EastSideBoxing’s Vivek “Vito” Wallace gives a few random last minute thoughts to ponder live from the MGM GRAND:
Only hours away from the return of Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s return to the ring after yet another long hiatus, seems there’s a different energy in the air on the streets of Las Vegas. Several fans and media alike have given thoughts on the pending showdown and oddly enough, there seems to be a vastly different vibe. Suddenly, the man we know for toting a gang load of dollar bills is perceived is to some about to be reduced to ‘change’ (from his winning ways). In the words of one fan, “I don’t know what it is, but I have a very funny feeling about this one”. Those words were intriguing to me, because just a few days ago, they were the exact same ones that crossed my mind.
In the words of Mayweather sr., “reflexes is one of those things about a fighter that you don’t know you’ve lost until it results in a loss”. The great Roy Jones jr. suffered his first career defeat at this very same age. And that came without any layoffs. This will be Mayweather’s first fight in 16 months, and not too long ago, he returned to the ring after a long 20 month hiatus. Getting optimal rest is one thing…..but such a long time away from any craft that one used to “love” suggest that there could very well be a loss of passion. Lack of passion, and a return against a young, hungry southpaw with nothing to lose and everything to gain can be the making of a ‘perfect storm’..
The skill of Mayweather makes him a lock with the bookies, but this is one of those rare occasions where the odds may not parallel with the oddity set to unfold. This gut feeling could be dead wrong, but no question, there’s a hint of something “different” in the air. On paper, it’s Mayweather’s fight to win. As we all know…..paper burns. Victor Ortiz could be the proverbial ‘lighter’ to spark that fire. Stay tuned.
(More random thoughts to follow throughout the day and in the aftermath before Monday’s ‘Left-Hook Lounge’ Mailbag)
(Vivek “Vito” Wallace can be reached at vivexemail@yahoo.com, Youtube (Vivek1251), Twitter (VivekWallace747), Skype (Vito-Boxing) and FaceBook).