Mayweather vs. Maidana 2: Tale of Tape, Fights Records and More for Both Boxers
On Saturday, September 13, WBA and WBC welterweight and WBC light middleweight champion Floyd "Money" Mayweather Jr. will look to squash any doubt that he is head and shoulders above Marcos Rene Maidana.
In their first fight, Mayweather was given more trouble than most expected, but he still prevailed by majority decision. Maidana's activity and pressure kept Mayweather off balance, but the challenger's inaccurate punches cost him in the scorecards.
Despite throwing more than twice as many punches as Mayweather, Maidana landed fewer times. This time, he'll be looking to find his mark more regularly.
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Here's a look at the tale of the tape and strategies for both men in the rematch.
| 5'8" | Height | 5'7" |
| 72" | Reach | 69" |
| 46 | Wins | 35 |
| 0 | Losses | 4 |
| 0 | Draws | 0 |
| 26 | Knockouts | 31 |
Mayweather Must Control the Tempo Early
In the first fight, Maidana gained confidence early. His aggression in the first three rounds allowed him to dictate the tempo of the fight. Even though he wasn't landing clean shots, he was winning the early rounds by out-working Mayweather.
Money seemed content to allow him to whale away as he slipped most of the dangerous blows, but this was a risky strategy, and one he can't afford to duplicate.
In the rematch, Mayweather must utilize the lateral movement he showed in the latter rounds to give Maidana different angles.
If he can do that, he'll be able to frustrate the challenger, and keep the fight at a comfortable distance. Mayweather owns a three-inch reach advantage, but if he allows Maidana to plaster himself against his chest, he won't be able to use it.
Controlling the tempo of the fight is the best way for Mayweather to use his length, speed and superior footwork.
Maidana Must Land Something Big
Truth be told, Maidana can't fight any better than he did in the first meeting. Mayweather seems to know that as well. He said as much, per Boxing Scene's Miguel Rivera.
"Robert Garcia is one of the best coaches in the world. [Maidana] can go with the best coach, but I'm the best fighter. I don't think [Maidana] can fight any better."
With that said, Maidana must hope Mayweather's skills have declined, and that he doesn't implement any of the changes listed above.
If that happens, there's hope for Maidana landing something big early in the fight. Landing something big will only be the first step in toppling the sport's best performer. Mayweather has been stunned by opponents before, but he's shown a good chin, excellent recuperative skills and the ability to adjust.
Shane Mosley rocked Mayweather early in their fight. DeMarcus Corley also hurt Mayweather early in the pound-for-pound king's career. Neither man could follow up.
Because his only hope is a knockout, Maidana will have to finish if he gets that opportunity.
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