The Mayweather effect...

Until a week ago I was a very avid fan of Floyd Mayweather. Right now I personally believe he is becoming detrimental to the sport. The popularization of Mayweather is leading to more and more fluffed records, more protecting of prospective prize fighters, and more disregard for big fights people want to see. Mayweather didn't start the trend, but he is definitely making it a staple in boxing. He is the most popular boxer in the USA, and in my opinion, he is also the most talented. Everytime you hear a Mayweather fight is happening it is imminently followed with interest and then a groan. I personally believe no one is discrediting Floyd based on bias or hatred, there are a ton of fans here who realize he is blindingly fast and probably the most accurate puncher in history. Most people's problems stem from his match ups and safety first attitude. It's even more evident when you see a 38 year old Shane Mosley calling out a younger and faster Mayweather publically every other week. Shane Mosley is one of the few big names left in boxing, and Floyd is obviously grasping for an excuse to write him off so he doesn't have to step in the ring with the mammoth punching, iron chinned Mosley. There is absolutely no legitimate reason Floyd can say that Marquez was a better choice than Mosley. Yes... Marquez is mexican, yes... he is an excellent boxer, yes... he most likely beat pacquiao at least once, but No... no he is absolutely not a welterweight, and Yes... Shane Mosley absolutely is. I have grown tired of defending Mayweather against all the logic that goes against him. I know for a fact he is an amazing boxer, but I look at someone like Roy Jones who struggles to cement his status amidst his lack of any real competition and I see the same for Floyd. Floyd is in the position to place himself up there with the greats and make a solid claim for a top 10 P4P of all time, but he is missing it. There are no boxing critics who take him seriously, and it's his fault. I'm beginning to think a loss at this point in his career will do more for him than a win. I contend the fans stop putting up with bad decisions(i saw one live the other day that made me sick) and horrible match ups and we start putting our expectations into solid worthwhile match ups. On a final note, I would love to see Shane fight Floyd 2 pounds heavier than agreed, and even more exciting than the fight would be Floyd trying to explain why it was ok for him, but not Shane.

 

Because you're staking a claim as the best boxer in history, not the cheesiest.

 

Again, i'm not saying floyd isn't great, he is. I'm saying he is falling short of anywhere even close to all time great, but is still trying to convince everyone he is through sheer word of mouth.
If you owned ESPN, which mayweather fight would you be putting on ESPN classics? I bet you a million dollars there will be more De La Hoya fights than Mayweather fights. But, who beat who?