Floyd Mayweather Must Improve Defensive Strategy vs. Marcos Maidana in Rematch

Floyd Mayweather took a serious chance by getting into a brawl with Marcos Maidana during their first meeting back in May. Although he scored the victory by majority decision, expect to see a stronger defensive effort from the undefeated superstar in the rematch.

The main talking point about the Argentine challenger heading into the last bout was his power, and rightfully so. He can do some serious damage with combinations if given the opportunity. The expectation was Mayweather would use a more conservative, defensive strategy.

Instead, he stood toe-to-toe with Maidana in what developed into an entertaining fight. While he still ended up getting the win, it was a lot closer than most of the 45 that came before it.

Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports passed along comments from Mayweather after the bout, and he said a conscious decision was made to give fans what they wanted:

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I was in a tough competitive fight. I normally like to go out there and box and move. But he put pressure on me, so that's when I decided I'd make it competitive and fight differently. I wanted to give the fans what I know they wanted to see, so I stood there and fought him.

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Whether that's true or just his way of covering up a mediocre overall performance by his high standards is unclear. Either way, a better defensive approach is necessary in the second meeting.

"Money" showed he could win that type of fight, and he could probably do it again if necessary. That said, the only way to go nearly 50 professional matches without suffering a loss is by being smart and doing everything possible to limit risk.

Getting into a battle where Maidana is able to utilize his pop is dangerous. Even an elite defender like Mayweather isn't able to avoid serious damage. All it takes is one perfectly placed punch to end the five-division world champion's unbeaten run.

Mayweather is still the favorite, and it would be a surprise if he lost. David Mayo of MLive.com notes he also figures to learn more from the first bout than his opponent:

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Mayweather, by far the craftier technician, has a deeper toolbox than Maidana and figures to pull greater strategic benefits from their first fight together. He already drew Maidana into deep water once. He is 16-0 in 12-round fights. Maidana is 3-3.

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A loss would be less of a shock, however, if he doesn't adapt and make the necessary changes.

This fight is about making a statement. He wants to show there's still a large gap between him and everybody else in the boxing world. The only way to do that after a close result last time is to dominate the rematch.

Mayweather must fight his way, not Maidana's, in order to make that happen. That means more guile and less close-range exchanges. The fans may not like it, but that shouldn't be the main priority. It's all about getting the victory first and foremost.

It shouldn't take long to figure out what type of fight it will be. If Maidana is able to land some heavy shots early, Mayweather is likely in for another long night.

If it's a more defensive battle, the edge shifts clearly in favor of the current pound-for-pound king.