2009: The Mayweather Effect

Comment by Paul Upham: As boxing fans look forward to a new year and search far and wide amongst the weight classes for the best fights to follow in 2009, a familiar name is poised to return.

The retired Floyd Mayweather Jr has now instructed his team to find the biggest money matches out there for him, so that he may evaluate his interest in a return. A publicly reported order that can only mean one thing - the former pound for pound No.1 boxer in the world is ready to make his comeback in 2009.

So what will a 32 year-old Mayweather bring to the table?

While he holds no current world titles, his undefeated record 39-0 (25) and reputation as one of the most talented boxers of the last two decades is of immense value. Mayweather does not have the substantial active fan base of a Ricky Hatton or Manny Pacquiao, but he does bring a black hat aspect to any super fight, which can only add to the selling of a comeback match. His pay-per-view success in his last two fights against Hatton and Oscar De La Hoya will only add to his mystique amongst casual fans.

Mayweather knows now the value of promoting and selling an event, something he will be even more adept at after his work with Vince McMahon Jr and the WWE.

All those who despaired at the recent uneventful 24/7 series featuring Pacquiao and De La Hoya would readily welcome a reappearance of Floyd and his trainer/uncle, Roger Mayweather.

Rarely challenged during his career, perhaps coming back after around 18 months away is the sort of test that Mayweather needs to be at his best. A scenario of the king coming back to reclaim his throne could really appeal to “Money” Mayweather.

Would he be rusty? Will his hand and foot speed still be the same? Just two of the questions that need to be answered should Mayweather decide to fight again and risk his perfect record.

Of course, another multi-million dollar pay cheque would be sweet and maybe, just maybe, Mayweather has really missed the limelight of big time boxing and being the unsurpassed master of the boxing ring?

While a Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton super fight is in the process of being made, Mayweather has now thrown his hat back into fight negotiations and there are some options out there for him.

The winner of January’s Antonio Margarito vs. Shane Mosley welterweight battle is a possibility, particularly if Margarito retains his WBA world title.

A Mayweather-Hatton rematch may seem like going over old ground, though having Floyd Mayweather Sr in Hatton’s corner would certainly spice up proceedings. Mayweather vs. Mayweather has been aborted twice before. Third time lucky some will say.

Of course, a Pacman win over Hatton would naturally lead to Pacquiao vs. Mayweather. The current pound for pound No.1 versus the former unbeaten pound for pound No.1.

Does it get any better than that?

Did I mention that Bob Arum, Mayweather’s former promoter, is the promoter of Pacquiao? That could lead to some delicious pre-fight quotes.

While Ricky Hitman Hatton will have something to say about it, Mayweather vs. Pacquiao is a possible stellar event for 2009 that most boxing fans would welcome with open arms.

Love or hate Floyd Mayweather Jr, you have to respect his ability as a master boxer and when someone that talented wants to return to the sport, it can only be a good thing for boxing.


Paul Upham
Content Editor