Juan Is Enough: Mayweather Hopes Del Potro Is Only Juan To Score Upset

But almost instantaneously, Juan Martin del Potro, the 20-year old Argentinean, scored two quick points to close out the set and win his first major championship. It was Federer’s first loss in a major final to anyone with a first name other than “Rafa” and a last name other than “Nadal”.

Finishing second in a major is generally nothing to be ashamed of; take a look at the accolades Andy Roddick received for his performance against Federer in this year’s Wimbledon.

But what makes Roger Federer, Roger Federer, is that second place is not good enough. We expect the most from our great athletes.

And this is why, on Saturday, Floyd Mayweather Jr. must knock out Juan Manuel Marquez.

Make no mistake: Marquez is an excellent fighter.

In two fights with Manny Pacquiao, the world’s current number one ranked pound-for-pound fighter, Marquez and Pacquiao were separated by just a single point on the six scorecards (679-678 Pacquiao). Many fans believe Marquez won at least one, if not both fights with Pacquiao.

Marquez is a true embodiment of a Mexican warrior. For Mayweather, knocking out the number two ranked fighter in the world, a man who has never been knocked out, will not be an easy task.

But being great is not supposed to be an easy task. If Mayweather wants to be revered in the same class as Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Robinson, Sugar Ray Leonard and others, it is imperative that he goes above and beyond all expectations tomorrow night.

He is entering the ring as the bigger, stronger, faster, and younger boxer. Every tactical advantage is in his favour. We expect him to win; we must also expect him to exceed our expectations. In his last two fights, Pacquiao has done so; Mayweather must follow suit.