Boxing Kingdom dug out a gem, a forgotten clip, showcasing a side of Floyd Mayweather that might just leave you second-guessing everything you knew about him. Not the calculated defensive genius we’ve come to know in later years. Instead, a relentless, aggressive dynamo, giving world champion DeMarcus Corley a run for his money.
For newer fans accustomed to Mayweather’s matured style, this clip is like discovering a favorite musician’s unheard early album or finding out your calm professor was once a rockstar. It’s not just a boxing match. It’s a rewind button to an era where Mayweather wasn’t just defending, but attacking with intent. Get ready to see Mayweather as you’ve never seen him before.
Unmasking the two sides of Floyd Mayweather
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At the heart of this recently unveiled clip lies a profound transformation in Floyd Mayweather’s boxing style. The journey from ‘Pretty Boy Floyd’ to ‘Money Mayweather’ is rich with tactical evolution and nuances.
Initially, Mayweather rooted his ‘Pretty Boy’ reputation in his aggressive and fearless approach in the ring. This assertive persona was evident as he faced opponents like DeMarcus Corley. However, as he climbed weight categories, challenges emerged.
One fan astutely pointed out the size disadvantage Mayweather faced as he moved up. Due to this, Floyd had to adjust, becoming more defensive because knocking out larger opponents became increasingly challenging.
As he went up the weights Floyd had to become more defensive due to the size disadvantage & as he was less likely to stop opponents
— Good Guy Barry (@Goodguybarry) October 4, 2023
Another fan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Mayweather’s brilliance at the lower weight classes. As Mayweather ventured into the 147 weight class, he often found himself the smaller man, prompting a strategic shift in his fighting style.
This is where Floyd was really great, when he fought at the lower weight classes.
He switched up when he got to 147 bc he was always the smaller man in the ring.
Definitely an all time great.
— Javier (@RatedX321) October 4, 2023
Yet, there’s more to the story. Another user highlighted a crucial aspect of Mayweather’s transformation – his recurring hand injuries. While his early career was about aggressive punches and knocking out opponents, these injuries necessitated a change. Mayweather had to protect his hands, leading to the evolution of ‘Money Mayweather,’ the defensive genius we know today.
Yeah Pretty Boy Floyd was trying to take peoples heads off but he kept breaking his hands so he switched up his style and Money Mayweather became the greatest defensive fighter I’ve ever seen
— Patrick Arevalo 🇵🇦 (@PatrickAre) October 4, 2023
Another keen observer weighed in on this too, reminding fans that before these hand issues arose, Mayweather’s aggression was the talk of the town.
They didn't see Floyd before the hand problems. Once he started having problems with his hands the defense got highlighted
— KP (@KyleP979) October 4, 2023
Another person summarized the dual phases of Mayweather’s career brilliantly. In the beginning, Floyd was the ruthless and attack-minded ‘Pretty Boy.’ As adversities and challenges surfaced, he transitioned seamlessly into the more calculated and strategic ‘Money Mayweather.’
Pretty boy Floyd was more ruthless and attack minded than Money mayweather.
— Ibrar Dad (@ibrardad) October 4, 2023
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Every twist and turn in his career, be it weight class challenges or physical adversities, only fortified his standing as an iconic boxer. Transitioning from a fearless aggressor to a strategic defender, he consistently proved that champions aren’t just born; they evolve.
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As we revel in the rich tapestry of Mayweather’s legacy, one can’t help but wonder. How many of today’s champions will showcase such versatility in the face of adversity? Let us know your thoughts below.
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