Why Boxing Needs Floyd Mayweather

He just turned 32 and it has been 22 months since he abdicated his throne. Bored, unchallenged, underappreciated, who knows the real reason why the “Pretty Boy” hung up the gloves. Whatever the reason, it is time to reclaim the kingdom.

As boxing continues to counter mixed martial arts by providing fans with the most compelling matchups, there is still something missing. It’s the presence of the true pound-for-pound king, and the game’s biggest mouth—Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Since his official retirement in June 2008, Mayweather’s name has constantly been dropped by boxers, writers, and analysts in anticipation of his return. The fights, the money, the buzz he can create are second only to Oscar de la Hoya, the current box office king of the ring.

But with de la Hoya having one foot in the retirement grave, the spotlight is there for Money May.

This is what he always wanted. He relished being the man when he last fought in December 2007 against Ricky Hatton. When he comes back, the bank may match his own believed self worth. And at 39-0, he’s got a lot of it.

He grew up in a family of pugilists and his skill is second to none. When someone wants to fight Mayweather, you feel at least part of the reason is because they want to measure themselves against the best. Lately with de la Hoya, it was about getting the biggest payday of your career in fights that devolved more into “events” than meaningful contests.

De la Hoya used to be the guy all fighters in and around his weight class would challenge. Now it’s the Pretty Boy who’s the new “Call-out Boy.” As in, “Everyone still thinks he’s the best and I think I’m the best. Floyd…get over here!”

There is nothing to lose in fighting him. Win, and you have done what no one else could. Lose, and nobody thinks any less of you because you were supposed to lose. And you make some solid coin in the process.

Over recent years some of the best have called Mayweather out. Shane Mosley, Antonio Margarito, and most recently, Juan Manual Marquez. But while he could take them on for decent paydays and further validation as one of the all-time greats, he has been more about maximum reward with minimal risk. Those guys represent a bigger risk compared to taking on Hatton, who is less skilled.

In fighting Hatton and de la Hoya, the Pretty Boy got the best of both worlds: Guys who were so popular they created a tremendous financial reward, but at the same time Mayweather never felt truly threatened by either.

Marquez is the exact opposite. A guy with very little mainstream appeal despite one of the best skill sets in the game today. He is coming off an impressive ninth-round KO of Juan Diaz. In two fights against current pound-for-pound topper Manny Pacquiao, he has gone just about even-up. Fighting JMM would be a measurement for Mayweather’s greatness just as much so the other way around.

Don’t expect to see that unless Marquez can bring the fans and the money to Pretty Boy’s satisfaction. And at 35, the likelihood of that is growing slimmer. He is a very small fish in Mayweather’s large financial pond.

Instead, Mayweather seems to be angling for an engagement with Pacquiao, provided the Pac Man can get by Hatton on May 2. Give him credit for that. In reality, it’s probably more compelling than battling Marquez.

The old king returns to challenge the new king. The winner leads boxing into the next generation.