The commission approved Everlast MX gloves that Floyd paid Maidana 1.5 million dollars at the last minute not to wear. Do you think that was the difference Maidana needed to pull off a victory?
Of course. A fighter only has his hands as his weapon in the ring. I believe it was JMM that said once commented on the situation and said that it makes a huge difference. It's why fighters prefer whatever brand of gloves they prefer. Floyd didn't pay $1.5 million dollars because the gloves don't make a difference.
Could've been detrimental, could've made no difference at all. We don't know. Maidana would've won had he got a KD from that overhand right at the end of one of the early rounds (I can't remember which), and with a more puncher-based glove, he could've got one. Or it could've given Floyd a tad more power and kept Maidana honest and easier to keep at bay. Or it could've made virtually no difference at all. We just don't know.
Marcos Maidana is a power punching offensive fighter. By taking away his commission-approved gloves of which he preferred and was accustomed to, it definitely had a negative effect. Psychologically too as Maidana probably didn't have the same faith in his punches. The Everlast MX gloves are known as a puncher's glove. Grant gloves, which Floyd prefers, provides more hand protection. Tons of professional athletes have their preferences. Imagine forcing Ronaldo, Brady, Bolt, or any other elite athlete to use different brands of footwear that they're not accustomed to. And you do realize that Floyd got to wear HIS gloves (Grant)? It was a typical ***** move by Floyd.
A YouTube comment on the gloves argument between the camps made me laugh: 'Floyd: I'm not getting knocked out, nuh-huh"
