The “zero syndrome” in boxing has gained the upper hand and has obscured the valuable qualities of boxers focusing on a bogus credential like an unbeaten record. The “Zero” has become the factor in choosing opponents and venues; it has tainted verdicts and precipitated decisions that defy common sense. The obsession with an unbeaten resume has been observed to sidetrack careers and alter legacies of pawns and kings in boxing. Unblemished records are just an illusion in most cases, a managerial feat – for example both Marciano and Floyd Mayweather had multiple losses as amateur boxers. Amateurs have to fight all comers and even Franky Carbo and “The Combination” back in the day or any of the present promotional wizards, famous and mysterious alike, could not spare an Olympic/amateur prodigy from meeting the odd awkward stylistic nightmare. Kovalev and GGG have lost their share of amateur bouts too and one of them even happened to be on the wrong end of a vicious one-punch KO once in the amateur light heavyweight division.
As the title suggests, it’s Rocky Marciano’s 49-0 record that has become an iconic but insurmountable apogee. Context and level of opposition considered, the achievement elicits mixed responses at best but stands unique. The Brockton Blockbuster retired as a champion in his prime and although there are other undefeated boxers, no one has managed to break the spell. Marciano’s record has become a corner stone that is an example and a taboo at the same time. Truly great boxers after him have not been able to duplicate or surpass this pinnacle of managerial savvy carried out with a very limited prototype. The status quo seems to be off limits and has been beyond reach for 60 years.
Back in 1985 Larry Holmes seriously jeopardized Marciano’s uniqueness with his 48-0 record and a challenger who rose from the light heavyweight division. Holmes had ruled for 7 years and had every kind of advantage over light heavyweight champion Michael Spinks. Spinks weighed in at 175 lb for his previous fight and 199 lb on fight night with Holmes. The prospect of the heavyweight champ losing the title to the smaller unheralded challenger seemed surreal. Public expectations were that Larry Holmes would easily defend and tie Marciano’s 30 year old achievement. The fight was a little closer than expected but when the SD in favor of the challenger Spinks was announced, it sent a shock wave through the spectators. Marciano’s relatives and family friends who occupied the ring side had been waiting anxiously for the “right” decision and were relieved at the announcement. The decision was scandalous and Holmes did not take it stoically, he felt he had been robbed and bitterly remarked: “Rocky Marciano couldn’t carry my jockstrap”. He knew the real motives of the backstage forces that had ruled against him. Being a victim of politics, he made several politically incorrect statements that included judges and officials, statements that placed him firmly out of favor with the tycoons and ultimately derailed his career.
The shadow of this phenomenon could stretch as far as May 2, 2015. Pacquiao is safe with his 5 losses and 2 draws; he is not a threat to the forbidden plateau. Mayweather’s record of 47-0 makes him a prime candidate for attacking the jealously guarded pedestal. He has been the judges favorite so far and has received the benefit of the doubt whenever he needed it. Choosing the time to pay your dues is a rare luxury and usually dues are collected unexpectedly at inopportune moments. Mayweather may have to dig deep against the underdog this time. The king cobra may believe it is safe form this old mongoose but the outcome will most probably depend on the scorecards. Politics has a mind of its own and it can be trusted to be absolutely unreliable.
