Pound-for-pound king and consensus welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather (46-0, 26KOs) is often criticized for his perceived lack of punching power.
Despite the fact he’s KO’d most of his opponents, some in the media (who have obviously never boxed before), as well as some fans, actually believe Mayweather is incapable of ring brutality. (Image courtesy of Showtime)
…They are wrong. While Floyd does not possess the explosiveness or one-punch sizzle of a Manny Pacquiao or a welterweight version of Thomas Hearns, he’s capable of rocking anybody’s world.
Can Floyd Mayweather punch?
Ask the rugged Ricky Hatton who was stopped by Mayweather in 2007… Ask Victor Ortiz what happens when Mayweather is given opportunities to land flush… Ask the gritty Juan Manuel Marquez who has floored and repeatedly jolted by Floyd in 2009.
Ask Canelo Alvarez who became tentative after eating a few of Mayweather’s shots last year. But for the most part, Floyd punches for speed and accuracy and, as a result, often doesn’t sit on his punches to maximize leverage. However, when he decides to plant his feet and load up, his power is formidable.
And despite suffering from chronic hand problems the last ten or more years, Mayweather can still hurt his opponents, especially with his straight right hand and that sweeping check left hook. Moreover, he likes to surprise foes with punches they don?t see which adds to the impact of his shots.
Marcos Maidana told Boxing Scene recently, “[Mayweather] never hurt me, but he’s got a respectable punch. You’ve got to respect him.”
