Like Muhammad Ali vs. Archie Moore...

...this fight does little to enhance the legacy of the victor and little to diminish the legacy of the defeated.

Let's be 100% clear: Floyd Mayweather is boxing's Pound-For-Pound #1 fighter - not by virtue of beating Juan Manuel Marquez, mind you, he reclaimed that throne the moment he unretired. Had he spent his retirement eating krispy kremes, different story. It is a well known fact that was not the case. This was evident with the conspicuous absence of "ring rust" despite an almost 2 year layoff.

This is not an affront to Manny Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez, or anyone else that laid claim to the mythical pound-for-pound throne vacated by Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Hate his over the top "Money May" persona - to those who actually buy it - all you like: the man's fight game between the ropes and work ethic outside of it are legendary and beyond reproach. Floyd Mayweather is, like it or not, the best fighter of his generation. Period. End of Story.

Take these three facets into consideration: Skill, Atheleticism, and work ethic.

Marquez possesses elite skill to match a superb work ethic - but is not the best athlete out there.

Pacquiao is an incredible athlete with an equally impressive work ethic - but is not exactly a technical master.

Mayweather has all three covered and arguably surpasses every other active fighter in any one of them. Look past the abrasive persona: this is a once in a lifetime fighter.

You can hate on the guy all you like, but he is rightfully a heavy favorite over any fighter (in the vicinity of his weight) you're pissed off at him for not fighting - be it Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, or Shane Mosley (different story earlier in the decade for mosley).

Bottom line the the hate for Mayweather will increas the more he wins simply because he's aware of how good he is and unashamed to let everybody know it.

I would like to end that rant with this: GO MOSLEY!!!!!

 

The fight? Perhaps you're right.

The implications of the fight's outcome is what I referred to. Few - if any - hold the fight against Moore or use the fight to enhance Ali's legendary status. That should be the case with tonight's fight. Mayweather does deserve some small itty bitty props, though, for looking so sharp immediately after a layoff. That is a testament to his professionalism.

Pacquiao was the almost consensus #1 simply because Floyd retired. The minute Floyd un-retired, the whole "Manny is #1" **** stopped happening. True story.

Mayweather is, realistically, a huge favorite over Manny. The fight is intriguing and makes financial sense but is almost as much of a mismatch as this fight. Pacquiao will be more competetive simply because of his speed, power, and fighting style and that may very well make for a more entertaining fight. The outcome, however, will not be much different.

 

It won't happen.

Pacquiao is less risk and (much much much much much...) more reward.

Floyd will, in fact, use this as an excuse to NOT fight Shane and will proceed to talk **** to and about Shane through the media.

I don't think Floyd is scared, by any stretch, but he'll go with the bigger payday.

 

I would be surprised if Pac won a single round and shocked if the judges gave him more than three.

Pacquiao's style would make for a more watchable fight, but giving Mayweather so many more counter opportunities will also get him knocked out.:deal

 

profound.

 

Floyd, despite being the #1 P4P fighter, has yet to beat a relevant welterweight at welterweight.

True story:deal

Paul Williams would pose a huge stylistic puzzle...especially if he decided to actually use his reach every now and then.