Do you think Floyd Mayweather Jr’s comeback is a mistake?

By Frank Livingstone: Anyone who knows something about boxing knows Floyd Mayweather Jr. An Olympic Bronze medallist, five division world champion, undefeated and some still claimed as the number 1 pound for pound in the world today.

His last victory before he retired was a knockout win in the 10th round against Ricky Hatton in December 2007. That should have been the end of his chapter with a happy ending and retiring as the best fighter in the world.

Then came a Filipino champion who was slowly making a name for himself. Since Floyd’s retirement in 2007, this champion has scored victories against Juan Manuel Marquez, David Diaz and culminating with a big upset TKO win against Oscar De la Hoya in December 2008. The boxing world then became to take note of the rise of Manny Pacquiao, as a successor to Floyd’s crown.

Floyd Mayweather Jr also took notice and became alarmed when a fight between Pacquiao and Hatton was taking shape. His father, Floyd Sr was to train Hatton for the fight. As some great champions feel after the party was over, Floyd Jr was thinking of a comeback. What was he thinking???

He announced his comeback against Juan Manuel Marquez at the eve of the Pacquiao/Hatton match with most boxing writers noted as “Stealing the Thunder” from Pacquiao’s big fight. Pacquiao KO’d Hatton on the 2nd round and Floyd disposed of JMM in 12. Pacquiao had another TKO win over Miguel Cotto to cement his place as the no 1 pound for pound.

This set up the dream fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather which everyone knew remained a dream. After a year, both fighters took different routes with Pacquiao continuing on his winning ways in the ring and Floyd Jr has to battle his demons outside the ring.

Floyd Mayweather Jr has been accused of avoiding a fight with Pacquiao up to the point as being labelled fearful of losing his “0” record. This would not have happened if Floyd Jr did not pursue his comeback. His legacy would have remained intact and his life would have been better off without his legal woes. Was the comeback a mistake?