Now is the perfect time for Mayweather to say goodbye

By Boxing News - 09/14/2014 - Comments

MAYHEM - FIGHT NIGHT-Floyd Mayweather-3836(Photo credit: Stephanie Trapp/Mayweather Promotions) By Chester Rivers: Youth, speed, mobility, accuracy and even power were the traits that describe Floyd Mayweather Jr. in October 1996 when he made his pro debut. The hotshot prospect from the famous Mayweather boxing family was a can’t miss prodigy fresh off a bronze medal performance in that year’s summer Olympic Games.

That was nearly 18 years ago. Like everything time has effect on all material and Floyd Mayweather Jr. is no exception. To gauge this span you must realize that babies that were born the year Floyd turned pro are now seniors in high school or freshmen in college. Some may even be soldiers fighting to protect Mayweather’s liberties. Still Mayweather sits atop boxing’s thrown.

Last night performance lacked some of the attributes that once characterized Floyd’s abilities. The speed is there but he is noticeably slower. The mobility is not as fluent. The lack of power could be attributed to his hand troubles. If a fighter with the skills of Marcos Maidana could land punches, what would happen with a better skilled and polished fighter? This older Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a far cry from the YOUNG man that made Shane Moseley and Oscar De La Hoya avoid him for years and still he’s the best in his division and quite possibly all of boxing.

So what’s next for Floyd? Many are speculating a May 2015 showdown with Manny Pacquiao but for me I would like to see him retire just short of Rocky Marciano’s record. Why? Floyd has made a small fortune by antagonizing boxing fans. Leaving while on top will always make historians and fans ponder “what if”.

There is one opponent out there that Floyd can not defeat. This opponent has ended the careers of countless greats. His name is “Father Time” and he fights for Mother Nature Promotions. The longer Floyd stay the more likely this epic battle will inevitably happen. My message to Mayweather is short and sweet. Stop now while you’re on top because Father Time is poised to knock you from your throne.



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