Is it possible Mayweather will "tank out"?

[ßringer]

I know what you're thinking, "not another Hatton/Mayweather" thread. Relax, this is the same topic but a very different question about it. One I have not seen raised yet....

As the fight on December 8th between Mayweather and Hatton draws closer and closer, it seems the betting odds are all in favor of Mayweather to score the victory, and most are saying easily at that.

But it's become apparent to me that there's an aura of untouchable greatness surrounding Mayweather that may not be entirely granted. I'm not sure if it's due to people overrating Mayweather, or underating Hatton, but it's certainly there.

I would say that at least 70% of the boxingscene userbase is picking Mayweather to easily defeat Hatton, som by UD, others going bold with predictions of a KO/TKO victory.

I think people are picking Mayweather simply based on the past. A bet on Mayweather has always been "sure money". And if you couple that with Hatton's lacking record, lackluster recent performances and Mayweather's overall advantages it's easy to see why people are banking on the "Pretty Boy".

The question

Is it possible that Mayweather's prime has past? He's been on the top for years and constantly jumping up and down in weight is known to drain the body severly. More so, is it possible that Mayweather will suddenly, and without warning "tank out" against Hatton the way a very similar fighter Roy Jones Jr. did against Antonio Tarver in their rematch? I'd certainly say it is entirely possible, despite how unlikely that event is to happen.

But upsets and shocking victories happen all the time in this sport, and one should probably consider this possibility to be entirely popular. It is bound to happen, if not against Hatton then soon.

This isn't a Mayweather hatefest, nor a Hatton lovefest, so fanboys need not apply. I'm looking for some open minded opinion on the likelihood of Mayweather "tanking out" either against Hatton or later.

[-Hyperion-]

i dont know if mayweather's no longer in his prime, but i do know he is above his best fighting weight.....and if the welterweight division had the stars it had 8 /7 years ago(prime versions of DLH, Trinidad, Mosley, Forrest)...im sure he wouldnt be considered as untouchable as he is now, in fact i would pick all of them to beat Floyd...hell i still pick 36 year OLD Mosley to beat him....

[Chipper]

He may be past his peak, because he certainly wasn't dominating Oscar in his last fight.

[SkillspayBills]

I think he is past his prime which was probably spent when he was around 25-28. However his dedication will allow him to compete and win far beyond that age and like BHOP he won't be the average 3(?) whatever year old. I don't know if I am outlandish saying this but I think if he WAS in the era of prime DLH, Mosley, Forrest and Trinidad at 147 would more than likely go 2 and 2. Since he is fighting past his best weight against guys way bigger than him.

[ßringer]

I think he is past his prime which was probably spent when he was around 25-28. However his dedication will allow him to compete and win far beyond that age and like BHOP he won't be the average 3(?) whatever year old. I don't know if I am outlandish saying this but I think if he WAS in the era of prime DLH, Mosley, Forrest and Trinidad at 147 would more than likely go 2 and 2. Since he is fighting past his best weight against guys way bigger than him.

That's a damn good point you just raised there. I think his dedication could allow him to be another Hopkins as well, probably still being competitive and winning titles into his 40's. That's only if Mayweather wants it though, and with all of his talks of retirement and such a lavish life outside the ring, I'm not sure he wants it as bad as a guy like Hopkins.

I also agree about his prime being around 25-30, which is another reason I think it's entirely possible we could see Floyd lose in the near future. If not againt Hatton, possibly against his next opponet if he opts to fight the winner of Cotto/Mosley.

The "tank out" is just a thought because Floyd is very similar to Roy Jones in terms of natural atheltic ability and career direction. And I remember how unbeatable Jones once was prior to the Tarver rematch, and then suddenly, it was gone.

[Fox McCloud]

Absolutely not... he has definately never showed signs of losing energy in any fight.

[ßringer]

Absolutely not... he has definately never showed signs of losing energy in any fight.

And if he shows signs of that against Hatton would you think he may be on his way to tanking out in the future, if he continues to fight?

[frankpaganini]

This isn't a Mayweather hatefest, nor a Hatton lovefest, so fanboys need not apply. I'm looking for some open minded opinion on the likelihood of Mayweather "tanking out" either against Hatton or later.

I think its possible mayweather could tank out but not yet.

wait 3-4 fights down the road to really see the effects of aging.

the time will come (unless mayweather retires soon) where he will be in there with another fighter he is expected to beat easily and around the 8th or 9th round it will look like he's gotten real old real fast.

it happens to nearly every fighter...

and some new gun will win it.

that has certainly happened over and over again the in sport (JCC got beat by ODLH, etc.)

just how it works.

i do think though that people overestimate mayweather AND underestimate hatton. its a little of both.

mayweather isnt a great as he gets made out to be and hatton isnt as bad as he is made out to be.

i was will say its going to be a decision...not a KO...

and a close decision at that...(sorry no 12 rounds to 0 shut outs) look for a SD.

[SkillspayBills]

That's a damn good point you just raised there. I think his dedication could allow him to be another Hopkins as well, probably still being competitive and winning titles into his 40's. That's only if Mayweather wants it though, and with all of his talks of retirement and such a lavish life outside the ring, I'm not sure he wants it as bad as a guy like Hopkins.

I also agree about his prime being around 25-30, which is another reason I think it's entirely possible we could see Floyd lose in the near future. If not againt Hatton, possibly against his next opponet if he opts to fight the winner of Cotto/Mosley.

The "tank out" is just a thought because Floyd is very similar to Roy Jones in terms of natural atheltic ability and career direction. And I remember how unbeatable Jones once was prior to the Tarver rematch, and then suddenly, it was gone.

Losing 20 pounds in pure muscle can do that to you. I actually have to change my statement I think Floyd could go 3 and 1 against the four stated earlier. I see no way he could beat Vernon though that is a horrible style match up for Floyd.

[deevel79]

If Hatton plans to push Floyd and put the pressure on him the way he's been saying that he will, it's possible that Floyd could eventually get tired. Not gassed out though.