NBA Legend Charles Barkley Reveals His Only Problem With Floyd Mayweather While Lauding Muhammad Ali

Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr is widely regarded as the best boxer of his generation with some even giving him an all-time great status. The former six-division champion reigned supreme over the sport for the better part of two decades defeating every opponent put in front of him and retiring with a perfect 50-0 record.

However, many still criticize ‘Money’ when he is brought up against other greats like Muhammad Ali or Sugar Ray Robinson, citing the lack of competition Mayweather faced in his career. In addition, former NBA legend Charles Barkley also revealed his only problem with Mayweather while also lauding Muhammad Ali revealing why he was better than the boxers who came after him.

Charles Barkley reveals his problem with Floyd Mayweather Jr

The former NBA MVP recently appeared in ‘All The Smoke’ podcast, revealing his problem with ‘Money’. According to him, Mayweather waited too long to face his rival and the man who carried boxing alongside him, Manny Pacquiao. “The only problem I have with Floyd. He waited too long to fight Pacquiao but he did fight Pacquiao,” said Barkley.

Mayweather and Pacquiao faced each other back in 2015 with Mayweather getting the victory. However, many felt that the two were far past their primes with Mayweather being 38 at the time and Pacquiao being 36. In addition, Barkley also revealed why the likes of Ali and older boxers were better than the new generation.

Barkley praises Muhammad Ali’s boxing career

In the podcast, the NBA legend also revealed the thing about boxing that bothered him. He stated that fighters not fighting each other during their primes was the reason why boxing had become boring for him. He then lauded Ali claiming that he and Joe Frazier fought three times in their career and didn’t understand why boxers were ducking so much nowadays.

“The only thing about boxing that bothers me is that these dudes don’t fight each other. It really pis*es me off because you know when I look at Ali. Him and Fraizer had three they had three and I don’t understand why you don’t want to fight the best. I would wanna know whose better and let me see if you beat me. Let me get my a*s back in the gym and see if I can get better,” he added.

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There is some truth to Barkley’s claims as fighters have become far more concerned about their records. However, this is mainly due to increased pressure by promotions to keep their fighters undefeated.

It is safe to say that promoters find it easy to sell the fights of undefeated fighters better. The sport of boxing was not the same as before with fighters taking a more calculated approach to their careers. Moreover, Mayweather can be seen as the boxer who started this shift in trend in boxing.

What did you think about Barkley’s problem with Mayweather? Let us know in the comments.

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