By Frank (Frankly) Livingston: I watched the interview of Floyd Mayweather Jr on Costa’s Tonight recently and there was one topic that caught my attention. He is a health conscious freak. Floyd was asked during his interview about his condition at age 35 and how he stays on top. Floyd response was that he is dedicated to the sport of boxing and does not partake in drinking alcohol or smoking whilst partying. It’s pretty hard to believe that he is able to abstain from these vices despite his reputation of being a party animal and mixing with outgoing people. Floyd is really taking care of his health.
Floyd was then asked the reason why the fight with Pacquiao had not happened. Costa emphasized that “time a wasting” and the fight should happen. Even Thomas Hearns said recently that both fighters should go on with it. Floyd then responded that “Everybody is entitled to their own opinion. I come first. If the fight does not happen, So be it”.
Floyd is absolutely correct that everybody is entitled to their own opinion, but this is the opinion of millions of boxing fans around the world. Costa then mentioned the Ali-Frazier fight and Ali-Norton. Floyd then stated that fans forced Ali to fight some fighters that he should have not fought. “Floyd Mayweather fights for Mayweather”. Floyd should be happy and comfortable with a fight”. Again, this is a contradiction that Floyd is fighting for his fans if he does not fight what his millions of fans or haters want. His reasoning his “My health is more important”.
Costa then mentioned that according to the Compubox, Floyd has the best plus rating and gets fewer hits than most in boxing history and will be the dominant fighter than Pacquiao. The statistics should give him great comfort in getting his biggest career money with a sure victory over Pacquiao. A great majority of boxing fans agree that Floyd would easily win a fight with Pacquiao.
But then again, Floyd raised the ODST issue (which has been resolved) and the purse split were the reasons the fight had not happen. I have a feeling that even if Pacquiao would agree to lesser purse split, the weight issue might be the next barrier to overcome. Floyd is fighting Cotto at 154 lbs and if Floyd wins, he might be comfortable staying at 154 lbs and would demand a fight with Pacquiao at 154 lbs (No catchweight).
But who are we to deny Floyd his rights for being happy and comfortable. His health is quite important for him. After seeing what boxing has done to Ali physically for fighting past his use by date, you cannot blame him for being hesitant and being forced to fight the fight the fans want. Clearly, Floyd is not past his use by date. The images of Hatton lying flat on his back and unconscious for a few minutes, Margarito’s damaged eye retina from Pacquiao’s pounding and Cotto’s bloody face, Floyd should really think real hard of giving in to the demands of millions of fans. Money is not everything as Health is important.
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