It?s been a very long time since Floyd Mayweather actually had to consider the possibility of a loss while training for an upcoming fight. Sure, he?s been in the ring with some quality fighters and every one of his opponents over the course of the last decade or so has been, at the very least, a Top 5 fighter in their division. But there?s something different about this training camp.
In the past, Mayweather, the notoriously dedicated gym rat, prepared with a fervor nearly unmatched in the sport. And while Mayweather?s fanatical dedication to training amazed observers, there was seldom any doubt that he was training to face a fighter who he would likely beat quite handily.
Credit it to Mayweather?s supremely untouchable style, to clever matchmaking, or call it a product of both, but when Mayweather has stepped into the ring, the end result was seldom in doubt. And it?s been like this, arguably, since he met Diego Corrales in 2001.
But now, in preparation to face eight-division world champ Manny Pacquiao, Mayweather is taking on someone with the style and will power to defeat him, as well as a long and storied resume full of seemingly impossible underdog feats.
Perhaps, this is the reason that we have yet to see a smiling Mayweather arrogantly strolling the perimeters of his gym or smacking around the speed bag while proclaiming his greatness to eager cameras. This also may be the reason Mayweather has added wood chopping and swimming to an already tightly-packed training regimen under the supervision of former Pacquiao strength and conditioning coach, Alex Ariza.
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For all the ego and arrogance, Floyd Mayweather is a smart boxing man and he knows just how tough his task will be on May 2. He knows that he?ll need something extra to ensure a victory against the only other fighter active today with a similarly fanatical devotion to training.
The question is whether Mayweather?a notorious creature of habit and planned repetition?will be better prepared on May 2 because of the changes implemented in camp or thrown off by the break from his normal routine.
However you care to look at it, the fact is that Mayweather is all business for the Pacquiao fight and no matter what his team tells the press, there is a legitimate concern this time out that he may not win.
Can a world class fighter, who has not had to really rev up his engines at 100% for a good, long time, turn over that motor and run on all cylinders at this stage of the game? Or is this deadly-serious training camp, full of new or re-acquired training routines, a sign that Mayweather is desperate and clutching at straws in order to secure a victory over Pacquiao.
The world will know on May 2.
Is Mayweather?s new training regimen a sign of renewed dedication or is it an indication of desperation and doubt? Leave your comments below and please share this article with friends.
