By Felix Jesus Mendoza
The undefeated legacy of Floyd Mayweather is considered one of the strongest records in modern boxing history. However, the former Panamanian world champion Roberto Duran He questioned the legitimacy of that brand and the combat style used by the American athlete.
The American boxer He culminated his professional career with a record of 50 wins without lossesgaining recognition for his tactical and defensive ability in the ring.
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For Roberto Duranhis colleague’s evasive style does not possess the qualities necessary to earn the respect of traditional audiences.
Criticism of Mayweather’s defensive style
In one interview granted to the specialized media One On One Boxingthe former Panamanian champion was direct when evaluating Mayweather’s performance. “For me, Mayweather is a weak boxer. He doesn’t like to be hit to the body and as soon as he gets hit there, he becomes the Roadrunner, and I have much more experience than him”declared Roberto Duran to the aforementioned source.
The Central American athlete argued that Mayweather’s evasive strategy diminishes the spectacle in the ring. From your perspective, a boxer with greater hitting volume in the middle zone he would have had the tools to overcome the American’s guard.
The fights questioned by the Panamanian
In addition to criticizing his physical resistance, the former boxer stated that the American’s record should have registered defeats on at least three occasions. According to the perspective of Roberto DuranMayweather’s fights against José Luis Castillo, Oscar De La Hoya and Marcos Maidana presented failures of appreciation by the judges.
In the same talk with One On One Boxing, the Central American detailed his vision about the decisions on those cards. “He fought against a Mexican, the Mexican beat him, but they gave the victory to Mayweather. Then he fought another, he lost, but they gave him the victory by decision. I think he has lost three fights, but they have given him those victories”argument Roberto Duran.
The future of the unbeaten record
Mayweather’s 50-win mark could face one last official test in the medium term.
There are negotiations for a professional rematch against the Filipino Manny Pacquiaopreliminarily scheduled for September, which would break a nine-year withdrawal period.
This possible official symbolic unification contest will determine if the North American keeps his record intact after the questions received. Meanwhile, the statements of Roberto Duran They add debate to the usual discussions about the best pound-for-pound boxers in history.
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