17.06.08 – By Michael Klimes: A recent syndrome has afflicted me. I am exchanging boxing for politics and vice versa, perhaps devaluing my opinions in both subjects. I was also convinced that when I read Floyd Mayweather’s short retirement letter I would not write an article analysing what I believe is a publicity stunt. However, how can one avoid talking about the best pound for pound or former best pound for pound in the world? Mayweather seems to be like Tony Blair. Both started off their careers solidly but became embroiled in controversy and criticism the longer they went on. By any standard Blair is one of the most eloquent, stylish, dynamic, energetic and tough-minded politicians of his generation. Mayweather is not a wordsmith like his political counterpart but when it comes to producing dizzying performances of skill, style and elusiveness, Mayweather is unparalleled. Furthermore Blair and Mayweather have both perfected the art of making spectators impotent at guessing when they will retire. Blair’s last years were definitely a long goodbye. Some of his most enthusiastic detractors in the United Kingdom grew so accustomed to biting chunks out of him that they seemed to be a little sad when he exited the stage as they lost their favourite punching bag. Could the same happen with Mayweather?
He does not inspire moderate feelings and receives two sides of an intense love. Mayweather fans, or we could call them nut huggers, love to love and Mayweather haters love to hate. Each side is virtually identical in their positions except the only difference is that they are on opposing sides. Mayweather’s carefully managed career is a carbon copy of Jay Z’s where brilliance here and there is joined by considerable lapses of inconsistency in between. If Mayweather’s retirement is genuine or not, there are two perspectives on whatever scenario unfolds, the short-term assessment and the long-term evaluation. There are positives and negatives from both viewpoints.
If Mayweather’s retirement is genuine. The immediate response is that Mayweather cannot be considered an all time great until he conquers the welterweight division because he is retiring in his prime and therefore taking the easy route out; consequently harming the possibility of enhancing his legacy. This is a fair judgement as Mayweather’s best form has been exorcised since 2002 where his presence in the lightweight division was exhilarating. He was impressive in outclassing Ricky Hatton but it was always a mismatch due to the size difference. Although Mayweather may not be categorised as an all time great in the full sense it could be argued that he is an all time great as far as his sublime counter-punching is concerned. Mayweather’s defenders could make the case that his excellent agility, reflexes, anticipation and talent are on par with James Toney, Wilfred Benitez and Pernell Whitaker.
Conversely, one can take the long view and acknowledge that Mayweather is retiring while he is at the top and it is better to retire sooner rather than later. He also has a long list of accomplishments by his name, leaves financially secure, has his health intact, will not expose fans to anymore boring fights, could be a successful retirement story which society needs to hear more of and is honest enough to admit that his heart is not in the sport anymore. Over the past few years, there has been a healthy amount of evidence supporting the interpretation that the sole incentive Mayweather has had for fighting is financial. His bout with Oscar de la Hoya was more of a spectacle than an honest contest and more of a victory for business interests than the blue collar boxing fan. Nevertheless, some fans might miss his athletic prowess and thrilling combinations.
If we envisage the second scenario and Mayweather decides to follow the risky trajectory of advancing through the welterweight division there would be numerous advantages for him and boxing. Mayweather’s stock among fans would rise considerably and he would not only earn massive paydays but also might create a wide fan base. He would also have the chance to become an undisputed all time great and even be mentioned in the same breath as Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran. In the long-term there is only one predictable risk. Mayweather decides to continue fighting longer than he should and slips into the cliché of fighter always mounting one final stand and the stereotypical characteristics emerge: No money, permanent brain damage and tragedy.
There is a third scenario and that is the dismal long goodbye where there are only sins. Mayweather decides not to give any definitive answer about his future, masks his true attentions and increases his self-inflicted alienation through low risk and high reward contests. This will inevitably leave a sour taste in fans’ mouths and turn many against him. It may even colour the initial articles weighing up his place in history. Fight fans and writers have long memories and they may not be very forgiving. What Mayweather’s does in the coming months and years will define his true legacy. Thus far he has been able to choose comfortable fights. Winston Churchill notoriously declared, “History will be kind to me for I intend to write it.” Mayweather cannot write his own history but he can influence the direction it takes by taking tough fights. He should keep that hopeful solution in mind but also remember that reputations are fragile entities.
He is not immune to criticism.