Memo to Floyd Mayweather, JR: If You Truly Think You’re the G.O.A.T. Step Up and Challenge Gennady “GGG” Golovkin!
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By Dave “Mythical” Siderski
As part of a project I’m working on for Mythical Boxing, I’ve been trying to assess where Floyd’s place is among the all-time greats in boxing history. Reluctantly, I concluded he belongs at #17 on the list. Whether you’re a personal fan of him or not, Floyd is a special, uniquely skilled fighter and his reign of dominance over the boxing world over the past 15-20 years cannot be denied. Mayweather JR. has earned his place in boxing history as an all-time great and that is beyond any dispute.
That said, I cannot justify putting him any higher based on any reasonable criteria. Anyone who thinks Floyd is the G.O.A.T needs to seriously read up on his or her boxing history. Yes, Floyd is undefeated over a close to 20 year career and has won 48 consecutive fights. Is that impressive? Yes, and that’s why I have him at #17. But, please don’t talk to me about G.O.A.T status.
Consider that, Sugar Ray Robinson was 128-1-2 over the first 11 years of his career and was unbeatable at Welterweight. Willie Pep was 134-1-1 over the first 8 years of his career. Carlos Monzon had an 80 fight unbeaten streak over the final 13 years of his career. Harry Greb won 45 consecutive fights in a single year, 1919. Sorry, but many other boxers in history have accomplished feats more impressive than Floyd’s current 48-0 record.
The guys who truly belong in the G.O.A.T conversion have been willing to take risks that Floyd has never has. Muhammad Ali bested fearsome destroyers Sonny Liston and George Foreman, along with taking the full measure of relentless slugger Joe Frazier. Joe Louis actively sought out a rematch with Max Schmeling, a guy who seemed to have his number, and who he could have avoided once he became champion. Sugar Ray Robinson challenged Light Heavyweight champion Joey Maxim and, even though he was outweighed by more than 15 lbs., damn near came away with the title. Sugar Ray Leonard had the better of Wilfred Benitez, Tommy Hearns, and Roberto Duran within a two year period during his run at Welterweight, three all-time greats, all dangerous and all in their prime. One could argue that SRL held off on facing Hagler until he got old. But, let’s see how Mayweather would fare after a 5 year layoff.
What risks has Mayweather taken during his career? Yes, he’s beaten some terrific hall of fame caliber fighters: Diego Corrales, Zab Judah, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Marquez, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, and finally Pacquiao. But what was his best victory? Corrales? He’s nowhere close to top 100 status? Cotto? Maybe, but again, great fighter but not in the top 100 class. De La Hoya? He was 34 years of age and in the midst of a stretch where he lost 4 of his final 7 bouts. Mosley was an ancient 38 when Floyd faced him. Marquez? A naturally smaller man. Pacquiao? A tabby cat compared to the guy who terrorized the Welterweight division between 2008 and 2011.
Now, Mayweather JR. had signed to face Andre Berto, a matchup that is about as compelling as watching flies procreate. Is he deserving of a tune up? Sure. But a tune up for what? Who will #50 be? Floyd, you’re an all-time great and no one can take that away from you. But, if you truly believe that you are the G.O.A.T. now is the time to prove it! Take a risk, like the guys who truly belong in the G.O.A.T conversation did! Face “GGG”, who has agreed to come down to 154. Now, that would truly impress me, regardless of how you fare. Otherwise, enough of the Mayweather as G.O.A.T talk! I think #17 is a more than generous assessment!
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