Sugar Ray Leonard
Sugar Ray Leonard
The Dichotomy Of Floyd Mayweather Jr. -Business Man Or Great Fighter?
I was watching the 30 minute promotional segment just prior to the pay-per view telecast of the Mayweather-Marquez fight. A clip of the promotion shows an interview of Floyd - and he was quoted as saying "if you are not watching a Floyd Mayweather fight, you are watching the wrong fights". It was at that moment it occurred to me that Floyd was 'wrong'!! It is more like the other way around. A revised version of Floyd's quote should read, "if you are watching a Floyd Mayweather fight, you are watching the wrong fights".
Floyd promptly went out and pitched a shutout over Marquez in a landslide victory. Floyd put on a great performance coming off a 21 month layoff against a very good pound for pound fighter in Marquez. The question I had to ask myself after the fight was: Does Floyd want to be a great fighter, or is he just a businessman? The answer is simple. He is a businessman who has transformed from talented boxing prodigy who lived and breathed boxing to a money flashing, gambling, jet setting, jive talking ‘celebrity' persona. Some may say that Floyd has just evolved and has just become who he is. As a purist, I can do without it.
As an elite fighter and long time pound for pound king prior to his ‘retirement' in 2008, Floyd Mayweather Jr. was a household name. When he retired, it was very similar to the screen going blank on the season finale of the Sopranos. We didn't know how it ended, but somehow, we knew there will eventually be a conclusion to the story.
He had beaten Oscar De La Hoya in May of 2007 and followed up with a 10 round destruction of Ricky Hatton in December of 2007. Prior to the Hatton fight and during training camp, he appeared as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars. This helped him cross over into the public consciousness of non boxing fans. Since the De La Hoya and Hatton fights did so well on pay-per view, Floyd starting thinking he was the reason the fights drew say many pay per view buys. And why wouldn't he think that? He is the most talented and skilled fighter in the world and has never been beaten.
The reality was that just like Bernard Hopkins, his fights are based on skill, experience, defense, and playing it safe. Definitely not a crowd pleasing style. His pay per view success was based on Oscar and Ricky's fan base - and many boxing fans that just wanted to see him lose. He walked away from the sport on top, but to most fans, an incomplete legacy. Now he is back, and hopefully, he can cement his legacy.
Don't get me wrong, as a boxing purist, I think Floyd is amazing to watch. I am not here to disparage his ability. He is the most skilled fighter in the sport of boxing, and also the smartest fighter in the ring today. The problem is, only a purist can appreciate a fighter like Floyd. The precision, the speed, the almost impregnable defense, the great stamina, and the wonderful footwork and foot speed that enables him to avoid punches. The average fan who watches an occasional fight here and there would say he is boring to watch. I would have a hard time disagreeing with them.
Why didn't he press Marquez and stop him? Why didn't he turn it up a notch and pour it on during the Oscar fight? Simply, why can't he be more exciting? During these big pay per view events, the world is watching.
The answer is that in the ring, he is pure talent, skill, and defense. At welterweight, he shows very little offense, but he throws very accurate and effective punches. Rarely do you see a combination thrown. His skill and talent do the talking, and nobody can talk him into doing it any other way. He simply just doesn't take risks which provide the fireworks that fans want to see.
Outside the ring, he thinks he is a star attraction. A must see fighter who everybody is compelled to watch. He will only take fights that are the lowest risk, and the highest reward. I know boxing is a business, but if you fight just for money and to just sustain your ‘Money' image, it takes away the credence and luster of your legacy.
Floyd wasn't always this way though. I first remember watching Floyd beat Genaro "Chicanito" Hernandez in the fall of 1998 for the WBC Super featherweight belt. It was clear Floyd had all the ability in the world with tremendous speed and fluidity that made him really fun to watch.
At the time Floyd was just 21 years old. He had just won his first title. His father Floyd Sr., was a professional fighter who once fought Sugar Ray Leonard in 1978. His uncles were professional fighters as well. Roger "The Black Mamba" Mayweather and Jeff Mayweather. Roger had been an elite level fighter in the 1980's and 90's who had fought Hall of Fame fighters such as Julio Cesar Chavez and Pernell Whitaker. Jeff had been a perennial lightweight fighter who fought Oscar De La Hoya in 1993. At that time, I was convinced he had everything he needed to be an all time great fighter. He had the Mayweather name - boxing was in his genes. His future looked bright and I was very excited that a fighter had come along similar to my favorite fighter of all time, Sugar Ray Leonard.
Floyd made good use of his talents and took on all comers in the super lightweight division from 1998 to 2001, defending the title 8 times with impressive wins over Diego Corrales, Angel Manfredy, and Jesus Chavez. Floyd was at this best during this period. At 130 lbs, he had power and let his hands go. The effervescent fighter would overwhelm Corrales with speed and power and knocked him down five times before Corrales' corner threw in the towel after 10 rounds. Corrales was the best fighter at junior lightweight to challenge the "Pretty Boy". Floyd walked through him like a hot knife through butter.
As good as Floyd Mayweather Jr. was, he didn't have much of a fan base. He was arguably the most gifted fighter on the planet since Roy Jones Jr. His skill was revered in boxing circles. Purists respected his talent and dedication to being a great fighter, but he was not a household name. He moved up to lightweight in 2002 and fought Jose Luis Castillo and won a controversial unanimous decision. Floyd would fight Castillo again in a rematch and win a comfortable unanimous decision. He showed the fans that the first fight, which many think he lost, was an aberration due to Floyd fighting with great pain in his hands. Even with these wins over the tough and formidable lightweight champ Castillo, his first two fights at lightweight, Floyd still didn't win over the fans. As a matter of fact, Floyd didn't headline a pay per view event until June of 2005, against the late Arturo Gatti, in his ninth year as a professional prize fighter.
It wasn't until the De La Hoya fight that Floyd's head really began to grow. He was in the national spotlight since he was fighting the cash cow which was Oscar De La Hoya. A new series on HBO, 24/7, profiled each fighter in camp and their private lives leading up to the fight. Floyd knew he was a great fighter, but he never had the status of an Oscar De La Hoya or a Sugar Ray Leonard. This was his time to have camera time. To be in living rooms across America consistently for a month prior to the fight. Floyd was shown with his diamonds, jewelry, his cars, his mansion, his entourage -which included rapper 50 Cent, and his personal barber. It was around this time that Floyd's ‘Money' image was born and he subsequently changed his boxing nick name from "Pretty Boy" to "Money". The fight ended up being a split decision victory for Floyd and sold 2.4 million pay per view buys. Floyd reportedly earned about $25 million for the fight. The money man had his huge payday. Its too bad the payday was formulated with his skills outside the ring and not inside the ring. The fight did not live up to the hype and the majority of the pay per view buys were due to Oscar's fan base.
It's not too late for Floyd, however. He still can salvage his legacy. With impressive wins over Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, and Shane Mosley, he would be regarded as maybe one of the best fighters ever.
Maybe one day we can reflect on these potential fights by watching ‘The Tale of Mayweather vs. Pacquiao' on HBO or ‘The Tale of Mayweather vs. Cotto'. Hopefully, these fights will come to fruition. Furthermore, lets hope someone like Pacquiao or Cotto can press Floyd into a memorable battle similar to Leonard vs. Hearns I or Chavez vs. Taylor I. Come on Floyd, forget the ‘Money' persona and give us some legendary fights to remember.
About the Author
Andrew Parsons is a graduate of California State University, Fullerton. He is contributing writer on many subjects, but most notably boxing and the politics of boxing.
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Sugar Ray Leonard - Beyond The Glory 1/5
Shane Mosley: His Last Chance For Greatness
In the lexicon of the world of boxing, the word ‘Sugar' is a moniker that is reserved for only a few great fighters. You have to be a pretty special and flashy fighter in order to adopt the nickname in the first place. Needless to say, you have to be good, you have to win, and you have to have the heart and charisma of a champion - as well as public appeal.
In the history of boxing, there was the great Sugar Ray Robinson and Sugar Ray Leonard, who are undisputed all time greats. No one would argue that these two pugilists earned the right to stitch the "Sugar" nickname on their boxing trunks. There was also WBC light heavyweight champion Carlos ‘Sugar' Deleon in the 1980's and middleweight ‘Sugar' Ray Seals in the 1970‘s. Seals was a fringe contender who fought Marvin Hagler twice, losing a decision and then earning a draw against the Marvelous one in a rematch. Although they were both good fighters, they didn't quite live up to the ‘Sugar' nickname. Not many fighters can.
"Sugar " Shane Mosley is right on the cusp of all time greatness if he can defeat, and convincingly defeat, the great Floyd Mayweather Jr. Shane is scheduled to fight the 'Pretty Boy' on May 1st in Las Vegas.
Starting out his career as a lightweight in 1993, Shane compiled a 38 and 0 record with 35 knockouts. Mosley was a pound for pound fighter at the height of his lightweight reign, but relatively unknown outside the world of boxing fans and purists. Moving up to welterweight in 1999(skipping the junior welterweight division altogether), he then faced Oscar De La Hoya in June of 2000 and won a split decision in a very exciting fight. This pushed Mosley to the forefront of the American public as well as the boxing public - a status all prize fighters strive for.
Mosley is one of those fighters that any boxing fan knows is a good - if not great fighter. The problem is, I was forced to describe him as a "good - if not great" fighter. He is right on the bubble. If, and only if he defeats Mayweather, will Shane Mosley be considered great. Of course, that is my humble opinion. Then, if he fights and defeats Manny Pacquiao, which isn't out of the realm of possibility, he will undoubtedly be universally recognized as great. However, let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Let's look at his history. He has beaten Oscar De La Hoya twice, Fernando Vargas twice, Ricardo Mayorga, Antonio Margarito, Luis Collazo, and a solid Phillip Holiday at lightweight. Not too mention the whole lightweight division when he reigned in that division over ten years ago.
To play devil's advocate, many people thought he lost the rematch against De La Hoya, this writer included. Also, his two wins over Vargas were a bit underwhelming due to the fact that Vargas was considered a relatively shot fighter by the time of the Mosley fights. Furthermore, it was reported that Mosley tested positive for performance enhancing drugs(PED's) following the 2003 rematch against De La Hoya. Although Mosley claims he ingested or took these PED's unknowingly, it sure hasn't helped his legacy as a great fighter.
Shane has lost twice to Vernon Forrest and Winky Wright. Then, he lost a close decision to Miguel Cotto in November of 2008. These losses definitely set Mosley back quite a bit, but he is a fighter that is most enduring. Shane never stopped taking challenges from all fighters. He has never ducked anybody. Most boxing fans and writers are having a hard time envisioning how Mosley will be able to defeat the defensive specialist and sharpshooter for which Floyd is known. Quite frankly, so am I, and I am a big fan of Mosley. Maybe will we see something from Shane that will shock us. I am hoping that is the case.
Coming off a spectacular knockout of the big and strong Antonio Margarito in January of 2009, Mosley has been considered one of the top three welterweights in the world. At the seasoned age of 38 (he turns 39 on September 7th), Shane will be coming off a 16 month layoff by the time he enters the ring against Mayweather. The fight against Mayweather happened somewhat by accident. With the Pacquiao - Mayweather negotiations falling apart and Mosley's January 30th fight with Andre Berto fight being canceled, it seemed to happen by default.
Not one welterweight champion or contender aside from Andre Berto really wanted to face Mosley because it was just too risky. Mosley simply destroyed Margarito and even Mayweather seemed to want to avoid Mosley - even after Floyd's dominating performance of Juan Manual Marquez.
So why do you think fighters are so scared of a 38 year old former lightweight who hasn't fought in over a year?
Here is why. Shane Mosley is the Cal Ripken Jr. of boxing. He shows up to work every day and nothing gets in the way of his professionalism. A gym rat of unequaled proportion, Mosley is in shape year around. He comes to fight, and he comes to win. He is not afraid of taking a punch, and he is fan friendly. Shane is accustomed to the big stage, and he is a very experienced and veteran fighter. He has power and speed, and the uncompromising will to win.
He is the opposite of a beer drinking, weight gaining Ricky Hatton. Shane doesn't slack between fights. He has never been knocked out and has never taken any beatings.
He has only been down once against Vernon Forrest in their first fight. I don't think the sixteen month layoff prior to the bout will be an issue. Mosley always stays sharp. As a matter of fact, the layoff should help him in an odd way due to his advanced age.
In the wake of the March 13th fight between Manny Pacquiao versus Joshua Clottey bout at Cowboys Stadium, boxing fans are in need of a 'great' fight. Pacquiao did his job by beating Clottey, now Mosley can step into a super fight if he beats Mayweather. Most fans and writers, including myself, see this as a great match up.
Pacquiao came to fight and displayed his great hand speed, resilience, stamina, and the will of a champion. On the grand stage in Jerry Jones' wonderful state of the art stadium, Clottey failed to make a real effort to take the fight to Pacquiao. In the end, Pacquiao won every round on two of the three judges scorecards in an rather easy victory of the defensive minded Clottey. So what does all this mean? Pacquiao is considered the world's best. If Mosley can beat Mayweather, and then face and beat Pacquiao, Mosley will cement his legacy.
If Mosley can beat Mayweather, it will be a great feat all by itself. If he wins decisively, it will set him up for an historic bout between he and Manny Pacquiao. Mosley will be on the threshold of greatness. Something that has always seemed to have eluded him. Mosley is the type of fighter that searches for that type of rarified air. He wants to win. He wants to prove himself. He is not scared. He comes prepared.
The major problem with this whole equation for Shane is that beating Mayweather is a task of gargantuan proportion. Mayweather, as most boxing fans know, is a master defensive fighter with precision counter skills and power. Mosley will be aggressive because he has that Philadelphia fighter element in his instincts as a fighter(not to be confused with Bernard Hopkins-who goes against the grain of typical Philadelphia fighters). Mosley will be offensive with his speed and skill. It should be interesting to see how Mayweather handles Mosley.
Mosley has a history of being neutralized by defensive fighters. Winky Wright was very defensive but utilized a great jab to counter Mosley's aggression. Vernon Forrest was long armed and tall, and Mosley's style played right into the hands of Forrest. Vernon landed the right hand at will on Mosley and the granite chinned Shane had no answer to remedy the style of a unique fighter. In the end, Shane lost two consecutive fights to Forest, which diminished his marketability as an elite fighter.
Will Floyd shut down Mosley? My boxing knowledge says yes. But knowing Shane, he might utilize some of that "Sugar" to forge his name into the record books and true greatness with an upset victory over Floyd. How many people thought he would knock out and literally destroy Antonio Margarito? This is why I love the sport of boxing. You just never know.
About the Author
Andrew Parsons grew up in Southern California and is a graduate of Cal State Fullerton. He is a contributing writer at www.fightfannation.com. You can also see more of his writing at Vintage Sports Memorabilia Online where he discusses sports memorabilia as well as boxing memorabilia.