In the final episode of “Mayweather vs. Maidana: All Access”, Marcos Maidana’s head trainer Robert “Grandpa” Garcia is shown studying Mayweather’s most recent bout with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and pondering on a potential gameplan to land clean, effective punches against one of the greatest defensive fighters in the history of the sport, Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Even though the slippery and intelligent pound for pound king of boxing has yet to lose a contest throughout his 18 years in the professional ring, the former IBF Super Featherweight title holder and recognized two-time trainer of year believes that his WBA Welterweight Champion can defy the odds once again and become the fighter who finally unlocks the “May-Vinci Code”.
“With Mayweather, we have to be a little more careful,” claims Robert Garcia. “Mayweather is the best in the business, and he’s very smart…very experienced. I want Chino to be careful the first couple of rounds.”
“But if that opportunity comes, we’re going to take advantage of it.”
While the heralded boxing mentor watches and analyzes Mayweather’s biggest and most critically acclaimed victories, Garcia notices a trend that seems to develop throughout each and every fight with Floyd Jr.
“You can’t let Mayweather be comfortable,” states the 39 year old trainer. “He’s landing every punch he wants…and then every time Canelo tries to land a punch, Mayweather’s already out of the way. You’ve got to stay on him. You’ve got to make it ugly…make it dirty.”
“It’s happened to Cotto, it’s happened to De La Hoya…they kind of lose it in the ring when they’re in front of Mayweather. With Chino, I don’t think that’s going to happen. Maidana has no respect for anyone when they’re inside the ring. He doesn’t care. He goes in there to try and knock his opponent out.”
During camp at the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy in Oxnard, California, Robert and Marcos prepared for the speed factor that has seemingly befuddled 45 previous Mayweather opponents by sparring with the current WBO Super Featherweight Champion.
“I’m training Chino to give Mayweather that fight he’s never seen before,” insists the head trainer of Team Maidana.
“Throw a lot of punches…that’s my plan. Stay busy and throw a lot of punches. Be awkward.” “Years ago, Mosley landed that hard overhand right that stung Mayweather pretty bad. And what is the punch that Maidana likes to throw? That overhand right from mid-range…so we’re training for it.”
Robert’s little brother and current undefeated WBO title holder, Mikey Garcia, expounds on his experience with “Chino” Maidana in the gym.
“What Maidana has is that power, the aggression, the heart,” claims the 26 year old two division world champion. “Those are all qualities that could put Mayweather in some trouble and beat him.”
Although the race and sports book still have the Argentine native listed as a 14 to 1 underdog going into this Saturday night’s main event, Marcos ultimately believes that he can pull off the unthinkable and be the first fighter to defeat Floyd Mayweather Jr.
“Mayweather is a great fighter,” admits Marcos “El Chino” Maidana. “He’s a good boxer who is hard to hit. But at any moment, I can connect with one of my punches…and that’s when I can close the deal. Mayweather has never been hit by a man.”
