Floyd Mayweather: What Money Must Do to Be Greatest Fighter of Past 25 Years

Floyd Mayweather, Jr may come off as a fighter that only cares about money, but he wants to be considered great as well. He could lose every fight he has remaining in his career—starting with tonight's bout vs. Miguel Cotto at MGM Grand Garden—and he'd still be a future Hall of Famer.

But a talent as big as Mayweather is in contention for more than that. If Mayweather's career goes for two more years, and he follows a path similar to the one I describe below, he deserves to be called the greatest fighter of the past 25 years.

The Path Begins Tonight vs. Miguel Cotto

Mayweather must defeat Cotto handily. He has to win by KO, TKO or a clear decision. Any outcome that would suggest a rematch is warranted would re-direct him a bit.

He could still come out looking great with a close win and rematch. This sequence would reaffirm his superiority over Cotto. But this potential saga could drastically impact the makings of future fights.

Those fights would be more important to his legacy than beating Cotto in one or two contested battles. Obviously, a loss would cast some serious doubt over his case the greatest in two-and-a-half decades.

Emerge From Jail Mentally Prepared To Resume His Career

Mayweather has to report to jail in June after a conviction on a domestic violence charge. Mayweather may only be serving 90 days, but detainment is no small ordeal.

Things can change in a person afterwards. While he may continue his career for many reasons, he must still be the same fighter to continue his success.

At 35 years old, I don't think that is a given.

Win His First Fight After Jail Term

Mayweather probably won't look to jump right into a super-fight fresh from his jail term. He'll probably take on a named fighter, but someone that represents a tune-up for the mega pay-day.

This could still be a dangerous fight, even with an opponent that is perceived as tune-up. Whomever he fights will be up for the challenge, and Mayweather will have questions about his own ability at this point, no matter what the braggadocios persona says.

This will be a huge test for him.

It's Time to Fight Manny Pacquiao

By this time, both Mayweather and Pacquiao will have to realize, it is now or never for them to clash. If Pacquiao doesn't lose to Timothy Bradley in June, or in any subsequent bout, this fight must happen.

Mayweather has to defeat Pacquiao to carry the title of greatest fighter in the past 25 years. If he loses this fight, critics will say, "he finally fought a quality opponent, and he lost".

Now that isn't a true assessment of Mayweather's past opponents, but if he loses to Pacquiao, it gives credence to his haters' argument.

Defeating Pacquiao gives Mayweather—and his past opponents—legitimacy. This is the most important fight of his career, and it will say more about his legacy than any other fight.

Walking Away

If Mayweather completes this odyssey, there will be no question, of who is the best fighter most of us have ever seen.

Even if his detractors won't admit it.

Brian Mazique

Follow @BrianMazique

Franchiseplay

Follow @franchiseplay