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Why Isn’t Floyd Mayweather Jr. On My Wheaties Box?
TUE November 22, BUSTER PARIS - Without a doubt he has the skills, best in the game right now. He’s definitely got the charisma and charm – that smile alone is a welcome mat for what should be the face or doorway of boxing. Even my wife says he’s got sensitive eyes and is handsome.
He has all the “it” factors for being a star – oh - and did I mention he has an undefeated record and is currently on the top of everyone’s pound per pound best fighters list.
So why isn’t Floyd Mayweather Jr. considered a genuine superstar? Why isn’t he a box office smash? Why isn’t he right now – this second - revered as boxing royalty?
Tell me - why isn’t Floyd Mayweather Jr. on my Wheaties box? - I just don’t get it.
One argument I’ve heard is the question of who has he fought?
It’s a legitimate question, but c’mon in the past couple of years he’s fought and beaten:
-Diego Corrales (2001)
-Jesus Chavez (2001)
-Jose Luis Castillo (twice in 2002)
-DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley (2004)
This year alone (2005) he for all intents and purposes pitched a no hitter and completely dominated Arturo “Thunder” Gatti (6.25.2005) and just the other day (November 19 2005) he knocked out Sharmba Mitchell with a missile like piercing body shot.
In short the answer to who has Floyd fought turns out to be an impressive list of fighters. “Thunder” Gatti is virtually considered a God in the sport and the last I heard Corrales and Castillo are up for some type of boxing Sainthood and Mayweather has beaten all three of them.
Someone please give me another argument. Please give me another line of reasoning.
It can’t be a question of skill can it? That’s just impossible, almost inconceivable, but I’m open to the discussion - so let’s talk skill for a second.
Mayweather is the most skilled, gifted and talented fighter fighting today.
Period.
I can’t put it any more clearly than that.
Mentally – he’s like the Terminator. He’s unshakable and single-minded in his mission. He is programmed to win. He also has an uncanny and amazing ability to learn, adapt and conform to any given situation before, during and after a bout.
Speed – by the time you get to the end of this sentence Floyd has read this and every other article…on the entire World Wide Web.
He’s unbelievably and almost mythically fast and there’s no one who even comes close to him when it comes to hand speed. He’s equally as fast when it comes to reaction and reflexes. He’s just not there when the punch meant for him reaches the end of its journey.
Imagine getting home from a long days work, putting your key in the front door and as you turn the knob you find yourself alone at the bottom of the driveway with your keys falling toward your feet and a feeling of utter confusion. That’s what it’s like trying to hit Mayweather.
Power – Floyd’s not the most powerful guy, but exactly how long was Sharmba Mitchell grimacing and hurting from a body punch? (11.19.2005) – We’re not talking about just any body punch, but a dead on accurate penetrating right hand that ended the fight.
Speaking of the right hand - how awesome was it against Mitchell. Mayweather incorporated a straight right lead in place of a left jab. He more or less fought as a bizarro Southpaw with reversible feet. I don’t ever remember seeing his right hand so on it’s game.
So tell me - what is it about “Pretty Boy” Floyd that keeps him from being a bona fide Superstar? What am I missing?
Mayweather is unquestionably the most skilled, gifted and talented fighter fighting today. He is pound per pound the best boxer in the world right now.
Period.
You can’t deny it and if you do disagree with any of this I really want to know why. I’m wholeheartedly interested in any and all thoughts, comments and opinions on this matter. Honestly I’m dying to know - so please – shine some light on this for me.
Drop me a note at: bparis@talkingboxing.com and let me know why “Pretty Boy” Floyd isn’t beaming that magnificent smile on my Wheaties box. Let’s get to the bottom of this.
Buster Paris can be reached at: bparis@talkingboxing.com - and is in no way suggesting or promoting a tournament between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Lucky the Leprechaun or between Floyd and Snap, Crackle or Pop.
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