Photo by Ismael Gallardo/RBRBoxing
It’s no longer a secret. The damming announcement which every boxing enthusiast had feared for quite some time was finally confirmed last week. On September 12, pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. aims to equal Rocky Marciano’s record of 49-0 by defeating, what can only be described as a mediocre, fringe level opponent in Andre Berto.
The final fight of Mayweather’s much-publicized lucrative six-fight contract with Showtime/CBS is rumored to be the American’s last foray in the fight business. Therefore, many die-hard fans were hoping that a big name was in order for such a highly-anticipated departure.
Yet, in true Mayweather fashion, it would again turn out to be the minimum risk for maximum reward approach, which has long been associated with the pound-for-pound star. But as this may be the last time the self proclaimed TBE throws a punch in anger, will the underlying cherry picking accusation, which has already began to raise its ugly head, linger on and eventually define the former Olympic bronze medalist’s cherished and unblemished legacy?
The dreaded whispers began to circulate months ago, when the Haitian-born Berto emerged as the leading candidate for the most rewarding prize in boxing, ahead of Amir Khan, Keith Thurman and Kell Brook. This left many of the once devoted admirers of the sweet science literally, hanging their heads in shame as they prepare for another Mayweather walkover.
Some will consider it harsh to write the former two-time Welterweight champion Berto off so quickly, as all those years ago he was tipped to become a successful champion. Early routine victories against Juan Urango, Steve Forbes, Luis Collazo, and Carlos Quintana, meant that in 2010, Berto was rated as one of the world’s best 147-pound fighters. That hype soon diminished though, as the once promising Welterweight was dethroned by a determined Victor Ortiz in a slugfest, which was later seen as one of the fights of that year.
If things could not get any worse, the 31 year old was found to have tested positive for a banned substance, scuppering his chances of revenge against Ortiz. After receiving his boxing licence back, two defeats followed, against Robert Guerrero and Jesus Soto Karass, demonstrating that Berto’s future as a legitimate name in the Welterweight division was effectively redundant.
AP Photo
Nevertheless, a comeback win against Steve Chambers, followed by a semi-impressive knockout of title contender Josesito Lopez, seems to have somehow propelled Berto back onto the Welterweight map and after recent revelations, straight into the coveted Mayweather sweepstakes.
One can’t help but sympathize with the millions of boxing fans around the world who simply feel duped by Mayweather’s decision to face such a limited challenger in Berto, as many believe more credible competitors were laying in wait for the dream bout.
It may feel unfair, unjust and maybe even immoral, but unfortunately, this is modern day boxing at its worst, and for the past few years there is only one man who calls all the shots in the sport. It’s the Floyd Mayweather way, or the highway, thus any fighter who wishes for the ultimate shot at glory, must be willing to sell their soul to the money man, otherwise the life-changing opportunity they once dreamed of turns to dust before their very eyes.
This does now beg the question; will Floyd Mayweather’s minimum risk for maximum reward approach along with his stern protection of his undefeated record, ultimately tarnish the legacy of the 38 year old, in the wake of the controversial cherry picking accusations of recent years?
Well, when all is said and done, and Mayweather is nothing but a distant memory to the aging purists who once watched him, the only thing that will exist in the history books is his exceptional undefeated record; no one can deny him of that achievement.
On the other hand, Mayweather may be solely remembered as a fighter, who in spite of his amazing talent, only fought the best on his own terms, unlike the previous kings of past generations. This then subsequently leaves the man known, as “Money” lacking the one thing on his legacy money can’t buy, acceptance, which would irrefutably prove he is in fact The Best Ever.
