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I've noticed with Floyd, though, like several of the sport's elite, boxers make a solid game plan against him. They analyze tape, plot their strengths and his weaknesses, very technically try and dissect him and overcome the ability he shows in the ring- and then, on fight night, it fizzles out.
I've noticed that I often watch Mayweather throw away the first few rounds. He lets the other guy show his cards first; like he's saying, 'Alright, what are you bringing?' Of course, when his opponent gives him that glimpse, and reveals a strategy, Floyd seems to have the ring intelligence to counter it and, going into the middle rounds, change things up.
Often, like against Judah, I notice the tables turning going into the middle rounds and then the other guy just never gets back into the fight with that same intensity.
For me, the boxer to beat Floyd- barring Mayweather himself losing a step or two from age- will not be someone necessarily stronger, faster, or technically better. It'll be someone who can match his ring intelligence. A fighter with equal ring generalship who, himself, can change tactics on the fly and analyze what Floyd brings.
Is Cotto that fighter to me? I don't think so. Obviously, Floyd can be outgunned against a larger welterweight and, I think, plain lose because he's bullied. Other than that, though, it'll come down to who can out-hustle the hustler; who can out-think Floyd?
I've noticed that I often watch Mayweather throw away the first few rounds. He lets the other guy show his cards first; like he's saying, 'Alright, what are you bringing?' Of course, when his opponent gives him that glimpse, and reveals a strategy, Floyd seems to have the ring intelligence to counter it and, going into the middle rounds, change things up.
Often, like against Judah, I notice the tables turning going into the middle rounds and then the other guy just never gets back into the fight with that same intensity.
For me, the boxer to beat Floyd- barring Mayweather himself losing a step or two from age- will not be someone necessarily stronger, faster, or technically better. It'll be someone who can match his ring intelligence. A fighter with equal ring generalship who, himself, can change tactics on the fly and analyze what Floyd brings.
Is Cotto that fighter to me? I don't think so. Obviously, Floyd can be outgunned against a larger welterweight and, I think, plain lose because he's bullied. Other than that, though, it'll come down to who can out-hustle the hustler; who can out-think Floyd?
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