Mayweather Mayhem
Just in case it has escaped anyone’s attention, in case you were off the grid or on an outback research fellowship in central Australia, in case you are backing a young-and-upcomg-welterweight boxer…we regret to inform you that the belt is taken, occupied, unavailable, unattainable and otherwise irretrievable until the indomitable one – Mr. Floyd Mayweather, Jr. – decides to retire. Again and again he has proved that he owns the ring. His challengers should, by now, understand that they may spend time in the ring with the champion, but they will leave (albeit with some wear and tear) with another digit in their record’s loss column. It’s over before it starts. The frackin Terminator couldn’t beat this guy.
This most recent “contest” was no different. TBE (which stands for “The Best Ever”) used his footwork to escape the unimaginative “stand and pummel” strategy which seems to be a trend in boxing – as newer fans who have yet to appreciate the “art” of boxing call for bloodied combatants in exchange for their money. The networks and cable companies are missing an opportunity to educate their fans ahead of each match. Have retired professional explain the tactics and the movements a boxer uses. Spread the truth and the spirit of the sport…instead of contributing its degradation.
Mobility made the difference. Maidana landed just 128 of 572 (22%) punches as his offense was thrown off by the need to follow Mayweather around the ring. Mayweather’s 51% demonstrated his control over his opponent…staying away from the ropes, landing his hits then hovering just out of reach. The eighth round bite incident? We can’t say for certain that Maidana – in his frustration – committed this foul…and neither could the ref – so the fight went on. However the tenth round tackle of Mayweather by Maidana was inexcusable and Maidana was docked a point accordingly.
If you ask Floyd Mayweather about the future he will give you the number of minutes left on his career clock: 90 minutes. That is all that remains of his six-fight deal with ShowTime/CBS Corporation. He fights, he wins and the winning go to secure children’s futures. That is what Floyd is fighting for.
We an Image & Style Magazine salute an eternal champion and wish him a safe journey into retirement when and if he decides to retire.
