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At least Floyd proved that he could still get in the ring and knock a guy out. There have been times when Mayweather has appeared unmotivated, threatening to enter into the shiftless, hazy territory occupied by the likes of Zab Judah.
But Mayweather is better on every level then Judah. Still, in reality, the jury is out as to whether or not Mayweather has been able to carry his power up in weight. The only knockout Floyd has at a weight above 130 pounds is against N'dou. But who is this N'dou guy? I'm sure he's a nice guy but let's be realistic.
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With Mayweather coming off the big knockout win last November fans are expecting fireworks in his first fight at 140.
The "Pretty Boy" has had devastating results against straightforward bangers and brawlers (Diego Corrales, Hector Arroyo, N'dou and Jesus Chavez) but he has had a hard time with unorthodox fighters (Jose Luis Castillo, Carlos Rios). Boxing fans are split as to who bested who in the Mayweather-Castillo matches with many fans giving the nod to Castillo, particularly in their first meeting.
So with no legitimate knockouts at Lightweight, Floyd is moving to the Junior Welterweight ranks on his way to some of the big fish in the sport. He's also looking for the bigger paydays that go along with the higher weight. "I'm looking for bigger and tougher fights, so that's why I'm going to the 140 pound division," said the Pretty Boy. On Saturday at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City he'll take on a tough, awkward fighter in DeMarcus Corley.
DeMarcus Corley (28-2-1, 16) fought Zab Judah July 12, 2003 to a unanimous decision loss. Judah had Corley down in the 3rd round but the fight ended up going the distance as fights involving two southpaws often do. As Larry Merchant said during the telecast, "a southpaw vs. southpaw match-up doubles your misery."
It was Corley's first loss since 1999 when he lost a split-decision 10 rounder to Daniel Lujan in California. Interestingly enough that was Lujan's last fight.
He won the vacant WBO 147-pound belt in 2001 when he knocked out Felix Flores in one round after taking the fight on 5 days notice. He defended it twice with unanimous decision wins over Randall Bailey and Ener Julio and lost the title to Judah.
Corley's southpaw style might pose problems for the "Pretty Boy". He also has a little bit of pop (16 stops), knows what he's doing in the ring and he's never been knocked out so those expecting more fireworks and another brilliant performance from Mayweather might be disappointed. Corley was able to take the punches of a pretty big puncher in Bailey and was never really in trouble against Judah. But those guys aren't Mayweather.
So, the real question for fans might be not whether or nor Floyd can bring his power up in weight with him. No. The real question might be whether or not Floyd can deal with a legitimate, experienced Junior Welterweight. On Saturday we'll find out.
