By Lyle Fitzsimmons - There are a lot of reasons people criticize Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Some question the quality of his opposition. Others claim he ducked Manny Pacquiao. And still more aren’t fond of the flashy, brash persona – whether in the ring or out.
At least two of the three border on idiocy. And as for the third, I couldn’t care less so long as he remains as unlikely to date my daughter as I am to reach the welterweight limit.
To these eyes, he’s the best of his generation and one capable of providing a challenging night to anyone who’s ever graced the 24-pound range in which he’s won five title belts.
So it makes me laugh when I hear contention that there are still giants who need to be slain before his legacy is considered anywhere near the level either he or I believe it warrants.
To me, if he retires tomorrow, he’s done everything that’s required of an all-time great.
Beat a legit champ to get a belt at 130 (Diego Corrales)… check.
Beat a legit champ to get a belt at 135 (Jose Luis Castillo)… check.
Beat a legit champ to get a belt at 140 (Arturo Gatti)… check.
Beat a legit champ to get a belt at 147 (Carlos Baldomir, Victor Ortiz)… check.
Beat a legit champ to get a belt at 154 (Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto)… check. [Click Here To Read More]
Some question the quality of his opposition. Others claim he ducked Manny Pacquiao. And still more aren’t fond of the flashy, brash persona – whether in the ring or out.
At least two of the three border on idiocy. And as for the third, I couldn’t care less so long as he remains as unlikely to date my daughter as I am to reach the welterweight limit.
To these eyes, he’s the best of his generation and one capable of providing a challenging night to anyone who’s ever graced the 24-pound range in which he’s won five title belts.
So it makes me laugh when I hear contention that there are still giants who need to be slain before his legacy is considered anywhere near the level either he or I believe it warrants.
To me, if he retires tomorrow, he’s done everything that’s required of an all-time great.
Beat a legit champ to get a belt at 130 (Diego Corrales)… check.
Beat a legit champ to get a belt at 135 (Jose Luis Castillo)… check.
Beat a legit champ to get a belt at 140 (Arturo Gatti)… check.
Beat a legit champ to get a belt at 147 (Carlos Baldomir, Victor Ortiz)… check.
Beat a legit champ to get a belt at 154 (Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto)… check. [Click Here To Read More]
Comment