The defense of JMM

After watching his last few fights a few times over, I've been wondering for a while now about Juan's defense. Now, while I've never considered him to have p4p defense, there was a time where he was a bit harder to hit. But the thing that I've noticed as of late is while his counter punching ability has stayed sharp, if not become better, his defense has taken a step backward. Is this due to him aging or is it so that he can become more popular with the Mexican boxing fans? During his days as a technical counter puncher he didn't much attention at all from the world, much less it seemed from his countrymen. But as he began to become involved in bouts that were a little more punishing he's gained the fandom and support of his country. This is just how it appears to me. I don't live in Mexico, so I can't say for sure of the people felt then and now of him. Also, regardless of the answer of why his defense has fallen back, how do you all think it will affect his ability to fight Floyd Mayweather jr?