FLOYD JR: DOES DEFENSE MAKE ONE GREAT?

January 27th, 2010 By Pedro Fernandez

DEFENSIVE FIGHTERS EASILY FORGOTTEN!

San Francisco, CA- It seems the majority of the boxing world is not enamored with the manner in which Floyd Mayweather Jr. takes care of his business. Having handpicked every opponent since he left 135 lbs, Floyd has raised the bar, at least when it comes to stinking the joint out! All this being said, when was the last time a master of pugilistic defense was considered great? Historians that I approached on this had only one Hall of Fame response, that being Willie Pep.

OFFENSIVE FIGHTERS EASILY REMEMBERED!

Fighters like the late Arturo Gatti, limited in the skill department, brought nothing but offense to a fist fight. If you look at Arturo’s fan base it was a smorgasbord of ethnic groups from all over the world. Floyd Mayweather on the other hand, an African American, seems to attract nothing but his peeps! Unlike Gatti, Manny Pacquiao, Mickey Ward, Marvin Hagler and Tommy Hearns, this group attracted all colors and denominations while Floyd doesn’t.

DEFENSIVE FIGHTERS EASILY FORGOTTEN II

Being a defensive master in the squared circle of boxing is not what fans clamor for. Rather than watch someone slip a shot, boxing fans are more inclined to like the guy who threw the shot, not blocked it. Let it be said, “Floyd Mayweather is a great defensive fighter.” That title may fill his pockets with gold bullion, but it will only continue to alienate the majority of fans following the sport.

Pedro Fernandez

Source: ringtalk.com