Mayweather vs. Cotto: Sensible Reasons to Root for Money May

Floyd Mayweather Jr. has his share of critics, but there are reasons to root for him on May 5 when he takes on Miguel Cotto. I don't remember a fighter since Muhammad Ali that was as passionately loved by some and hated by others, like Mayweather is right now.

Sure, everyone loves Ali now—except Carl Froch, of course—but that wasn't the case when Ali was in his prime.

Just as public perception changed for Ali, it can and will change at some point for Mayweather. Ali had a quality that was present even without his social relevance. That is his connection to Mayweather, and the first reason to root for Money vs. Cotto:

In-Ring Brilliance

What is often lost amidst questionable comments and bravado is Mayweather's amazing skill level. Some critics talk about his lack of power, they point to that as a weakness. 

I acknowledge Money doesn't have tremendous power, if he did, he'd literally be unbeatable. It would be like giving LeBron James, Larry Bird's jump shot and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's sky hook. 

That said—Mayweather has stopped 26 of his 42 opponents. His unequaled hand speed, superior defense (only Pernell Whitaker best him here, in my opinion) and genius-level in-ring IQ are all a marvel.

This collection of skills is the reason he's undefeated. If you are a boxing fan, you must appreciate the sweet science demonstrated beautifully.

Few have ever done it better than Floyd, and to see him lose would be the fall of one of the sport's all-time greats.

Super-Fight Anyone?

Those that still care to see Mayweather take on Manny Pacquiao have to root for Mayweather—even if they hate him.

If Mayweather loses to Cotto, the super-fight is dead. No one will want to see Mayweather take on Manny Pacquiao at that point.

Even if he loses a close decision to Cotto (which I can't see happening for several reasons), a rematch with Cotto would be in order. 

Mayweather is already 35 years old, time is running out on this fight happening while both men are still at the top of their game.

Some would argue Pacquiao has already slipped; this type of delay would all but kill the super-fight.

Someone to Love, Someone to Hate

If Floyd loses to Cotto, it will obviously hurt his fans. But what will his critics do? After they rejoice in his failure, who will they hate now?

Believe it or not, someone to hate in sports is even more important than someone to love. Boxing needs Mayweather to remain great just a little bit longer. At least until another polarizing figure can take his place.

When the top dog is knocked off—especially in an upset—it leaves a void. Boxing has no one to fill that void right now.

The time may come for Floyd to lose, but fans and critics alike must ask themselves: Is this the time?

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