Photo courtesy of Showtime Sports via Facebook
As Las Vegas gears up for “Mayhem” this weekend, Floyd Mayweather and Marcos Maidana aim to right a previous wrong in undoubtedly one of the biggest fights of the year.
This highly-anticipated rematch has attracted a lot of attention around the world, because not only is it a Mayweather event, but also because there is genuine fear that Maidana will be the one to finally take that impregnable unbeaten record from “The Money Man.”
Last May, in what seemed to be a routine defense of his pound-for-pound crown, Mayweather found it exceedingly difficult to halt a steamrolling Maidana, who was showing no respect to the five-weight world champion. From the opening bell the Argentinian puncher swarmed Mayweather giving him little to no room to work, thudding home heavy body shots in the process.
Even at one stage, it seemed that the American’s corner was somewhat worried, as Maidana was able to draw blood from Mayweather’s nose, which is an achievement in itself.
However, due to the tremendous effort he put in, Maidana began to tire, opening the door for the ever-reliable Mayweather to begin to operate like a surgeon. From then on, the 37-year-old supremo took control, winning a close but majority point’s victory.
This result has been hotly disputed by the pair’s respected camps, as Mayweather and Maidana are adamant that there was no controversy, they won the fight clearly.
Now they have the chance to set the record straight. For Mayweather it’s an opportunity to prove a point and for Maidana it’s a chance to do what 45 have failed to do, and win against the biggest name in boxing.
Header photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Tale of the Tape
You have to give Floyd Mayweather his credit, to stay undefeated in 46 professional bouts is quite a record, especially with the quality world champions that have suffered at the hands of the former Pretty Boy.
Also Mayweather’s knockout power has always been something which has been underestimated, as his previous opponents have found out, with an impressive 56.52% knockout percentage, shows he is not feather fisted by any stretch of the imagination. Compared to Marcos Maidana though, Mayweather’s power punching is not in the same league.
The Argentinian hard man is known for his concussive punching and has showed in almost all of his 39 bouts that he is dangerous every second of every round. With a 79.49% knockout percentage Floyd Mayweather will be reliant on his classic defence more than ever if he is to stay undefeated.
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Main Storylines
Photo by Stephanie Trapp
I think it is safe to say that Floyd Mayweather has been slightly rattled to some extent by Marcos Maidana and his trainer Robert Garcia.
From the eve of their first encounter when “Glove Gate” was the topic of conversation, it seemed Floyd was uncomfortable because for once he was not in control of a situation.
Glove Gate has since been raised on numerous occasions by the Maidana camp, as they believe this would have been the telling difference, if they were allowed to fight with the controversial gloves.
Mayweather has been quick to rubbish these claims and referred to the 31-year-old banger as an MMA fighter with his roughhouse tactics.
Needless to say, both Maidana and Garcia agree with Mayweather’s claims, but their explanation was that they could not allow the pound-for-pound king time and space, or they would have been punished.
Strengths for Each Man
Floyd Mayweather
Photo by Tom Casino/Showtime
In their first affair, Floyd Mayweather was simply not allowed to work against the rugged Marcos Maidana. However, Floyd’s superior footwork could be key in this rematch in keeping Maidana off of him for the full 12 rounds if need be.
Also, Mayweather’s ability to be so effective with both his left and right hand, along with his punch variation whether it be with an uppercut, hook, jab or straight hand, could be crucial in a game of cat-and-mouse like this.
Money May could potentially potshot his way to victory , while Maidana is left chasing shadows.
Marcos Maidana
Photo by Tom Casino
Along with the Argentinian clubber’s clear punching power, it is his extremely high work rate that can force his opponents to succumb to his relentless pressure.
Robert Garica has stressed how important Marcos Maidana’s strength and conditioning is this time around, after he seemed to fade late it the fight back in May.
So if Garcia and Maidana can get their conditioning on point come Saturday night and continue to throw heavy shots from unorthodox angles, then it will be very interesting to see if the greatest boxer of this era can cope with the non-stop pressure.
Weaknesses for Each Man
Floyd Mayweather
Photo by Tom Casino/Showtime
It is extremely difficult to try and identify a flaw in Floyd Mayweather’s arsenal. Many have tried, but he has consistently proved his critics wrong.
Still, the American has showed a slight decline in his movement and footwork in his last few bouts, which could be Mayweather’s 37-year-old body finally catching up to him.
If so, and the pound-for-pound king’s legs have gone, then Saturday night’s bout will be increasingly hard for the self proclaimed “Best Ever.”
Marcos Maidana
It is without question that Marcos Maidana’s best showing as a fighter was on that action-packed night back in May.
Therefore many would expect the 31 year old not to reach that pinnacle again.
Also, if Maidana is adamant that he wants to knock Mayweather out, then he could find himself searching for one explosive blow instead of mounting a serious attack, which would play into Mayweather’s hands.
The Winner and Why
Photo by Tom Casino
So with Mayhem upon us, it will be another intriguing installment that will see the exquisite boxer square off against the hardened brawler.
Nevertheless, as it is almost time for the pair to face off once more, the boxing world is far from unanimous about who they believe will have their hand raised after 36 minutes of battle.
However, I am confident that after sharing 12 rounds with Maidana recently, Floyd Mayweather will be at the top of his game and just like he did against Jose Luis Castillo almost 14 years ago, control a lop sided unanimous decision victory re-cementing himself at the summit of the boxing pound-for-pound list.
Therefore, with only two fights left on his lucrative Showtime deal and talk of retirement resurfacing, the buzz will then turn towards who is left on Mayweather’s radar.
Surely there is only one man left. Please Floyd, put us out of our misery!
