Floyd Mayweather Jr is gifted with hand speed, footwork, and defense. In his prime, Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker was a defensive genius, but I think Mayweather Jr. surpasses that. Casual boxing fans criticize Mayweather for coming in 2 lbs. heavier against Juan Manuel Marquez in their fight in 2009, but the fact of the matter is Mayweather made easy work of the legendary Marquez with speed, ring generalship, and most of all defense. Mayweather made Marquez look silly with the way he had him flailing at nothing but air.
Going back even further when Mayweather fought the late Diego Corrales, who was undefeated at the time, was 6ft. tall and had very good punching power. Mayweather knocked him out in his prime. Mayweather fought Ricky Hatton when he was undefeated and knocked him out too. I as much as anyone else was hoping to see Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao and although it didn’t happen I have always been convinced that Manny would not beat him.