Who will secure the Mayweather Legacy – Pacquiao, Williams, or Martinez?
By Christoph Eichel: When Mayweather returned from temporary retirement in 2009 his initial statement lead us to believe he would be returning for two or three fights, two fights in Mayweather continues to fight, however at 33-years-old and financially secure the end must be near.
You never know with Mayweather, One thing we know for sure is its Mayweather who calls the shots, he promotes himself, has no set fight deal with any TV network and refuses to pay sanctioning fees for any of the alphabet straps. An announcement could come anytime regarding his future, as it did before his temporary retirement after the Hatton fight back in 2007.
In a perfect world, we would like to see Floyd Mayweather Jr fight all of the above, but in reality if the Pacquiao bout pops off the amount of revenue generated would most likely see both retire. We know Pacquiao has announced a one more fight deal, allowing the Filipino sensation to concentrate his efforts on his political endeavours. For Mayweather there would be no other fight out there that could generate anywhere near what he would make for a Pacquiao match-up.
Although it’s clear who will boost Mayweather’s bank balance, what name will boost his resume when we look back in retrospect.
Manny Pacquiao
Pacquiao, (51-3-2, 38 KOs) is undoubtedly most people choice of opponent, Mayweather has openly expressed he fights for money, and this bout would be the most marketable out there. Pacquiao has soared through the divisions winning titles in a record seven weight categories. Both fighters currently reside atop the pound for pound and welterweight rankings so a bout would answer a lot of questions; as to who is the best.
However, Mayweather has always had his critics and a win over Pacquiao in their eyes would do little for his legacy.
Paul Williams
Standing 6' 1 with a 82” reach Williams, (39-1-0, 27 KOs) would represent the toughest physical challenge. The punisher has a proven chin and is a volume puncher that would make for an entertaining fight. Williams has been labelled the avoided fighter of the day, evident in his consistently moving up and down weight in his pursuit to secure a meaningful fight.
If Mayweather faced Williams, it would do his ring credit no harm. As yet, Paul Williams does not have a massive following and a fight with the 28-year-old may not break PPV records but it would earn Mayweather the respect for taking on a legitimate challenger and such a physical imposing fighter.
Sergio Gabriel Martinez
Concerning legacy Martinez must be considered the most valuable opponent. Martinez, (45-2-2, 24 KOs) currently holds the WBC and WBO middleweight titles. Style wise Martinez would epitomize the toughest challenge. The Argentinean has a style of fighting somewhat like Mayweather with his counter punching, fast hand speed, and ability to move well around the ring, and has displayed a willingness to slug it out when and if required.
Martinez has also went on record saying he would have no problem undertaking any Olympic style drug testing, testing it is looking like any future opponent of Mayweather will be required to do, as he continues his crusade to clean up the sport of boxing.
Talking numbers, I’m sure over the past two years Martinez has won over the hearts and minds of many fans, in 2009, Martinez fought a draw with Kermit Cintron followed by a close defeat to the aforementioned Paul Williams, many felt Martinez was hard done by in both bouts and felt he done enough to win both fights.
Four months later Martinez captured the coveted middleweight title. Winning a title with a long history would have boosted his popularity not only in his native Argentina but worldwide.
Interestingly one thing in common all three fighters posses is their fighting from a southpaw stance, Mayweather’s father Floyd Sr has openly expressed his concerns regarding his son fighting southpaws.
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Comments (10)
There would never be a trilogy with pacman. A Floyd win will not be a close one to call for a re-mach. If there will be a re-march, the second fight would be so conlussive that a third one would make no sence. I believe it will be worse than Sugar. I know that you know deep down your heart.
Williams presents the biggest fight, at least among hardcore faithful, if the Pacquaio fight doesn't happen. Williams is rated #3 on multiple P4P lists. Which makes him much like Mosley. And that is the next best avaiable guy behind Money and Pac. Personally, I think Money totally dismantles Williams, but I'll be totally in the minorty.
While Williams and Martinez would be great opponents, Pacqauio is the obvious answer. He and Mayweather are clearly the best two fighters of the current era. So not only would it be for the welterweight title and P4P supremace, but it would crown the best fighter of this era. And this would happen in probably the highest grossing fight in boxing history.
Pac vs Williams-yeah right
vs Martinez-yeah right