By Giancarlo Malinconico: Would a win over Manny Pacquiao solidify Floyd “Money” Mayweather’s position as the greatest of all-time? I think it, at least, has to be seriously considered, and I would be one who would believe it to be so. I understand many boxing historians consider the “old-time” fighters the greatest of all-time, and they sometimes scrutinize those with high opinions of current fighters. There are many reasons for this, but one stands out; it is easier to forget about the flaws of a fighter when a lot of time has elapsed since his fighting days.
With the exception of his first bout with Jose Luis Castillo, Mayweather’s career has been as close to flawless as any in history. And in Floyd’s defense, and although it was competitive, Mayweather clearly won the rematch against Castillo. Mayweather’s defensive prowess in the ring has been almost impenetrable, and the few times in which opponents have landed shots, Mayweather’s granite chin has more than held up. Mayweather has won world titles in five different weight divisions ultimately winning a world title at 154 pounds with a split-decision victory over Oscar De La Hoya (although I thought the fight was clearly eight rounds to four for Mayweather). But now the most meaningful bout in Mayweather’s career has developed with the emergence of the Filipino sensation, Pacquiao.
Pacquiao is ranked rightfully and currently the Ring Magazine (the only rankings that actually matter in boxing: note to Yahoo Sports) Pound-for-Pound Best Fighter in the World, and he is the Fighter-of-Decade award winner. A fighter who is generally considered the greatest of all-time such as Ali fought the best of his era: Liston, Frazier, Norton, and Foreman. Pacquiao is Mayweather’s equivalent. If Floyd does not accept the bout with Pacquiao, his legacy will forever be tarnished because Manny has agreed to all of the terms that Mayweather initially put forward.
And although Mayweather calls himself “Money,” there is so much more to this fight than a payday. This fight is the biggest bout in boxing history. It would unequivocally determine who the best fighter of this era is. And the winner would forever cement his name on the same list with Ali, Robinson, Marciano, Louis, and the rest of the legends who have granted boxing fans some of the greatest moments and memories of their lives.
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