“The sh**’s chess, it ain’t checkers.” – Denzel Washington, Training Day. Never has a quote been so true of two people, than of these two scientists of the sport. Plus I don’t know about you, but I’m bored of the never-ending Mayweather/Pacquiao debate – clearly this is never to going to happen, so let’s move onto to pastures new.
Floyd Mayweather Jr, like him or not, has dominated the boxing world for nearly 20 years, still without a blemish on his professional record. Only 5 more fights and he will have equaled the record still held by the ATG, Rocky Marciano (granted, Marciano’s achievement is heightened by the fact that he did so in less than half the time Floyd did).
In contrast, Guillermo Rigondeaux, to quote Freddie Roach, “is probably the greatest talent I’ve ever seen” and probably the greatest fighter most people had never heard of, until now. His recent master-class and deconstruction of another P4P King, Nonito Donaire, catapulted him into the public eye and ended a twelve year winning streak for Donaire.
With all the hype surrounding the upcoming Mayweather VS Alvarez bout, and Rigondeaux’s sudden rise-to-fame, a question began to ferment in my mind – who is the better boxer? Perhaps more importantly, who would win in a fight?
Now, before people cite poor knowledge or bias as the reason for my decision (which is ultimately my opinion anyway), I am aware of the following points: Mayweather’s height and weight advantage, his record etc. If you consider that Manny Pacquiao is only 1 ½ inches taller than Rigondeaux and started his professional career 3 weight classes below him at Light Flyweight, suddenly this question isn’t so hypothetical.
Both have their own styles, but are not dissimilar. They are both, firstly, incredibly good defensive fighters, and there are not a lot of those around. “Hit and not be hit”, is the phrase you have probably heard batted around. Donaire, himself an excellent counter-puncher, was barely able to land against Rigondeaux (apart from the late knockdown), something never really seen before and unchartered territory for the defending champion. He was unable to put together combinations and was unable effectively counter, due largely to the skill and speed of Rigondeaux. Similarly Mayweather’s most recent outing against Guerrero (nicknamed the ghost because he is so “evasive”, according to his father), was another example of a fighter that usually comes forward and bullies opponents, roughing them up on the inside, made to look nothing short of ordinary. Guerrero was just not able to get near Mayweather, he never got into his rhythm, he never really had a shot. Perhaps this is because Mayweather makes such a point of stressing that fighting in a rhythm (the more conventional approach) makes you predictable.
Secondly, they are both very good offensively as well. I recently watched a video of Rigondeaux sparring several partners in one session and his ability to quickly adjust from a defensive to an offensive fighter was remarkable and instantaneous. Mayweather also has this ability to quickly figure opponents out and adjust his style and tact accordingly. If something isn’t working, try something else. People might say it is boring, but I say it’s smart. Why try and go toe-to-toe with someone you’re not sure you can beat in that way? Why put yourself in a position to take unnecessary punishment? Of course the Ward VS Gatti/Froch VS Kessler/Hagler VS Hearns match-ups are more entertaining, but they aren’t necessarily the best examples of boxing prowess (heart and dogged determination, yes).
Ultimately what I think this fight would come down to, would be whether Rigondeaux had power at Welterweight. You can guarantee that Mayweather would be calling the shots with conditions surrounding this fight, were it to happen, and that it would almost certainly take place at his natural weight. Broner recently demonstrated that he did not necessarily carry the same power he once did into his fight with the Magic Man. I don’t believe Rigondeaux would either, at least not to put Floyd down for good, but never say never. There would be a lot of counter-counter-punches exchanged, and it only takes one flush on the chin when you don’t see it coming and you’re out of there (check out Julian Jackson’s savage KO of Herol Graham). Either could go down, but I don’t think out. I do feel though if Floyd was faced with someone that thinks and reacts like him (not emulates like Broner), it would make for one hell of an interesting fight. At the end of 12 rounds, I would expect a split points victory for Rigondeaux. What about the more aggressive Floyd in his youth, you may ask, well, who knows – your guess is as good as mine.
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