By Salvador Rodriguez
Trainer Robert Garcia feels WBA welterweight champion Marcos Maidana is fully capable of defeating the number one fighter in the world, pound for pound, Floyd Mayweather Jr., who also holds the WBC's title at 147-pounds. Since training with Garcia, Maidana has found new life in the welterweight division and racked up several big wins - including last year's upset decision of previously undefeated Adrien Broner.
Maidana and Amir Khan were the two fighters under consideration for Mayweather's return on May 3rd at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. It appears Khan is the likely candidate to get selected. Most see Mayweather easily defeating either fighter, but Garcia says Maidana is certainly capable of another shocking performance.
"Maidana frustrates [opponents], breaks them down. He hit them in the hip, arms, everywhere where you least expect. It's a matter of styles. Maidada may not be the best counterpuncher or has the best defense, but he has heart and he can endure the tough pace of a twelve round fight. I say he has a chance [to win]. If Jose Luis Castillo was able to beat him, although [Mayweather's] record says otherwise, why wouldn't Maidana have a chance after seeing how he beat Josesito Lopez and Adrien Broner," explained Garcia.