29.08.05 – By Izyaslav “Slava” Koza: I know that in the real sense I am nothing but a fraction of the 50 bucks that “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather gets as part of the PPV’s that I buy with him in the main event. I know that my opinion is about as worthless as men’s underwear to Demarcus Corley, but I know that I am not alone in shaking my head in disapproval at Floyd’s latest actions..
Honestly, which boxing fan in their right mind would not want to see Floyd Mayweather vs. Zab Judah or Floyd Mayweather vs. Winky Wright? Heck, it doesn’t even matter which of these two fights we get, because either one has Super Galaxy Fight of the Millenium written on it.
However, are we likely to see these fights? Unfortunately, Floyd, it seems, is on the verge of alienating fans left and right by refusing both challenges.
Like I have said before, and others have said, this guy (Floyd) is the single most naturally talented fighter in boxing today, and it pains me to see him blow what is essentially his prime on negotiations. I will admit that there is no way that I know for sure what happened in the negotiations between the two camps, but I do know the following and that is Zab Judah took pennies to fight a rematch with Cory Spinks, in Spinks hometown no less. There is almost no way that Zab’s purse can be the factor that caused talks to either stall or breakdown, in my opinion. Zab Judah may be cocky, often unfocused, and hated by many, yet he is man enough to fight for the sake of pride, not dollars.
Floyd Mayweather has teased us with one tune up after another at 140, and it looks like the teasing isn’t over yet. Corley was already defeated before that bout, Brussels could have been a jeopardy answer in regards to the most unknown boxer in the sport, and, well, Gatti was a washed up cash machine, in my humble opinion, and not because of his previous bouts, mind you, (although, we all saw those) but because of the amount of punches he took in his fight with Floyd.
Where are the Corrales, Castillo, Hernandez type opponents for Floyd? I must say this: Floyd, you are the single most talented fighter in sports, and it is utterly impossible for me to believe that you can’t make your next fight out a worthwhile testament to your greatness by tangling with a deserving opponent.
It’s at times like these that I think of guys like Tito Trinidad and Oscar De La Hoya. These two guys may have been hated on for whatever reason, but nobody can stand there with a straight face and tell me they didn’t put themselves on the line. These guys were constantly looking for true challenges, and even though they lost their “O” in the process, I think they gained so much more – that is, money, and fame included. Nobody cares that the “Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya has what, 4 losses, because he is more of a household name even now, somewhat flabby and out of shape than Floyd Mayweather. Oscar has made a ridiculous load of money just by tackling the tough challenges, and there is no reason why Floyd can’t do the same. I would have more respect for 34-2 Floyd Mayweather if those two losses were to Judah and Winky, then I would for 36-0 Floyd Mayweather if the latest two wins were against some other generic version of Arturo Gatti or Henry Brusseles. I am also willing to bet I wouldn’t be the only fan. Not to mention the fact that Mayweather would have a whole heck of a lot more money then he does now.
Show us what your made of, Floyd. You know you want to prove yourself, if even not to those us who’s opinion doesn’t matter but to yourself and those close to you.