Is Floyd Mayweather s physical strength underrated?

His fitness and conditioning was top tier. He was only limited by the weakness in the bones in his hands in the later part of his career.

 

He might have had more strength than given credit for. But it wasn’t really an important part of his game

 

Probably, but physical strength is one of the least important traits in all of boxing.

 

Yeah, I think so.

It allowed him to gain head control and to set up the frame for the overhand right in close. Opponents, regardless of size, couldn't really stop it because he was strong enough to hold them in place with his forearm while setting up the right.

 

He used a lot of “hitting then holding” framing and general rough housing to great success. I think the Shane Mosley fight was a feature on how much he knew about close quarters - in-spite of the strength disadvantage.

 

Wasn't east to push around. He seemed to be fairly sturdy

 

I’ve heard many of his opponents say how strong he was, and never heard any say he was week (post fight). I think a lot of it is that he was on balance. Mosley could bench an insane amount, but Floyd backed him up all night. He could’ve done that to a lot of guys.

 

I think Floyds power is underatted by most fans because the idea of power automatically falls under the assumption of punching power and Ko's.

PBF was more likely to win by KO than FMM and most fans today are unaware or dont remember the gun slinging, risk taking PBF and only point out FMM with his brittle hands and conservative boxing style.

@Mike_b makes a good point of strength in the pocket, clinch and overall grappling that depends on power as well and is a huge part of boxing that is commonly overlooked.

With all that said I cant remember a time when another fighter was able to man handle floyd or had an obvious strength advantage that ultimately dictated the fight.

For Floyd to be able to prevent this says he was atleast powerful enough to stop this from ever happening.

Floyds power might have not been his best attribute and or what he was known for so in this sense I believe its safe to say his physical strength was underrated.

 

I think he had good strength relative to his competition, Pac is a small guy, and Canelo wasn't beefed up yet when they fought, but I think guys like Robinson, Duran, and Hagler were stronger and would have no issue imposing it

 

We'll never know because he chose to win on points. It was the conservative choice.

 

I heard it on Classic that Floyd used to bench press a calf while on the farm. Or was that another guy

 

yes. underrated power too

 

Yes it is overlooked. The Ricky Hatton fight is my best example. Floyd let Hatton know at the weigh in that he was in trouble. He showed Ricky that he was at least as strong. For a mauler that is not good.

 

A solid punch to get respect but FM had the finishing instincts of a sedated Golden Retreiver.