The last lyrics of the American national anthem Star Spangled Banner concludes this way: “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave” By this, I used to believe then that Americans regardless of their colors are really brave breed of people who never back off from a fight. As proofs, there’s the two world wars that America participated in and where millions of its citizen have died fighting to preserve the peace, and in many other conflicts to this day. They’re hailed heroes that seem there is not one coward American. Or is it so? But now, there’s one — Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
When he came back from retirement from boxing more than a year ago, multi-titled champion Mayweather had only one purpose in mind before finally retiring for good, that is, to face off with our very own hero Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. Having won different division titles during his time, Mayweather remained undefeated and boasts of being honored for a long time by Ring Magazine as the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter until it was passed on to Pacquiao in his absence. However, he belittles Pacquiao so much he wants his title back.
As the boxing world now knows, Pacquiao has already won seven world titles in different weight divisions that he is described by many as the greatest fighter on earth today. But, Mayweather still calls him as just a “one-dimensional amateur” he based from Pacquiao’s “one-sided” decision win recently against Joshua Clottey who just kept covering up the whole 12 rounds fearing being knocked out. To back up further his boasts, he claims of owning an “antidote” to Pacquiao’s power punches he has expressed confidence he will beat Pacquaio if ever they meet in the ring. With Pacquiao accepting all his criticisms and challenges, all that brave and tough talks has now fizzled into thin air as Mayweather changes his mind again. And as all indications that Mayweather has showed, this can even be for good.
If the recent news emanating from Mayweather himself is true that he will take a rest from boxing for a year or two, then, that only means one thing – he doesn’t want a fight with Pacquiao. In plain language, Mayweather is SCARED of Pacquiao! And this belief is being shared by Filipino sports fans.
Either Mayweather’s statements are just bluffs or whatever, Bob Arum, Pacquiao’s untiring promoter is already used to them that he just doesn’t give up yet on these fighters not meeting this year. Such super fight between these two, according to Arum and by boxing writers and experts around the world would break all existing records in boxing that it is what the world wants to see most. Pacquiao has vowed that if he really fights with Mayweather this year or whenever, it would be his last before retiring from boxing to please his mother’s wishes. Besides, he still has to assume his role as the sole representative of his province Sarangani in Congress that could even served as an obstacle to his profession. However, he promised that he will end his career with a big bang and that is, a fight with Mayweather.
Ever since the reemergence of Mayweather, Pacquiao has never showed fear or express reluctance of fighting him. As his usual answer to all challenges regardless if it’s Mayweather or whoever, Pacquiao has always said, “anytime, anywhere” that strengthens his desires every time to fight anybody and not back off. Instead, it’s Mayweather himself who is showing cowardice and fear by offering assorted alibis of not facing Pacquiao. Besides, he has been acting phony, childish, and arrogant to this match up. By recalling the past from the time he made it official his return to the ring, Mayweather has always showed that he is more motivated by money, publicity and pride than of showing off his true value as a great fighter.
When offered to fight Pacquiao, he immediately made it known that he must get the bigger share of the purse the least being 60-40 split in his favor, and from the proceeds of the pay-per-view (ppv) of the live coverage. When counter-offered with a 50-50 split, he right away turned it down saying, “Pacquiao will never get 50-50. It will be a cold day in hell before that happens.” Such boasts motivated by greed and pride by a man of Mayweather’s caliber will always be unacceptable to Pacquiao since Pacquiao knows too well his own popularity and drawing prowess to his every fight. However, Mayweather in later talks with Arum’s Top Rank Promotions showed flexibility on this demand as he has more of this kind of stuffs up his sleeves.
To be continued…
