IS IT HIS CHARMING PERSONALITY?
New York, NY– After winning in convincing fashion against Juan Manuel Marquez (50-5-1 37 KOs), Floyd Mayweather Jr. (40-0 25 KOs) has found his way back on the pound for pound lists. But strangely his appearance at #2 P4P on the lists is only to replace the man he easily defeated in Marquez and not at number one spot. Manny Pacquiao (49-3-2 37 KOs) continues to hold that position as we speak. However, Mayweather still looks sharp and appears to have come back right where he left off pre-retirement in 2007. So what’s keeping him from being #1 P4P? He easily beat Marquez who (sans a couple knock downs at the hands of Pacquiao) could have been at number one himself. Seriously, if Mayweather made the man who gave the Pacman fits look like an amateur then are we supposed to believe Pac is actually the better fighter?
DOES FLOYD’S IMAGE OVERSHADOW HIS SKILLS?
Mayweather is not a media darling and certainly hasn’t positioned his star power the way Oscar De La Hoya or “Sugar Ray” Leonard did. But he is a magnificently skilled fighter and has managed to keep an undefeated record. It’s hard to imagine any fighter out there who would make his ‘0’ disappear. There are only two active fighters available who might give him a tough fight but would find themselves against the odds to beat him. Of course I’m talking about Shane Mosley (46-5 39 KOs) or Pacquiao as you may have imagined.
CONTROVERSY IN HIS BEING #2 P4P
Not to take anything away from the current #1 P4P fighter Pacquiao, he certainly has earned his spot. But I find it funny that even in ranking Mayweather #2 under Pac, there is still a conflict in the justification from some writers. On ESPN columnist Dan Rafael’s own P4P blog he comments, “If Pacquiao-Mayweather ever happens…fans have to be a little worried after seeing Mayweather destroy Marquez.” Despite this he has Mayweather at #2 P4P. Hmmm? He also comments, “If there’s going to be a change at the top, Pacquiao at least deserves the opportunity to fight his Nov. 14 welterweight title bout against Miguel Cotto first.” It seems like Dan innately knows who the best is but is reluctant to give him credit. I guess if Manny literally knocks Cotto’s head off, maybe Dan has a point.
SO WHAT DOES IT TAKE FOLKS?
Is it defeating former jr. flyweight (108 lbs) Manny Pacquiao? Is it winning a decision against an aging 38-year-old Shane Mosley? I position the previous two fighters based on what undoubtedly would be considered flaws should Mayweather beat them. Being on top certainly comes with those trying to knock you off your perch. But in Mayweather’s case ask yourself, if being the best isn’t good enough for the number one spot, what is?
Jarrad Woods