Mayweather's legacy

[andyharrison]

There are some top quality boxers around at the minute. Lomachenko, Rigondeaux and Crawford are all very skilful boxers.

Which wins do you think are underrated? I'd say the opposite was true, considering how hyped the fights with Guerrero, Ortiz etc. were due to 24/7-type promotional shows.

[NateJR]

There are some top quality boxers around at the minute. Lomachenko, Rigondeaux and Crawford are all very skilful boxers.

Which wins do you think are underrated? I'd say the opposite was true, considering how hyped the fights with Guerrero, Ortiz etc. were due to 24/7-type promotional shows.

Very good boxers yes, but they won't achieve what Mayweather did.

His win over Cotto at 154 is drastically under played. Mainly due to his losses to Pacquiao and Margarito. The difference is Margarito cheated to beat Cotto and Pacquiao fought him at a catch weight. Floyd moved up to Cotto natural weight and was clearly the smaller man.

People call Floyd a cherry picker, but Madaina, Guerrero and Ortiz were the opposite of Chery picked opponents. At the time they were all in prime form and coming off career defining wins. All tough high risk fights, but of course those fights are down played.

His win over Shane Mosley is criminally underrated. Mosley was coming off a huge win again the man the man everyone claimed Floyd was avoiding in Margarito. Aside from a rough 2nd round, Floyd put Mosley through hell and punished him for the next 10 rounds. He wasn't too old for Pacquiao, yet Floyd fought him first coming off a big win. Mosley was considered the #2 WW in the world only behind Floyd at the time, there was no better fight for Floyd aside from Pacquiao at the time, yet Pacquiao team openly stated they wanted nothing to with Mosley at the time unless Mosley would fight at a catch weight.

His win over Alvarez was extremely impressive. You could make a case Alvarez was green.. but again Floyd moved up in weight was giving up a considerable size advantage, but stood in the pocket and picked Alvarez apart in the center of the ring. The way Floyd beat Alvarez was very impressive.

[Impractical Poster]

I became a harsh critic after he retired the first time. But as much as I have disliked him in his later years, he deserves a lot of credit for immediately rematching close fights he had with tough opponents. He was able to do what he wanted his way. Extremely smart man in and out of the ring. He is definitely one of the best defensive fighters I've ever seen. And his ability to adapt is unmatched.

Too bad he irritated me with his antics so much. But who am I?

[Kalan]

Lomachenko has better boxing ability than Floyd had by a decent margin.. Better feet.. faster hands.. better body shots.. and takes fewer hits..

Loma said he could easily have 30 fights by now if he could get them, because Robinson had 55 fights when he was a pro as long as Lomachenko and Mayweather had 25.. But the professional boxing game doesn't accommodate Eastern European boxers at the moment and the important fighters at 130 are not ready to fight him.

[NateJR]

Lomachenko has better boxing ability than Floyd had by a decent margin.. Better feet.. faster hands.. better body shots.. and takes fewer hits..

Loma said he could easily have 30 fights by now if he could get them, because Robinson had 55 fights when he was a pro as long as Lomachenko and Mayweather had 25.. But the professional boxing game doesn't accommodate Eastern European boxers at the moment and the important fighters at 130 are not ready to fight him.

You're a moron, please stop lol

[Enlightened-One]

Lomachenko has better boxing ability than Floyd had by a decent margin.. Better feet.. faster hands.. better body shots.. and takes fewer hits..

Loma said he could easily have 30 fights by now if he could get them, because Robinson had 55 fights when he was a pro as long as Lomachenko and Mayweather had 25.

I really appreciate the comedic value of this post!

[SaadOffTheDeck]

I cringe thinking about how bad Floyd would skullfuck salido.

[tomatocan]

+ best defense skills in history of boxing
+ solid resume, especially Corrales, Judah and Cotto
+ few entertaining fights

- too many ass!oles around him
- too much bullsh!t arround Pacquiao "megafight"
- not facing Pacquiao, Mosley at their primes, facing Alvarez at catchweight
- too many boring fights
- this whole TBE bullsh!t
- and many more, gloves in Maidana fight, referee in second Maidana fight, dirty punch in Ortiz fight ......

I am glad he is not arround anymore, but when i see Broner and similar idiots now, i miss him.

dirty punch in Ortiz fight? he hugged him and touched gloves with him.......should he have gave Ortiz a handjob first too?

don't forget who youre talking about.....Ortiz was disqualified for continuing to fight dirty and suckerpunching Corey Alarcon after the bell

after the Mayweather fight Ortiz was happier than a lottery winner and suggesting a rematch......easiest buck and biggest payday he ever earned

[Nile4000]

He will be looked as a major talent, but a mega head case who hindered boxing for many years.

[Mexi-Box]

I cringe thinking about how bad Floyd would skullfuck salido.

That's what people said going into his fight with Maidana. You're a complete idiot, though.

[SaadOffTheDeck]

I cringe thinking about how bad Floyd would skullfuck salido.

That's what people said going into his fight with Maidana. You're a complete idiot, though.

You're just butthurt because you clown yourself everytime you challenge me. It's boring, grow up kid. I'm sure Floyd/salido would have been a real slugfest. Just like ggg isn't a bigger draw than kovalev.

[Mexi-Box]

I cringe thinking about how bad Floyd would skullfuck salido.

That's what people said going into his fight with Maidana. You're a complete idiot, though.

You're just butthurt because you clown yourself everytime you challenge me. It's boring, grow up kid. I'm sure Floyd/salido would have been a real slugfest. Just like ggg isn't a bigger draw than kovalev.

No, I just wanted to say that you're an idiot. You always come off looking like a mental midget, and you always get destroyed.

[Kalan]

Lomachenko has better boxing ability than Floyd had by a decent margin.. Better feet.. faster hands.. better body shots.. and takes fewer hits..

Loma said he could easily have 30 fights by now if he could get them, because Robinson had 55 fights when he was a pro as long as Lomachenko and Mayweather had 25.. But the professional boxing game doesn't accommodate Eastern European boxers at the moment and the important fighters at 130 are not ready to fight him.

You're a moron, please stop lol

FO idiot.. You've never seen Lomachenko get nailed with the punches Floyd gets hit with...or wobble all over the place like Floyd did against old man Mosley.. You've never seen Floyd completely master prime, undefeated World Champion caliber fighters with the ability of Nicholas Walters and Gary Russell... And you've never seen Floyd move up a weight class and take out a World Champion the way Lomachenko knocked out Rocky Martinez.. Add to that, Floyd was accommodated with a lot more fights that he wanted then Loma is. Vasyl is begging for fights. Deserves them. Can't get them.

[Enlightened-One]

Regardless of whether he's gonna fight McGregor, should have retired after Pacquiao etc.. In his current state, how do you think he'll be viewed ten years from now

Personally he's top five all time and nobody will ever come close to his PPV numbers, regardless of who's fighting I'll never be as excited as was when I stayed up for one of Floyd's fights

• Commercial Success = The GOAT
• Sporting Success = The greatest fighter of the last two decades and also a dead-cert top-ten post World Ward II pound-for-pounder

[Tomasino]

I cringe thinking about how bad Floyd would skullfuck salido.

Exactly. Lomachenko doesn't hit nearly as hard as Floyd did, he can hit guys full on from the side without them seeing it and do nothing but turn their heads. The Floyd that beat Corrales would take Loma imo.

[Counter-puncher]

You've never seen Floyd completely master prime, undefeated World Champion caliber fighters with the ability of Nicholas Walters and Gary Russell... And you've never seen Floyd move up a weight class and take out a World Champion the way Lomachenko knocked out Rocky Martinez..

excellent trolling

Floyd not taking out someone of the quality of Rocky Martinez, is quality stuff.

[RScarf1]

Perfect record, but not perfect boxer. He arguably could have lost at least once. I think De La Hoya fight should have at least been ruled a draw. I think Sugar Ray Leonard would have beaten him if they fought in their primes.

[caldo2025]

Time is not going to be on Floyd's side when fans do the math on his career and consider his place in history. If Boxing continues to make these top fights that fans want to see, it will then put Floyd's many ducks and dodges under a spotlight and shine on what really was a light schedule for the type of fighter he was. To be on top of the game for so long and to avoid so many other fighters in their prime. Floyd had the dance partners unlike Roy and Wlad, but he chose not to take those fights or risks. To me, that will always keep him from any top 5 list.

Floyd's PPV events were considered wastes of money before the CM fight coming up so he'll have a couple of knocks against him when people consider his accomplishments. Boring, safe fights that under delivered during a time in which he could have taken on better opposition and dare to be great.

[caldo2025]

Time is not going to be on Floyd's side when fans do the math on his career and consider his place in history. If Boxing continues to make these top fights that fans want to see, it will then put Floyd's many ducks and dodges under a spotlight and shine on what really was a light schedule for the type of fighter he was. To be on top of the game for so long and to avoid so many other fighters in their prime. Floyd had the dance partners unlike Roy and Wlad, but he chose not to take those fights or risks. To me, that will always keep him from any top 5 list.

Floyd's PPV events were considered wastes of money before the CM fight coming up so he'll have a couple of knocks against him when people consider his accomplishments. Boring, safe fights that under delivered during a time in which he could have taken on better opposition and dare to be great.

People won't remember these details in the long term though. The details fade. Youngsters who will come into the sport later won't have even been around to witness the things we have. In 20 years' time what will be left will his perfect record against a long list of top fighters and the memories of fans about the ducking, weight stipulations, timing etc. His record will look better and better as time passes, IMO.

I disagree with you completely. In fact, Floyd's most memorable victory historically will end up being the sham happening in a few weeks. Boxing historians clearly associate strength of resume when reviewing fighters of yesteryear. Why isn't Rocky Marciano on most top 5 lists? Some people don't even have him on top 5 heavyweights of all time lists. 49-0. 43 KO's. He, like Floyd, ended up fighting great fighters well after they got old and past their prime, hence, not getting the much credit for them. Rocky's lack of opposition and big legacy fights have kept him from top consideration for years. The same will happen to Floyd.

[Enlightened-One]

If Boxing continues to make these top fights that fans want to see, it will then put Floyd's many ducks and dodges under a spotlight and shine on what really was a light schedule for the type of fighter he was. To be on top of the game for so long and to avoid so many other fighters in their prime. Floyd had the dance partners unlike Roy and Wlad, but he chose not to take those fights or risks. To me, that will always keep him from any top 5 list.

That’s an unreasonably harsh evaluation!

I think you’ve allowed your hatred to blind yourself from the reality of the situation.

[Ossyrules]

Mayweathers a great, exceptional ability, but better match making in terms of getting the right fights at the right time. I use the word "right", meaning at the opportune moment to win the bout.

His career when discussed in the future will always have them "what if" moments, which isn't really uncommon these days. His choices to fight people on the decline, or using catch weight stipulations etc to get the maximum advantage create these what if moments.

Calzaghe had the what if moments, to a lesser extent so did Roy. But whenever there records are discussed historically, people will raise these points.

His record is too thin and questionable to be anywhere near TBE, not even top ten imo. However along with Roy he's been the best fighter of this era

[G.McClellan]

His resume from lightweight and under was exceptional, and filled with some entertaining fights. He wasn't just boxing, he had killer instinct back then, the way he did Corales was dirty, and giving the always dangerous Castillo a rematch was an awesome move. He was hungry, and willing to take on anyone. However after his first fight at super lightweight against Corley, i noticed Floyd was a bit careful in the opponents he would choose(i.e choosing to fight Bruseles over Harris who had a belt). Floyd at that point was more conscious about keeping his '0' and making the most money he could make than fighting the best challenges out there.

But yeah, definitly amongst the greats.

A great post.

[Kalan]

Castillo wasn't dangerous in the slightest... The man couldn't box and the inept Hatton drilled him out... So Floyd fighting Castillo in a rematch??? He was going to win every round anyway -- all 3 judges gave Floyd the 1st Castillo fight by a much wider margin then the rematch... They each gave Floyd the 1st fight by 4 or 5 rounsd.. They had a hit team of judges appointed to the rematch who tried to rob Floyd -- but he won all the rounds so they couldn't

[caldo2025]

People won't remember these details in the long term though. The details fade. Youngsters who will come into the sport later won't have even been around to witness the things we have. In 20 years' time what will be left will his perfect record against a long list of top fighters and the memories of fans about the ducking, weight stipulations, timing etc. His record will look better and better as time passes, IMO.

I disagree with you completely. In fact, Floyd's most memorable victory historically will end up being the sham happening in a few weeks. Boxing historians clearly associate strength of resume when reviewing fighters of yesteryear. Why isn't Rocky Marciano on most top 5 lists? Some people don't even have him on top 5 heavyweights of all time lists. 49-0. 43 KO's. He, like Floyd, ended up fighting great fighters well after they got old and past their prime, hence, not getting the much credit for them. Rocky's lack of opposition and big legacy fights have kept him from top consideration for years. The same will happen to Floyd.

For 'proper' boxing fans like us, sure.

For casual fans, they won't know or remember these details. Floyd's profile has crossed over into millions of casual fans and his legacy amongst them will most likely only see the names on his ledger, without the details.

These "casual fans" as you call them only really know Floyd because of the wife beating...the wads of cash he waves under everyone's noses and the huge disappointments that have become Floyd's fights from an entertainment perspective. The knowledgable fan can see that we have witnessed an all time great from a skill perspective but the sports world is littered with talented people that never dared to be great and never dared to put their expertise on the line against the best opposition possible to see what level he or she could climb to.

Floyd decided long ago that he was going to be the richest fighter ever and not the greatest fighter ever. He can't have it both ways. I personally think that he could have beaten anyone and was right up there with Roy Jones in talent but he played it way too safe and every big fight he's been in, you hear "Yes, Floyd fought XXXX But......." Everyone knows that anything that comes before a BUT is bullshiit.

[G.McClellan]

Time is not going to be on Floyd's side when fans do the math on his career and consider his place in history. If Boxing continues to make these top fights that fans want to see, it will then put Floyd's many ducks and dodges under a spotlight and shine on what really was a light schedule for the type of fighter he was. To be on top of the game for so long and to avoid so many other fighters in their prime. Floyd had the dance partners unlike Roy and Wlad, but he chose not to take those fights or risks. To me, that will always keep him from any top 5 list.

Floyd's PPV events were considered wastes of money before the CM fight coming up so he'll have a couple of knocks against him when people consider his accomplishments. Boring, safe fights that under delivered during a time in which he could have taken on better opposition and dare to be great.

People won't remember these details in the long term though. The details fade. Youngsters who will come into the sport later won't have even been around to witness the things we have. In 20 years' time what will be left will his perfect record against a long list of top fighters and the memories of fans about the ducking, weight stipulations, timing etc. His record will look better and better as time passes, IMO.

I disagree with you completely. In fact, Floyd's most memorable victory historically will end up being the sham happening in a few weeks. Boxing historians clearly associate strength of resume when reviewing fighters of yesteryear. Why isn't Rocky Marciano on most top 5 lists? Some people don't even have him on top 5 heavyweights of all time lists. 49-0. 43 KO's. He, like Floyd, ended up fighting great fighters well after they got old and past their prime, hence, not getting the much credit for them. Rocky's lack of opposition and big legacy fights have kept him from top consideration for years. The same will happen to Floyd.

I think actually think his 130-135lb years will serve him in good stead. The Canelo and Oscar fights will also go in his favour as well. But it's the overall perception of him that won't change. Floyd is the best pocket fighter I've ever seen. His shot selection and ability to execute at will, is on par with any the sport has produced. But when I think of the type of fighters he has fought at 147 and 154 and the time at which he faced them in their careers, it leaves a lot to be desired. He beat Maidana, but he didn't look convincing in either fight. The gloves issue, the unsportsman like behaviour to beat Ortiz, in a fight he looked to be losing. Avoiding Keith Thurman for a good 18 months. Now there's a fighter, who would've read Floyd his last rites.

Another fighter Floyd was lucky to avoid is Errol Spence Jr.

When we discuss legacy we need to ask ourselves one simple question. Did Mayweather's career (in it's entirety) enhance the sport of boxing . The answer in his case is no.