Mayweather Return Successful, Time to Step Up Against the Real Welterweights

Floyd Mayweather Jr. returned to the ring successfully against Juan Manuel Marquez after an almost two year hiatus. However, not everyone was impressed with his virtuoso near shutout of Marquez, best known as Manny Pacquiao’s ring rival.

From the sound of the first bell, it was quite apparent that Mayweather was far too big, strong, fast, young, you name it, for the game but overmatched Mexican legend.

There were times during the bout when you got the sense that Mayweather was going to step it up and take out the shopworn, undersized veteran.

That moment never came.

Mayweather supporters are now raving that their man is back and he without a shadow of a doubt has reclaimed the top spot in the subjective p4p rankings. Detractors argue that Mayweather only selected Marquez because he knew the smaller great would pose no threat. They further argue that Mayweather purposely came in overweight a few pounds to secure yet more of an advantage over the already overmatched Mexican.

I can’t say I disagree.

While I do concur that Mayweather looked excellent last Saturday night, things should be kept in perspective. Marquez is not and never will be a welterweight. Marquez is a natural featherweight who only began moving up in weight a few years ago to chase his rival, Pacquiao. Marquez only took this bout because it was a no-lose situation for him that would garner him the largest purse of his career. I’m sure he convinced himself he had a shot to win, but no training regimen in existence could’ve ever prepared him for a fighter of Mayweather’s size and caliber.

At this point, if Mayweather is truly serious about proving his naysayers wrong, he’s going to finally have to face the top welterweights of his day. Yes, that includes the winner of Cotto/Pacquiao, Shane Mosley, Joshua Clottey, Antonio Margarito, or Andre Berto.

Simply put, the boxing world would now like to see Mayweather’s tantalizing skills tested against fighters in his own weight class. Whether or not Mayweather will fulfill our wishes is arguable since history has proven that he has never been crazy about facing welterweight threats. His welterweight resume now consists of Sharmba Mitchell, Zab Judah, Carlos Baldomir, Ricky Hatton, and Juan Manuel Marquez, not exactly a “Who’s Who” of the welterweight landscape over the last 5 years.

As for Marquez, he should be given great credit for going the distance against a fighter that has stopped much bigger men. Marquez once again proved the toughness he’s demonstrated throughout his career. As far as his career is concerned, he can still go back down to 135-140 and entertain several intriguing matchups. He can always tackle Ricky Hatton for big money, one of the titlists at 140, or defend his lightweight crown against the likes of Edwin Valero, Humberto Soto, or Joan Guzman. He may even be tempted to exact revenge on Chris John to erase doubts revolving around the controversial decision he lost to John in Indonesia, John’s home turf, back in 2006.

Like many, you may not enjoy Mayweather’s safety first style, but it is no doubt quite effective. Based on their track records, he’s no worse than even money against Pacquiao.

Who wins that bout?

It’s difficult to predict at this point. My prediction hinges on how Pacquiao fairs against his first true welterweight test, Miguel Cotto. Until then, all we can really do is ponder.

Welcome back ”Money.” Sit back, wait a few months, and watch Pacquiao take on a top welterweight. Perhaps this is something you’ll finally do in the near future.


Commentary: I couldn't agree more to the article writer. Floyd Mayweather is a shameless, egotistical, money-loving, chicken boxer. It's so frustrating watching him not being able to step on the gas and finish of the undermatch and cheated Juan Manuel Marquez. Yah, Floyd sit on the corner and watch the number one pound for pound champion fight against a real competition in Miguel Cotto.

Source: Mayweather Return Successful, Time to Step Up Against the Real Welterweights

To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.