HIMSELF SPEAKING, FLOYD Mayweather Jr. bared there was rust in his performance against Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas over the weekend.
How much rust was, of course, impossible to determine.
One thing came out quite clear, though.
Mayweather was splendid in showing the world what pound-for-pound kingship was all about in that one-sided win over Marquez.
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Of course, we’ve got to take what the man says.
There was something missing in Mayweather’s performance at MGM Grand where he completed one of the most memorable conquests of his career.
Rust might have indeed been there.
But they might as well be gold rust, incandescent and electrifying.
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Meanwhile, down at ringside at MGM Grand, there was awe and astonishment as Mayweather, unperturbed, proceeded to frustrate the chanting pro-Mexican crowd with a masterful display of rare skills and inborn talent.
There was rust—spellbinding rust—in Mayweather’s reflexes.
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As could be expected, the next question asked was: How much of the real Mayweather showed up against Marquez on Sunday?
Maybe only 70 percent, the wet market crowd was unanimous the morning after.
Asked to pinpoint what comprised the missing 30 percent, the sun-smelling boxing devotees singled out offense.
Mayweather was more of a cautious king cat than an unforgiving cougar versus Marquez last Sunday.
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Well, Mayweather did not appear too keen in scoring an early stoppage.
But he would admit during the postfight that he did try to finish off Marquez.
However, his cautious follow-up to that second-round knockdown proved futile.
Mayweather said Marquez was as tough as nails, and the Mexican simply refused to be pinned down.
The winner and new toast of the boxing town also said Marquez owns one of the biggest hearts in the prizefight world.
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The truth is Marquez was pitifully reduced to a shallow, aimless hunter by Mayweather’s defensive brilliance.
But, in suffering a humbling defeat, Marquez also displayed tons of unquestionable courage.
Not only that. Marquez should also be credited for drawing out of his cave the semi-retired Mayweather, one of the greatest fighters of his time.
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Suddenly, the sky is again the limit for Mayweather, whom Manny Pacquiao has succeeded as undisputed pound-for-pound king.
Now, it goes without saying that the sensible thing for Mayweather to do is to go for it.
Meaning to square off with Pacquiao—who said he was impressed by Mayweather—for all the boxing marbles in the world.
Mayweather need not be reminded he has got to be a hundred percent, not only 70 percent, to be truly competitive against the Filipino superhero.
