More than three months have passed since the celebrated Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao fight and to this day, the Filipino boxer still believes he won that fight.
Mayweather won handily and as seen by the world, outboxed Pacquiao. The American boxer's only fault may be the fact that he did not engage aggressively despite constant claims prior to the fight that he would.
Everyone in his right mind that there was little chance that Mayweather would abandon his usual defensive strategy and look for a knockout. That was a big risk considering it was something that fans and Pacquiao wanted. Wise as he is, he would have but only if the time was right.
Hence, that accounted for a boring fight, a dud in the eyes of many who believed they were robbed of their hard-earned money being in Las Vegas or subscribing via pay-per-view. In fact some have gone as far as resorting to legal action, something that is now under process at a California Court.
On the other end, Pacquiao’s claim of winning the fight is become as fuzzy with each day. How can a fighter win on one good shoulder? Isn’t this the reason why the fight all the more took a turn for the worst.
Boxing requires punches to win. Mayweather got in a few shots but Pacquiao a whole lot less. He may have looked like the aggressor in the match but points don’t count for that. Pacquiao took lesser punches so how in the world could he possibly claim that he won the match?
Summing both of the Filipino boxer’s claims of winning the match, it simply doesn’t add up. He had a bad shoulder which would require surgery and such was a made an excuse (earlier on) as to why he did not perform like his usual self. There wasn’t even a knockdown that would give either fighter an edge.
Like it or not, Pacquiao did get schooled. His admission of having a shoulder injury heading into the fight only made things worse. Rather than getting admiration and compassion, it was the exact opposite and he (and possibly Mayweather) may face a hefty penalty for it if the lawsuits prevail.
Would it be wise for Pacquiao to simply clam up and move on? The more he rants he won the fight the more he is raising the controversy of how the ‘dud of the century’ disappointed the whole world.
Rather than look back, it may be best for Pacquiao to look forward to 2016. He could challenge Mayweather for a rematch despite the fact that Floyd has said that he doesn’t want to fight Pacquiao anymore because he is a ‘sore loser’.
His supposed last fight this coming September 12 against Andre Berto hardly qualifies as something that makes him exit in style could pave the way for a Mayweather – Pacquiao 2. Regardless, it is believed that Mayweather will not totally retire.
He may announce it but then again, he could ‘come back’. Many have done it and some are actually set to do that. There is Sugar Shane Mosley and Ricardo Mayorga for instance who will fight at their 40s while Antonio Margarito plans to return to the ring before this year ends.
So, retire is a bit of a strong word. Maybe if Mayweather adds ‘permanent’ to retirement then many may believe him. Still and all, the doors are not totally closed – at least not just yet.