By Mark Vester
At a recent New York press conference to announce that November 4 meeting between Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (36-0, 25KOs) and Carlos Baldomir (43-9-6, 13KOs), the self-proclaimed "Pretty Boy" let it be known that he will not run from the bigger Baldomir in the fight. Mayweather predticted that he will stand toe to toe with the champion, fighting him and using his skills to box him silly.
"I'm predicting right now that I will go toe-to-toe against Baldomir and box circles around him. The boxing world better get used to me because I'm going to be around a long time," Mayweather said.
Unlike previous opponents, Mayweather is not selling Baldomir short. He said Baldomir would be the toughest fight of his career due the contrasting styles and physical size difference.
"This will be the toughest fight of my career," Mayweather said. "But I have fought at many different weights and won so many title fights, that I am always prepared.
Baldomir, who hasn't lost a fight in nearly 10 years, has had a fighter of the year type of run in 2006. He upset undisputed welterweight champion Zab Judah by decision for the WBC title in January, and followed up the big win by knocking out Arturo Gatti in the ninth round when they met in July. Baldomir said that people keep labeling him as the underdog, and he keeps winning. He sees Mayweather as his third victim for 2006.
'I'll beat Mayweather. Nobody ever thought I would win those two fights. I don't talk much, but I do fight a lot. And I'll beat Mayweather, too," Baldomir said.