Recently, Floyd Mayweather Jr. announced that he may take a year or two off again.
Most think it’s a ploy or negotiation tactic to gain leverage in the negotiation.
No doubt it’s a ploy, since it is there is too much money in it for him to turn it down. Besides, according it’s easy money since the fight against Pacquiao will easier than the one against Mosley according to the Mayweather camp.
But could it be that he’s simply employing the Mosley strategy?
Wait until Pacquiao gets a little bit rusty and past his prime.
Pacquiao with his new responsibilities as a congressman might not consider any other fight beside the one against ‘The IRS took my money’ Mayweather.
The time off arguably favors Mayweather since if he takes a year or two off, he will still have ample of time to stay in shape. On the other hand, Pacquiao’s responsibilities to his constituents might affect his training regimen since it will no longer be his priority.
True Pacquiao with his work ethic can quickly get himself back into shape, but if he starts packing a few more pounds than usual due to his hectic schedule then it can have an impact on his conditioning. He might take him more time to get his original reflexes and speed back. Even that is a big if because it depends on how your body adjust to the change.
Remember when Roy Jones gained weight to fight John Ruiz for a heavyweight belt? When he went back down; his speed and reflexes were never the same.
You can call the Mayweathers ignorant, fools or whatever, but they are clever strategist. They were able to brilliantly convince numerous fans to consider a fighter who for a good amount of time never fought quality and dangerous opponents to be considered the best fighter.
Then take almost two years off only to comeback against an overwhelmed opponent and still convince a few that he should get the throne back from Manny Pacquiao as the best pound for pound fighter.
Now he’s considered the betting favorite in a fight against Manny because of his victory against Shane Mosley. An impressive victory indeed against a fighter who was almost forty years old and coming off an almost two year layoff himself.
While Manny Pacquiao since he beat Barrera has fought not only quality fighters but Hall of Fame caliber fighters.
But maybe I’m giving Mayweather too much credit and the only reason is he knows Pacquiao can beat him. Not only beat him but embarrass him inside the ring, which can definitely damage his legacy.
No matter what he says; he knows he’s never faced a fighter like Pacquiao; a southpaw that’s more powerful than he is and one who matches his physical abilities.
Could it be that he’s simply scared as Uncle May May ‘The Only Honest Mayweather’ said?
