Neither Mayweather or Pac were ever true welterweights. Both were probably their best at 130-140 (Mayweather at 135-140 and Pac at 130-135). But they were able to fight higher because of their talent. I think its easier to see why Mayweather was so dominant fighting above his best weight (his skill set and defensive talent), but it is less clear why that was the case for Pac (some says it was the "shakes" but I don't agree with that. I think it was a combination of opponents and his style).
Either way both were not at their best at 147 and anyone who follows the sport knows that. What we got for the last few years was a combination of ridiculous hype, savy promotion, and strategic match making on both sides (Top Rank & Haymon). Like Ellerbe said, "It was the greatest score in boxing history." Any fan who doesn't see that both sides have been in collaboration/contact with each other for years is either blind or lost (e.g. Miami heat game meet up). They made hundreds of millions with this "rivalry" and made a number of other notable boxing stars along the way. It was simply very good business.
Either way both were not at their best at 147 and anyone who follows the sport knows that. What we got for the last few years was a combination of ridiculous hype, savy promotion, and strategic match making on both sides (Top Rank & Haymon). Like Ellerbe said, "It was the greatest score in boxing history." Any fan who doesn't see that both sides have been in collaboration/contact with each other for years is either blind or lost (e.g. Miami heat game meet up). They made hundreds of millions with this "rivalry" and made a number of other notable boxing stars along the way. It was simply very good business.
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