“Give Caesar What Belongs to Caesar”: Floyd Mayweather’s Impeccable Defense Unraveled in Viral Post; Fans Left Divided

Floyd Mayweather Jr. used a particular technique that helped him evade the opponents’ shots, bout after bout, and eventually became synonymous with him. ‘The Return of English Boxing News’ shared a famous picture of the former champion fighting Canelo Alvarez in 2013, employing his ‘Philly defense’ to deadly effect. They dissected the method in detail. Soon, a good number of comments joined. While a few commended Mayweather Jr., some, as usual, charged him with dodging many opponents past their prime.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. retired in 2017, undefeated. He joined that elite club of boxers who hung their gloves, never beaten. All of them were high-level practitioners of an attack and defense combination. The judicious application of the technique he learned from his father kept Mayweather Jr. successful for two decades. Hence, most of the fans generally tend to use the ‘Philly defense’ with the Mayweathers; however, it turns out that they weren’t the foremost proponents.

Maybe it wasn’t Floyd Mayweather Jr., but that doesn’t diminish his impact

Calling the first shots, Mass Farris contradicted the caption that read, ‘Floyd Mayweather’s Defense.’ Credit should go where it’s due. Hence, Farris highlighted that George Benton, a Philadelphia boxer, introduced the technique in the 1950s. Mayweather might have worked further. However, he isn’t the originator. He said, “This ain’t the defense, Mayweather; give Caesar what belongs to Caesar… George Benton, the Philly shell king, back in the 1950s… Mayweather may have improved it but didn’t make it up.”

Stef Erdnase accepted that he is among the greatest boxers of all time. However, his best defensive approach was to pick opponents such as Oscar De La Hoya or Manny Pacquiao, who were spent force when they met in 2007 or 2015. Else, an inexperienced Canelo Alvarez in 2013. Erdnase said, “His real defense is to shoot guys either when they’re done (of the hoya manny) or when they’re not ripe enough (Canelo). Other than that very great boxer, no debate.”

But Andala Wilane begged to differ. Replying to Stef Erdnase, he said that the user counts among those who believe that every bout should end in a knockout. He should read the sport artistically. That way, Floyd Mayweather Jr. stands the tallest. “Stef Erdnase, you are one of the people who expect k’Os in every fight. We look at the art of this profession, and Floyd is number one in this field, bro.”

The following users chimed in unison. Thierry Fernier called Mayweather Jr. a genuine boxer, and everyone should admit it: “We have to say, but he’s a real boxer.” Then Ali Slimani appreciated him as an exceptional boxing talent, “a genius of boxing.” Finally, Clovis Kalome hailed Mayweather Jr.’s fantastic defensive work, “Very good defending.”

Here’s the skinny about ‘Philly Shell’

For the uninitiated, a ‘Philly Shell,’ sometimes called the shoulder roll, is a defensive technique involving the boxer leaning away from the opponent. He raises the lead shoulder to position it just before the chin. The lead hand crosses the torso, between the belly button and chest, reaching the opposite end. At the same time, the other hand protects the face from jabs and hooks.

Gaining popularity in Philadelphia gyms, George Benton, a Middleweight, brought it into the limelight. Floyd Mayweather effused new life into the 1980s. However, his son, Mayweather Jr., took it to the next level. Other practitioners include former champion James Toney, who, like ‘The Money,’ never faced a knockout.

Read More: “Look How Scared Mayweather Looks”: Forgotten Photo of Mike Tyson & Floyd Mayweather Together Draws Wild Fan Reactions

What is your take on the defensive tactic of Floyd Mayweather Jr.? Please share your thoughts and views with us in the comments below.

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