By Faisel Khan: Over three decades of mastering the art of Boxing, Floyd Mayweather Jr has simplified a sport which has and still is considered as barbaric and called to be banned by many people. There have been many fatal outcomes as a result of many bouts.
The evolution of the sport has lead it to becoming safer than ever before – from the modern day padding used in boxing equipment, to random blood testing, doctors available during fights etc.
Historically pugilist fans have always enjoyed two men brawling in centre of the ring, only being fuelled by the last bit of adrenalin fighting for a pay day that would feed them and their families for a short while before they go and do it all over again. In the modern day boxing, as the amateur boxing is increasingly becoming popular with a point scoring based system – the ‘hit and don’t get hit’ style is becoming more apparent. Mayweather has perfected this style and is the main factor of his longevity in sport.
With an impressive amateur record of 84-6 – one of those loses was which Mayweather will probably remember forever. It was against Serafim Todorov at a featherweight semi-final of the 1996 Olympics. Todorov was considered a well seasoned amateur but he had never reached a semi-final before. A 19 year old Floyd Mayweather started nervously but got into his groove quite quickly and by the end of the bout had outlanded the Bulgarian 47-26 according to CompuBox however to Mayweather’s disappointment the judges had scored it in the favor of Todoro. Mayweather went on to turning professional a couple of months later. Almost 20 years later – Floyd Mayweather has not tasted defeat again.
There is no secret to Mayweather’s success. The guidance of his father Floyd Mayweather Sr and his uncle Roger Mayweather who both were professional boxers is a huge factor. Mayweather has never switched to any other trainer unlike a lot of boxers who switch to different trainers throughout their careers. This is not necessarily a bad thing, however in Mayweather’s case, the saying ‘if it’s not broke, don’t fix it’ is certainly true.
‘Hard work and dedication ‘are words that are commonly echoed throughout Mayweather’s gym. Mayweather is known to train like a monk and is always in great shape (both aesthetically and cardiovascular). We have never seen Mayweather blow up in weight in between fights like a lot of other fighters. In fact, it almost seems as though Mayweather is always in fighting shape. Mayweather has commonly said that he has ‘dedicated his life to the sport of boxing’ and usually this would be taken in a figurative manner but in Mayweather’s case it’s difficult not to take it as literal.
Mayweather has said his talents are ‘god gifted’ – which is difficult to argue with. Mayweather is 5”8 tall with a reach of 72 inches which is very rare for a boxer and a big advantage for a Floyd based on the style he fights. Mayweather has ‘cat’ like reflexes which contribute to his great defense. His unusual rhythm in the ring can only be matched by that of a ballet dancer. All fighters box in a certain rhythm – Floyd fights in ‘Rhythms’. Mayweather is arguably the most versatile boxer of all time. We have seen him switch styles from round to round, which is why his opponents find it difficult to break him down as they’re unable to setup a plan as this is only possible when they see a repetitive movement which they believe they can capitalize on. Against Mayweather, it’s almost as though they’re fighting a different opponent at the start of every round. “Rhythm is everything in boxing. Every move you make starts with your heart, and that’s in rhythm or you’re in trouble.” (Sugar Ray Robinson).
Mayweather is the highest earning athlete – and at the conclusion of most fight nights, he is ready to go partying without sunglasses to cover up cuts and bruises like most fighters do – due to his superior defense. He has certainly simplified boxing like no other boxer in the history of the sport. However, he has also brought complexity to the sport like no other boxer in the history of the sport, mainly due to the power he has obtained as a result of his outspoken personality and undefeated record. It’s no longer a case where promoter(s) and the broadcaster get together and decide which fight the fans want to see which subsequently will bring in the most revenue without much consultation from the boxers. Mayweather has been his ‘own boss’ for a long time, he also decides who and when he fights, he decides the financial split, his opponents don’t really have a say in the terms of the fight and in most cases they sign across the dotted line regardless of what Mayweather has requested in the contracts as it would by far be the biggest payday they ever have. As a result of this power, the role of broadcasters, promoters, advisers and everyone else that are usually involved in matchmaking have become less meaningful as Mayweather has power and enjoys controlling everything involved in the process. Leonardo Da Vinci once famously said “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”.
Mayweather has a couple of fights remaining under his contract with Showtime – let’s enjoy him whist he’s here because he really is one of a kind. Not many fans believe the self proclaimed ‘TBE’ status Floyd has labeled himself with, however there’s no doubt that Floyd Mayweather Jr has the skill set and talent to beat anybody in the history of the sport of Boxing. But let’s hope, he’s the last boxer that dictates the sport the way he has – and boxers go back to what they do best, and that’s just train and box and let everybody else do the jobs in their own respective fields. Will watching Floyd Mayweather inside the ring be missed when he’s gone? Certainly. Will his antics outside the ring be missed? I’m not so sure.
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