After flawlessly outclassing Juan Manuel Marquez on September 19, Mayweather is back and looks unbeatable. But is he?
40 have tried and 40 have failed.
You can almost hear Floyd Mayweather, Jr. saying it.
Or actually, it's just 39. Jose Luis Castillo, the fighter who perhaps came closest to defeating Mayweather, fought him twice. Meaning, the whole time Mayweather was rapping his "39 have tried and 39 have failed" bit, he was technically wrong.
Nevertheless, "Pretty Boy" has walked out of the ring for the 40th time victorious, unscathed, and stellar. Forty times he never came close to defeat. No, don't kid yourselves too much, Castillo and Oscar De la Hoya, with their glorious charges, looked as if they did, but that's all.
That's how amazing Floyd Mayweather Jr. (40-0, 25 KOs) is-- love him or hate him.
For the first time in almost two years, the sublime skills of his were in full display last Saturday, where he dominated another master boxer, albeit unfairly outsized, in Juan Manuel Marquez. Mayweather hit Marquez at will, while making Marquez miss against his will. Mayweather's speed, reflexes, and his patented all-time great defense were still working perfectly after the lengthy 21-month sabbatical.
He is still undefeated, and he still looks unbeatable.
Is there anyone out there who can challenge that? Here are three.
Shane Mosley
The Pomona slugger rushed into the ring a la WWE promo cut when he interrupted Mayweather, along with his Golden Boy Promotions posse (told you, WWE-like), in his post-fight interviews last Saturday. "Sugar" has been bitterly desperate for not having any big fights, let alone fights, to come his way since his smashing 9th round TKO win over the disgraced Antonio Margarito last January. He was desperate alright, but he might have gained some publicity towards his favor to fight Mayweather, after looking pitiful in his earlier efforts to lure Manny Pacquiao into fighting him.
With his speed, power, and size advantage, Mosley (46-5, 39 KOs) could get his punches through Mayweather's defense and hurt him, something that everyone else has a hard time doing. He is a ring veteran and with his experience and size, he can try to man Mayweather up or try to engage him in a brawl all night. But Mayweather never goes to war, so it would be interesting to see Mosley eagerly stalk Mayweather all night with Mayweather calmly just looking for opportunities to potshot him and wait for him to make mistakes.
In the eyes of many, Mosley has the most legitimate chance to beat Mayweather. It would be a great fight, and although not "historic" as Mosley's promoter, De la Hoya, refers to it, it may very well be the fight to make at welterweight. With Mayweather returning at number 2 in The Ring's welterweight rankings, it would be for the Welterweight Championship of the World, and it's the fight that could be done the soonest among here.
Miguel Cotto
Miguel Cotto is arguably the top man in the welterweight division on by virtue of his victory against Mosley, above. HIs tainted loss against Margarito also helps his case. But before the Margarito fight, Cotto looked invincible. He was on his way to eating up the division facing the best competition available, then Mayweather retired. Was he afraid of Cotto? Affirmative answers from fans and observers are not hard to find.
Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs) is an all-around athlete who can box and who can fight. He is strong and he goes to the body, which is something he could use against Mayweather, especially that very few have had success in doing so before. He has appeared vulnerable lately, but if that's not really the case, he must first show it so against Pacquiao, his November 14 opponent. And if he does that, Mayweather is in for some trouble.
Among the fighters in this list, Cotto is most certainly the one that can best match Mayweather in a boxing match. Cotto is a smart fighter and he throws punches very well, attributes that would help him penetrate Mayweather's defense. He also has an uncanny ability in timing, and while Mayweather is rarely ever a hasty puncher, Cotto posseses the tools to offset his natural speed. With Cotto's strength, and brawler instincts, he has at least a last resort to turn to make things rough and tough for Mayweather.
Manny Pacquiao
The current pound-for-pound king, contra Mayweather's assertions, is seven pounds apart from Mayweather's natural fighting weight, and yet his next fight is within the welterweight class, against Cotto. The winner of that November 14 megabout would be who the fans want Mayweather to fight. This is no guarantee, but Pacquiao looks like the early favorite, with the 145-lb. catchweight factoring in.
A fight between Mayweather and Pacquiao will be THE fight for the ages. Much can be said about that, and to be fair, Pacquiao stands little chance to win against Mayweather if it were to be held at 147 lbs. In order to make this fight happen, all sorts of compromises have to be made, and when it's all set, Pacquiao's speed, power, movement, and pressure would pose unprecedented challenges to the overconfident Mayweather.
Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs) has had everything working for him to upset Mayweather. Under the tutelage of Freddie Roach, he has developed into a complete fighter with the talent, skill, and a unique southpaw style that can compete with Mayweather and potentially throw him off his game. If a superfight with Pacquiao is to happen, don't go thinking that Mayweather will dispose him like he did Marquez. Marquez himself said that it would be different. Pacquiao has carried his speed and power into the higher weight divisions, adding muscles to his 5-foot-6 and a half body frame comfortably. No, Pacquiao won't be too small.
The copyright of the article Who Can Defeat Floyd Mayweather Jr.? in Pro Boxing is owned by FJ Parlan. Permission to republish Who Can Defeat Floyd Mayweather Jr.? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
For all those who will comment, just put this at the end
of your comment:
-(insert web nick or whatever)
For
example:
"I think Mayweather is the best.
--ballerman"
or
"I think Pacquiao is the
best. - mike"
Or something like that. This is so I can
reply to the comments (because I like to and I would), and that your
comment would be attached to a name or a tag instead of just
"Guest". Thanks a lot for reading! Enjoy commenting!
(To talk more about boxing, basketball, sports, and other stuffs, follow
me on Twitter: Fj_3)
Sep 22, 2009 11:41 PM
Guest :
I think Pacquiao is the best. He is the only boxer who can unravel the
mysterious defense of Mayweather, being southpaw as such, Mayweather
"Turtle Defense" won't apply to Pacquiao. You can review tapes
of Mayweather vs Demarcus Corley & Zab Judah and see for yourself how
this boxer shattered and penetrated his so called "turle
Defense". If these boxer could do it with ease (only they lack stamina
for 12 rds.) just imagine how Pacquiao will dismantle Mayweather with his
southpaw stand couple with blurring speed w/ power that delivers multiple
combos, limitless stamina, bellerina feet that glide in and out, pivot to
his right side away from straight right and left hook of Mayweather.
erniepep
Sep 23, 2009 12:11 AM
FJ Parlan :
erniepep:
Thanks. Indeed, pacquiao's unique soutpaw style will
be a factor against mayweather. Good points.
Sep 24, 2009 10:52 AM
Guest :
Mayweather is undefeated but not invincible.
He is started his
career from "I'll fight anyone" to, "Wait, I'll see if I
could be on the advantage first, before I fight you."
His
famous line of "I'm not afraid of nobody". Is not meritorious at
all.
I mean, do he actually want the boxing fans to believe he
is NOT AFRAID OF ANYONE??
Based on your article entitled,
"Who Can Defeat Floyd Mayweather, Jr?" I believe, none of the
three.. Why? Because most probably he would evade these guys.
He
already evaded Cotto before, Mosley would be the smartest among the three
and has enough experience to give him real trouble, and Pacman is just in
his prime, and the scary thing is pacman is still improving a lot! Besides,
I doubt it if Mayweather has ever encountered a Power puncher with that
quickness in a Manny Pacquiao.
-REALINO
Sep 24, 2009 11:18 AM
Guest :
i think it is pacquiao has the best chance to defeat floyd,,floyd can
handle 1,2 or 3 punches with his turtle defence but he can be hit if there
where more coming more than what i said,just take a look at the dela
hoya-pacquiao fight!pacquiao throws 8 punches non stop,more combo's of
powerful left and right..do you think floyd can handle this number of
punches?and do not compare marquez power to pacquiao.,pacquiao's power was
proven by his gradually going up in weightclasses,not like the bloated
marquez.. floyd is afraid of facing the real challenge,he's not
fighting of his weightclass..i really like what you said 'overconfident
floyd'that really he is,because he is fighting a smaller opponent..but mark
my word if ever they will meet pacquiao in 2010,pacquiao will be in for a
big upset!!i will bet all my money,my house,even my wife..for
pacquaio!!!'jackbeanstalk'
Sep 24, 2009 11:24 AM
Guest :
Im stating a fact Floyd is a business man he is about the MONEY and he
would never step into the ring with Mosely. Cotto great fighter powerful
but a little to slow for Mayweather, Pacquiao that would be a joke to
Mayweather yeah Pac throws alot of blows fast but loose and open with his
punches after the 5th rounds. Pac has to many openings. As for SHANE MOSELY
deadly to Floyd. And Floyd knows it thats why he will not fight him because
he is about the money and the same time knows better. Flyd knows in his
head theres a chance he could lose. Yes he will end up fighting PAC, or
COTTO. SHANE is the truth. If you notice Floyd usually disrespects back to
whoever comes at him but when Shane came at him we saw a less defensive
hard core side from floyd. Now let that had been Pac or Cotto. Floyd I love
him but he is not leaving a Legacy he is a hero to boxing yes he brings
attention but shane SHane MOsely a Legend who runs from nobody.I mean
Nobody.
Sep 24, 2009 1:41 PM
Guest :
Manny is too small for Floyd but again almost all my predictions were wrong
when he fought Hatton, DeLaHoya, Diaz, Barerra, Morales and Ledwabah.
Pacman wins all the time. Tony
Sep 24, 2009 1:52 PM
Guest :
I think Pacquiao is the best. I've watched all Manny Pacquiao fights and i
have seen almost all Mayweather's fights. Manny will pose the greatest
challenge to Mayweather since he is a lefty, has power, lateral movements
and can match Floyd's speed. Floyd's chin is open to Manny's left hook and
straight after his usual double right jab or right hook. Manny is a
pressure fighter and I think Floyd has never faced a fighter like Manny.
Manny will eat left jabs from Floyd but Manny will compensate by landing
his dreaded left straight and hooks. I can see Floyd hurt and will change
his strategy to survival mode. Once he hit the ropes, he is definitely
gonna be smothered by Manny with combinations even he uses that shoulder
defense and potshot Manny with his right cross. Even Manny gets hit in the
process, it won't matter, Floyd will fall with pressure. Either he gets
KO'd or won't answer the bell like Dela Hoya in the late rounds.
-Caloy
Sep 24, 2009 4:32 PM
Guest :
no one in this world was true invencible, remember that the greatest
warrior ever born from mighty greece: ACHILLES...who can say that this
greatest warrior was invencible after he was hit by an arrow on his heel?
hes DEAD!!! in yet this trio group of trash talkers of mayweather was so
love by all americans. simply because only defensive boxer floyd is the
only playing card the U.S. have left, after all, thier muhhamad ali will
simply blemished by a brown born 3rd world countryman MANNY PACQUIAO, and
this is the main reason why americans hated now a filipinos for this
sake!!! JEALOUSY, is all about from the hearts of americans,mexican,blak
africans-americans. they cant accept the reality nor in thier mind that
someday a country that once help by 5 star general douglas mcarthur will be
able to put them in the trash of shame!!! of boxing!!! FLOYD WAS JUST
SIMPLY GOOD IN ONLY DEFENSIVE!!! 80% of his skills was hiding beyond of his
arms, if not then there was not enough reason to consider him a true legend
of this sport...we witnessed that he is just a so booorrriiiing to watch.
and PACMAN was the only true greatest exciting fighter to watch that even a
single dime was counted whenever he was fighting...to accept or not this is
the truth!
Sep 24, 2009 4:36 PM
Guest :
Mayweather doesn't have the power to stop pacquiao. His main weapon is
speed that's why he looks great against a slow old Marquez, but I don't
think his speed will be enough against the blinding attack of Pacman. He
can't even use his shoulder roll because Pacquiao has a power enough to
break his shoulder. His best bet against Pacman is to run, run and run...
and then the so called boxing experts(e.g. bad lefthook, ring magazine,
etc.) will call it excellent defense because he was not hit by running. -
Jake
Sep 24, 2009 5:19 PM
FJ Parlan :
REALINO:
He might evade them all. Boy, you went ahead of me on
that one lol. My next article would probably be about that, so stay
tuned... and thanks for tuning in in the first place.
'jackbeanstalk':
It appaears true that Floyd may have problems
when 5, 6, 7 punches come at him rather than 1, 2, 3. Oscar De la Hoya
pointed that out. But really, it's easier said than done (everything is,
with Floyd). Before one can even complete that long of a combination, Floyd
might already made his counter punch. But anyway, betting your house and
wife for the Pac-Man? That's priceless! (Literally and proverbially,
hahah).
Guest:
You probably are one of those
"eyes of many" that sees Mosley as the best bet to beat PBF. You
have legit reasons to do so. But next time, please put your nickname,
alright? =)
Tony:
Pacquiao would again be the
underdog against Mayweather, but yeah, you know how he has a penchant for
surprises.
Caloy:
Pacquiao's pressure and Floyd's
ability to deal with pressure are one of the interesting things to watch if
they ever fight.
Guest (you prolly didn't wanna put your name
anyway):
Now, now, no racial issues. Pacquiao is exciting but
it's false that Mayweather's skills are only on the defensive. (NOTE to
anyone, including the one who typed "the person who wrote this is
gay": please refrain from posting comments like these.)
Jake:
Well, I don't think Mayweather's defense is consists of
just running, it's superb, you know. But, yeah Pac is faster, but Floyd has
underrated power.
...
To everyone who commented so
far, thanks! 'Til next time!
Sep 24, 2009 5:26 PM
Guest :
Check out Kevin Lole new ranking at yahoo sports,,, Floyd M. is number
one,,, While Manny Pac. is number 2 I wrote him this: Hey kevin,
you've been a good writer and boxing analyser for a couple decade but I
think you guys made a big mistake on pound per pound, I am a mexican but
boy I just see how Manny Pac. should be on top for 15 to 20 reason.
Kevin,guess what! in the days coming after boxing fans read your pound per
pound list, you are going to be on the top spot around internet to be the
most stupid writer, I mean how much money Floyd put in your pocket? trust
me your going to get popular,,but shrink brain, I guess you are to old for
this, Kevin its time to quit.
Sep 24, 2009 6:23 PM
FJ Parlan :
Guest:
Hey unnamed, thanks for giving me the heads-up on that
one. Actually, the blame is not entirely on Kevin Iole. It's a group that
is voting. But don't get me wrong, it even makes it sadder and more
ludicrous. How does 15 of 28 people think Mayweather is no. 1 p4p? Maybe
they consider skill over achievements. Man oh man. But they should watch
out, fans like you will persecute the hell out of them. But don't you
worry, while the Yahoo rankings have lost a huge amount of credibility
today, feel better by looking at the Ring rankings, which is more respected
anyway. =)
Sep 24, 2009 6:38 PM
Guest :
for all of mayweather jr's skill, which I have admired especial his last
outing was superb although his skills most often put me to sleep or i have
to change channel just to get me awake. yet his amazing skills which but i
seem to think he has not been tested enough to merit being the best in this
generation. his fight with dela hoya was at most boring, both seemed to me
non-committal to hurt each other, most of their jabs where aimed at gloves,
mayweather's backtracking didn't help make the fight interesting enough.
his demolition of marquez seems to display his great skill of jabbing and
backtracking but it was with a bloated, litte guy. Marquez was nowhere
near in his superb physique when he fought pacman. and his vaunted
counterpunching skill was not evident, he was just a tad slow, and his
punches has no power at all what with mayweather jr keep smiling through
the rounds. better that PBF fight cotto, margarito, mosley before he brags
of his clean slate.--tybuzz
Sep 24, 2009 7:42 PM
Guest :
who can defeat a guy who throws elbows. nice d. but from my point of view
manny's got a chance some bigshot blows in the body. this guy will fall
Sep 24, 2009 8:37 PM
Guest :
nobody defeat Him because he always fight with the smaller
fighter..Mayweather is a chicken coward GUY..!!!!
Sep 24, 2009 10:19 PM
Guest :
Manny is punching in awkward and evry possible angle. A southpaw a plus. I
belive if Zab Judah has the stamina he can win the fight to Mayweather
before. Manny has the stamina, he can punch from Round 1 to Finish. I'll go
for Manny. Shane is very competetive fighter for Mayweather, but if Shane
will loss it is because of Age. So, Manny is in hi prime and can upset
Mayweather. Manny is doing good in all of his last fights.
Sep 24, 2009 11:20 PM
Guest :
Manny is design to defeat Mayweather his hit & run style will be
cornered by the speed agility & 2 fist with knockout of Manny. That is
why this gay person is avoiding Pacquiao...
Pacquiao is the P4P
king figthing bigger guys! while Gayweather is fighting smaller guys!
Sep 25, 2009 3:48 AM
Guest :
MAYWEATHER WAS ALWAYS OVER WEIGHT DURING FIGHT TIME THAT'S WHY HE WON ALL
OF THOSE 39 BOUT INCLUDING JUAN PEE MARQUEZ.HE DON'T FIGHT,HE HIT AND
RUN.HE WAS A DEFENSIVE FIGHTER AND NOT EXCITING TO WATCH.
Sep 25, 2009 4:21 AM
Guest :
Pacfan: Floyd is a superb fighter.. got skills and stuffs. His body is
huge against pac. But I believe in Pac's ability, It's not just that I'm a
big fan of Pac but I can see Floyd kissing the canvas with pac.. he will be
the next after Cotto..hehehe Pac is full of surprises! Go pac.. go!..
Sep 25, 2009 5:44 AM
Guest :
Kang Kong Kernitz You forgot to add Paul Williams, he can still fight
at welterweight. If ever they fight, Floyd will be pummeled to dust,
he'll be punished! That's what "The Punisher" can do to
Floyd!
Sep 25, 2009 9:43 AM
Guest :
A Pacquiao-Mayweather fight is a must. Why cant they agree and put it in
the contract who ever wins will get the much higher purse say 60-40 or
55-45. But they should also include a $1MM penalty per pound in excess of
the agreed weight.
Sep 27, 2009 4:15 PM
Guest :
Its funny to read some of these comments,because everyone hates on Floyd.
No matter how good he fights hes always going to be criticized, Yes he beat
Marquez but he was the bigger fighter, if he beat Mosley it will because
his age, if he beats Pacquiao its because of size. No mater who floyd
beats there is always going to be an excuse because everyone hates.
Oct 2, 2009 1:35 PM
Guest :
I actually like PBF and Pacman. I think Manny has the best chance. What all
of you keep forgetting is that yes Manny looked good in his past few
fights, but both fighters were so drained from losing weight that they
looked like zombies. You all sound like you have never watched a boxing
match before. The point is NOT TO GET HIT. Maybe you need to stick to MMA.
You all sound so bitter. He has knocked out 25 out of 40. That's alot more
than just running. -Eric
Oct 4, 2009 4:40 AM
Guest :
romeo m. abadies manny pacquiao is the best fighter in boxing so i
believe he can defeat floyd. i love you manny go for it fight
him,,,,,,,,,,?
Oct 4, 2009 6:28 AM
Guest :
IF PACQUIAO ACCEPT THE 40/60 AT 147 NOT IN 143 OR 145 THEN THE
MAYWEATHER-PACQUIAO HAS BEEN SETTLED. MAYWEATHER AMATURE RECORD IS
FLYWEIGHT AND PROFESSIONAL RECORD STARTING AT SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT. -TITO
ORTIZ
Oct 4, 2009 2:41 PM
Guest :
money mayweather is great. mayweather should fight shane but floyd needs to
make sure that on fight night mosley stays at or under 153 pounds because
mosley likes coming in at 160pds.so shane come in at 153 and take a
loss,steriod user..cotto out boxed shane but he wont outbox
mayweather,besides cotto gets tired late in fights..please dont mention
manny because he cant even handle juan...floyd 3 victories away from being
greatest in my era,maybe even all times list...pone031bx,n.y.
Oct 4, 2009 2:49 PM
Guest :
shane is a steroids baby looking for a payday.he so much the truth that
cotto beat him,outboxed him.shane comes to fight at walterweight weighting
160pds on fight night,he a old clown that beat delahoya while on
steroids(BALCO FOUNDER VICTOR CONTE SAYS SO).PONE031
Oct 14, 2009 8:55 AM
Guest :
I don,t think NOBODY CAN DEFEAT FLOYD'S IN HIS WEIGHT DIVISION
OF(106LBS-135LBS)
Oct 14, 2009 8:58 AM
Guest :
NOBODY CAN DEFEAT FLOYD IN HIS WEIGHT DIVISION OF 106LBS -135LBS
Sep 22, 2009
