Despite Floyd Mayweather’s recent problems and unspeakable behavior, there are still many fans who want to see a Pacquiao vs. Mayweather clash. I’m talking about an official clash inside the squared circle where no amount of trash-talking or name calling can lead to a victory.
I recently wrote that I wouldn’t blame Pacquiao at all if he completely refuses to even begin negotiations with Mayweather for a third time. After being one of the biggest proponents of the matchup, Mayweather’s colorful video finally caused me to change my opinion.
Would I still like to see the fight? Of course! But who could blame the Pacman if he just chooses to say “no” to giving Mayweather a $50 million dollar payday? I certainly couldn’t.
Another question is; will Mayweather’s recent run-in with the law further hurt the chances of the fight ever taking place?
Boxing scribe Scott Heritage recently posed the question, “Have we seen the last of Floyd Mayweather in a boxing ring?”
On Saturday afternoon, I spoke with pro boxer/trainer Stacy Goodson of Paris, Arkansas. In spite of all the negative publicity that Mayweather has recently generated, he not only believes that Mayweather will continue to fight, but that he will still end up fighting Pacquiao.
“The thought of him [Mayweather] fighting Pacman has made him a star,” Goodson said. “But beating a star will not make you one, and after the fight, win or lose, it’ll be over for [Mayweather]. That’s why he’s dragging it out as long as he can.”
Well, Mayweather’s star power has been pretty secure in boxing for several years now, but it is undeniably true the thought of a fight with Pacquiao has increased his fame, or infamy, as the case may be. You can’t bring up Pacquiao without someone mentioning Mayweather, and vice versa.
“The thing about [Mayweather] is that he inspires punks. That’s all. Now, I like him,” Goodson continued. ” I like him because he brings interest to the sport. But after the fight happens, I see him retiring again, because he will never make that bank again.”
Goodson then commented on the contrast between Mayweather and Pacquiao.
“Now Manny, he gives his money away. To be honest, if I lost $100 million and looked back to see where it went, I’d rather see that I gave it to others while living like a king, than to see I was only selfish and blew it on being a gangsta.” (laughs)
Goodson, who is married to Sarah “Da Thrilla from Manila” Goodson, the first Filipina to ever win the WIBF title, then compared Pacquiao’s tendency to give away money to help others to his own 2004 trip to the Philippines.
“I had two grand to buy souvenirs and have a good time, but I gave most of it to the kids of Cebu. I felt like a rock star. (laughs) They hated to see me go, and I hated to go. It was so cool and fulfilling. It was worth it. Manny does the same thing, but has a lot more to give. I think he remembers when he was a dirty faced kid with mixed flip-flops on his feet. He sees himself in those poor Filipinos.”
I then asked if he felt there would still be a Pacquiao – Mayweather fight at some point.
“Yeah, for sure. They’ve been making it look like the fight might not happen. It’s all publicity.”
As far as the outcome, Goodson’s confidence is in the Pacman.
“Well, I can’t see Freddie pushing it if he didn’t know something. I say Pacman wins by a cut or something from the crazy pressure he puts on a guy. Don’t forget that Mosley nearly dropped [Mayweather]. Pacman hits harder than Shane.”
I reminded Goodson that Freddie was recently quoted by Mark Vestor of Boxingscene as saying he didn’t think the fight would happen.
“Oh, it will! When boxing people have a chance to make that kind of money, yeah, it’s on!” (laughs)
