05.11.06 – By Alden “The Kid” Chodash: Floyd Mayweather Jr, coming off many distractions (see Roger Mayweather’s predicament) and disadvantages (coming into the ring thirteen pounds lighter than his opponent) once again maintained his undisputed “Pound-for-Pound” title via near-shutout win over universally recognized welterweight kingpin Carlos Baldomir. Mayweather was also making his third appearance in the welterweight division, first against a natural and strong welterweight, and first appearance against a fighter who clearly outweighed him the day of the fight. So the buildup of this bout suggested Mayweather’s biggest struggle and possibly first defeat could occur..
Both fighters made weight on Friday though Baldomir came into the ring at 162, a super-middleweight. When the bell rang Mayweather and Baldomir seemed quite hesitant due to the magnitude of the fight. The best drama that occurred in the first was a decent sized cut on the left eye of Baldomir. Carlos may of landed his best punch of the fight early in the second but to Mayweather’s credit, he didn’t show any negative post-effects. While Baldomir was stalking, Mayweather was playing the role as the matador, landing a combination and then sidestepping and not giving Baldomir a chance to fire back. This pattern played itself out again and again. Baldomir could not cut off the ring effectively enough and when he did get close to Floyd, he couldn’t land. Baldomir kept charging forward though and wasn’t frustrated until the eleventh, when a fatigued and outclassed Baldomir purposely spun around in disdain after yet another unsuccessful swing at Floyd. Baldomir fought the twelfth round hard, and Mayweather most likely took the round off and may have given Baldomir his sole round of the fight (on my card). Two of the three judges had it a shutout for Mayweather while Paul Smith had Mayweather winning ten out of twelve rounds. Mayweather was criticized for making the fight dull and tactical but criticizing his ring generalship is not justified.
Mayweather, post-fight, said he was considering retirement soon (possibly after one more fight) and if that’s the case, he should go out making admirers of his current critics. To do this he must do what nobody wants to do, be Harry Potter to his Lord Voldemort and fight Antonio “He who should not be mentioned” Margarito. A De La Hoya fight would be as close to a mega-fight as we’ve seen in a while but if Floyd wants to be as he says, “the greatest fighter ever”, he must take on Margarito which in my opinion would remove any doubts about his heart. It’s his choice, he could go out against De La Hoya or he can battle Margarito in a bout that will enhance his name. I don’t mind seeing either one.
Alden “The Kid” Chodash is the newest and youngest member of the Boxing Writers Association Of America.