Only if we’re in for a sad century of boxing.
I’ve even heard the upcoming Mayweather-Pacquiao bout called the “Greatest Fight of All Time”. Don’t buy the hype.
Let’s get real. We’re talking about two fighters who are 36 and 38 years old. The older guy is undefeated. The other has 5 losses, 3 by KO, and 2 draws.
The last time Manny stopped anybody was in 2009 (a TKO, not KO). On the other hand, he was knocked so cold by Juan Manuel Marques in December 2012 that his corner thought he might be dead.
The unbeaten Mayweather hasn’t stopped an opponent since 2007 (also a TKO, not a KO)!
On March 8, 1971, two undefeated HEAVYWEIGHTS, both Olympic Champions, both with an arguable claim to the title, faced each other at Madison Square Garden. Neither was yet 30. Joe Frazier was 26-0 with 23 KOs. Muhammed Ali/Cassius Clay was 31-0 with 25 KOs.
That was the Fight of Any Century.
If Mayweather can’t beat Pacquiao, his legacy is shattered. Beyond being undefeated, he appeared to tower over Manny at the announcement of the fight; he will enjoy a huge height and reach advantage. A loss would be a complete humiliation.
Since neither has been able to put away an opponent in a combined 14 years, there is a good chance the fight will go the distance. Then it will be up to the Nevada Athletic Commission to ensure that competent officials (not local flacks) have been assigned to render a decision. Sadly, the iconic Garden refs of yesteryear, from Arthur Donovan to Arthur Mercante, are no longer with us. We can only hope.
As we also hope that Mayweather’s thug friends don’t stir up any trouble on the Strip.
I agree but I am buying the fight anyway, and hoping for the best. As I recall, the POP always wanted to get his hands on Mayweather.
Not giving the gangster a penny. And yes, I will always regret deferring to the DA on what could have been a successful federal case which would have derailed Floyd’s career for 12-18 months.
Shaun (and others). I warned you. This may not have even been the “Fight of the Weekend” – there was a gang shooting afterwards.