By James Slater: As many fans expected, Floyd Mayweather Junior has been dropped from the Ring Magazine rankings due to inactivity. “Money,” who has now been out of action for over a year ( His May 1st 2010 win over Shane Mosley was the 34-year-old’s last fight), has been dropped from both The Bible of Boxing’s welterweight and Pound-for-Pound listings.
“The removal of Floyd Mayweather, who has not fought since May 1st 2010, and has no bout currently scheduled, is not a reflection of Mayweather’s ability,” Ring editor Nigel Collins wrote. “However, to keep him ranked at the expense of other fighters is unfair, especially as we have no idea of or when Mayweather will fight again.
“Mayweather has also been dropped from the pound-for-pound ratings for the same reason. If he returns to action, Mayweather’s status will be re-evaluated.”
Fair enough. But will Mayweather ever fight again? With his court appearances still to be made, Floyd’s time may be running out. And even if “Money” does fight again, there is no guarantee his skills will be what they once were when he does box again. It would be sad to see a past-it, faded Mayweather trying to reclaim his former greatness. In the past, layoffs have not affected Mayweather in the slightest; with no tune-up bout needed ahead of a big fight against an elite fighter. However, time catches up with all fighters; as does age.
Can Mayweather ever reclaim his spot atop the P-4-P charts? A win over Manny Pacquiao would do the trick, obviously – but will this fight ever happen? It’s beginning to look more and more doubtful. Fans are debating whether or not Mayweather will ever return to the ring. If the Pacquiao fight cannot happen, there are a number of other exciting options Floyd could take instead. If he chooses not to further risk his perfect record (currently standing at 41-0(25)), Mayweather knows he has a place in boxing history. But how favourably will the history books be to Mayweather if he doesn’t face Pac-Man?
Ring Magazine’s new P-4-P top-10:
1: Manny Pacquiao.
2: Sergio Gabriel Martinez.
3: Nonito Donaire.
4: Juan Manuel Marquez.
5: Pongsaklek Wonjonkham.
6: Wladimir Klitschko.
7: Timothy Bradley.
8: Andre Ward.
9: Giovani Segura.
10: Miguel Cotto.
This writer’s top-10 P-4-P:
1: Manny Pacquiao.
2: Sergio Gabriel Martinez.
3: Nonito Donaire.
4: Juan Manuel Marquez.
5: Vitali Klitschko.
6: Bernard Hopkins.
7: Carl Froch.
8: Wladimir Klitschko.
9: Lucian Bute.
10: Timothy Bradley/Amir Khan (tie).