By Tom Drury: Without a doubt, Floyd Mayweather Jr. (44-0, 26 KO’s) is the smartest fighter on the planet, his ability to outsmart and out-think his opponents is undeniable and nothing short of amazing viewing.
any fans on website forums don’t understand the difference between boxing and other combat sports like MMA, Boxing, AKA, “the sweet science” is violence in an art form, the sole aim and purpose is “to hit and not be hit” a sport of gentlemen. MMA and other combat sports are no holds barred “street-fighting” in a cage/ring, something we could participate in after a night on the town. The difference is enormous and should not be disregarded.
A point I will make, in boxing we do have some battle hardened warriors past and present that like to engage based upon there emotions and fighting heart. I have enjoyed and will always enjoy these types of fights, we are only human and to see two warriors go toe to toe in the quest for victory is a great sight.
The reason boxers go toe to toe is due to both fighters knowing neither has the superior skill and it comes down to the fighting heart and fighting brawn, who will be the last man standing. Don’t be naïve and believe fighters enjoy been hit time and time again in a toe to toe battle in the name of entertainment, knowing there health and at worst there life is at risk. Most fighters that engage in these bloodbaths and battle of wills are men that do not possess great technical ability or let emotions derail there ability and game plan.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez (4), I along with many boxing fans knew Marquez was always the superior boxer to Pacquiao, that is a fact, from the first time they entered the ring back in 2004 Marquez had Pacquiao’s number. These two men have an obvious dislike of each other and those emotions derailed Marquez’s boxing abilities in the first three Pacquiao fights, though he should have been victorious in two of those bouts. The fourth fight was a perfect example of Marquez executing a gameplan of technical ability we all knew he had, it doesn’t matter if Pacquiao was up on the scorecards, Marquez boxed and timed Pacquiao to perfection, exposing the bad positions Pacquiao puts himself in while throwing combinations and moving forward, leading to a pinpoint, accurate, explosive and timed straight right hand, that had Pacquiao eating the canvass and gave Marquez the clear cut KO victory leaving no doubt who is the better man. My point, technical ability will always prevail over fighting ability.
Those who believe Mayweather Jr has not got heart have never stepped foot in a boxing ring (fact). It takes the most heart and courage to stand and move in a defensive manner while your opponent is moving forward throwing bombs, it also requires amazing faith and confidence in your own ability and skill set. This is the difference between a great boxer and a great fighter, there are many that also believe Mayweather is not strong. Mayweather is a very strong sturdy man and does possess power but not the concussive power of the “born puncher”.
The fact ignored by ignorant fans is its not due to Mayweather not wanting to engage because he engages every fight he has, the problem is he does not let his opponent engage. That is the beauty of Mayweather. 44 have tried and 44 have failed, these 44 fighters are all different in size and stature, skill set and style but Mayweather prevails every time, Mayweather came back from adversity to bully Shane Mosley while boxing on the outside, the Cotto performance was outstanding yet many fans said it was one of his worst? the skills on show were incredible, footwork, rolling with his punches and the shoulder roll utilized masterfully while countering and pot shotting his man at will. The check left-hook Hatton received was perfection, the way Juan Manuel Marquez was made look amateurish was pure shock and the way Ortiz was proved green with his frustration was great to watch, not only was he proved green in the fight it seems he was unaware of the rules “throwing headbutts” then not protecting himself at all times.
I mention these fights because most of (not all) that visit this forum are only familiar with the mainstream names but some of Mayweather’s earlier performances were majestic including, Jose Castillo, Emmanuel Augustus, Diego Corales, Carlos Hernandez, Demarcus Corley, Phillip N’Dou.
I will finish this article by saying, I have no problem with watching toe to toe wars they’re exciting, action packed, edge of your seat entertainment and take my hat off to any fighter that gives his all against another, what I will say to those ignorant fans is don’t discredit greatness because your personal preference is to enjoy toe to toe violence over a boxing masterclass delivered by a scientist, Trainers would dream of the next Mayweather walking through the doors of there gym, Amateur coaches would dream of young prospects having Mayweather ability, fighters themselves want to be and fight like Mayweather and he is every pugilist kids idol. Mayweather is boxing and his style and ability stands for everything “boxing” means. Take a look in the history books and pull out every name of “great” not good defensive fighters? you wont find many, that is not a coincidence it is due to a talent and ability rarely seen and fewer possess. I will also add due to the defensive ability of Mayweather his other attributes are overlooked, he has the best all round ability in the game (fact).
Greatness is rare and it will be a long time before we see the likes of Floyd Mayweather again! maybe not in our lifetime.
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