Boxing is the art of hitting your opponent and not getting hit in return. Mayweather is perhaps the most elusive prizefighter in boxing history, both literally and figuratively. His mastery of ring generalship, and intelligent defense is unparalleled in boxing regardless of weight class. Mayweather is not only an elite boxer; he is one of the smartest athletes in sports…
The Best Offense Is A Good Defense
“According to Bob Canobbio, owner and founder of CompuBox — a computerized scoring system that counts every punch a boxer throws and lands – Mayweather’s average connect rate of 46 percent, compiled during his past nine fights (a “prime” designated by CompuBox), ranks as the best among current active fighters.” “More impressive than Mayweather’s own connect percentage is that of Floyd’s opponents against him. They land a mere 16 percent of punches thrown, the lowest collective figure recorded in CompuBox’s 4,000-fight database.”
In layman’s terms, Mayweather is a defensive wizard. It’s very rare for a boxer to hit him with a clean punch. However on the rare occasion he does get hit, he will not likely be hit with the same punch twice. Some people comment (negatively) on the fact that Mayweather does not take enough chances in the ring, and fault Mayweather for not throwing caution to the wind, or becoming the victim of a brutal knock out.
Photo Bryan Horowitz
Mayweather’s intelligence is understated in this regard, he dishes out measured punishment yet rarely gets hit or takes substantial amounts of damage in return. Cumulative damage can subtract years from an athletes professional shelf life (especially in boxing where boxers can suffer from long-term brain damage as a result of repeated blows to the head). Most times longevity is synonymous with domination and that can be lucrative in the long run. Mayweather’s current record is (46 wins 0 losses and has been reigning champion for 17 years). Speaking in terms of long-term effects, to date there’s no such thing as the boxers retirement union, or an organization that caters to boxers who have literally taken too many punches. Nor do boxers have a sanctioning body, or any sort of legal representation to look out for their welfare before, during, or after their career is over. So, what happens to a boxer who is debilitated physically, mentally, and eventually financially?
It’s almost something out of Roman gladiator adage. Once reflexes have diminished, and a journeyman boxer is no longer marketable to promoters/lanistae, they are discarded and left to their own devices. Old highlights of their finest moments are revered and replayed to entertain the masses. What about the debilitated fighter? Where does that leave him? Does he even remember those events? Mayweather strategically puts himself in a position both inside and outside of the ring to take minimum risks, yet yield maximum rewards despite his critics. That is a 1-2 combination that is not taught in the recesses of some dismal, sweaty gym, or by a world-class trainer.
the introspective 