in England. But during the media tour for Maidana 2, Floyd was talking down Khan, saying he still has “Garcia and Peterson” problems, referring to his most recent two losses, and in turn playing down the idea of a Mayweather-Khan fight happening next.

Of course, the first thought to mind was the teasing thought that Mayweather may finally be agreeing to a fight with Manny Pacquiao. But as he has done before, Mayweathers perennial criticism of Pacquiao was also expressed in the media tour. Belittling Pacquiao by saying he “still has Marquez problems,” and is still undeserving of sharing the ring with him. Bring in newly crowned Middleweight king, Miguel Cotto.

There are a few reason why this would be a preferable fight from Mayweather’s perspective. If Floyd is to fight at New York, who better to choose that the “Gardens” currently most loved fighter, in Cotto. When choosing opponents, Floyd is always thinking in terms of risk vs reward.

As far as risk, Mayweather has already beaten Cotto before, giving him confidence going into a rematch that he can come out victorious in his 48th fight. As for reward, Miguel is still a huge draw, one of the top four draws in boxing along with Canelo, Pacquaio, and Mayweather.

So monetarily a Cotto rematch makes sense for Floyd, but also in terms of enhancing legacy.
In most part because of Cotto’s recent performance, where he looked superb dethroning Sergio Martinez to The Ring and WBC middleweight title. If Mayweather was to defeat the seemingly improved Miguel Cotto he would acquire a title in his sixth weight division. Something only Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao have done to this point.

Furthermore he would simultaneously hold major titles at 147/154/ and 160. Something that only Henry Armstrong has done in the history of the sport! Accomplishing such feats would lay more credence to his self-proclamations of “The Best Ever.” Mayweather has always fancied himself a business man. Business men always think a step ahead, which is what I think Mayweather was doing here.

Choosing to fight Cotto next May would be a clever business move for one very prominent reason…..Canelo Alvarez. Since early July, leading up to Canelo-Lara, there have been talks of a Cotto-Canelo clash for Cinco de Mayo weekend 2015. The same date Floyd has announced he’d occupy long ago. As a Mexican, Canelo has expressed his desire to reclaim the Mexican holiday fight date, and attempt to throw Mayweather off his perch a little.

Having a Canelo-Cotto PPV compete with a Mayweather PPV on the same day, would cause some angst for Floyd, as it would take a chunk out of the million or so PPV buys Floyd is accustomed to having each fight.



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