This article was originally written on June 5, 2015. It has been updated since original post. Please read through.
Boxing always will be one of the purest of sports. By Marquis de Queensberry rules, only the two fighters along with a referee whose job is merely to serve as the protector and rule enforcer are allowed in the ring. There is no offensive line providing blocks for the running back to advance or an outfielder catching a ball to stop the active base runner. In boxing it is up to the individual athlete to make all game decisions. Success or failure, it always falls back on one person.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. defies the laws of popular culture that a champion prizefighter can make it through their entire career without loss, while also facing the top fighters of their respective time and class. The first element may be considered easier than the second due to a fighters ability to break sanctions imposed by the various boxing organizations and not face mandatory challengers, but looking at Mayweather’s resume, proves he has accomplished both.
In fact, Mayweather not only has faced top fighters in his own weight class, (his first title was at 130 lbs) he has also faced the same 20 lbs heavier and since his bronze medal in the 96 Olympic Games, every time the ending has been the same, ‘and the winner is by way of…….Floyd Mayweather Jr..’
There will be the critic that will not recognize greatness, even when it is in front of them. His defensive style will not satisfy the bloodthirsty American that craves only the knockout and since he his without loss ‘past their prime’ or injury arguments will at times arise. Acceptance is hard that just one individual could really be that great and for some even impossible, but remember this. Floyd played by Queensberry rules. No one else was in the ring. No one assisted him. Every game decision success or failure was his own.
Mayweather has stated he will fight once more and then move to a self imposed retirement. To Floyd Mayweather Jr., I wish the best. It was an unbelievable run. To the critics, that will never leave him alone even though there may never be another quite like him. I can only say that it will be a sad day, when they finally realize, they closed their eyes when greatness walked by.
Updated due to September 12, 2015.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. has chosen to fight Andre Berto, therefore nullifying this whole piece. Berto is a journeyman fighter at best and is undeserving of the affair. The choice of this level of opposition by Mayweather Jr. to tie Marciano is an insult to those who have still faith in the sport. Floyd’s greatness resides in his ability to manipulate the circumstance. He is a mere thief that prostitutes the spectator and I was wrong for believing in him to be more than such. Open mouthed, I have now eaten crow.
P.S. Damn Floyd, anyone but Berto.
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