Jason Jackson
4/29/2007

The word “retirement” doesn't carry the same weight as it did back in the day, especially in the sports world. Michael Jordan, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roger Clemens, and others have had more returns than Jason from the Friday the 13th.  Floyd Maywether has flirted with the thought of retirement after his mega fight with Oscar De La Hoya.  Mayweather could put on a virtuoso performance against Oscar and then pick up his big paycheck and ride off into the sunset.

 

If Floyd wants to be known as one of the greatest in the boxing world, retiring should be the last thing on his mind.  Retirement would likely link Mayweather’s name with someone like Roy Jones Junior rather than legends such as Sugar Ray Leonard or Julio Cesar Chavez.

 

Roy Jones and Floyd will have had the distinction of being great in there time, but always open to the question, “who did they really beat?” Roy beat James Tony and a very slow John Ruiz.  During his prime he never fought anybody worth naming.  Later on in his career he went to on to face Antonio Tarver and we all know how that turned out.

 

Floyds' career has included victories against fighters we recognize: Genaro Hernandez, Diego Corrales, Carlos Hernandez, Jesus Chavez, Jose Luis Castillo, Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah and Carlos Baldomir.  This saying comes to mind, “picking and eating the fruit before it’s ripe.”

 

Mayweather defeated Corrales and Castillo before they really came into their own.  I thought the first fight with Castillo could have gone either way.  Assuming he beats Oscar which won't be easy, and would be a big accomplishment in my eyes, I can already hear his detractors say that he beat an Oscar who was in the twilight of his career.

   

Floyd can use this fight with Oscar as a stepping stone. The casual sports fan will now know why Floyd is considered pound for pound the best in boxing.  This victory will only catapult his career and help with the crossover appeal to the mainstream. If Floyd really wants to be known as one of the greatest of all time, he should stick around for another two or three years.

     

Bob Arum said it best when he said "you have to let Mayweather-Cotto stir up a little and let it marinate." If Cotto can get past Zab Judah in June and then maybe Antonio Margarito or Paul Williams at the end of the year, that would set up a mega-fight next summer between two undefeated fighters in their prime. 

 

If Mayweather can go on to beat bigger and stronger opponents such as Margarito, Williams or even Jermain Taylor at middleweight.  Those sort of fights would really solidify his career. He can also make millions of dollars off British fans if he faces Ricky Hatton.  He can also make millions of pesos from Mexican fans if in a few years if he faces Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

 

Mayweather’s superior fighting skills and defense have prevented him form taking much punishment. If he fights for a few more years, I don't think his long term health will be in jeopardy because of his fighting style. So Floyd, you can retire at 33 or 34 years old, have millions of dollars, your health perfectly in tact and your name linked with Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson and Leonard, Marciano, Chavez, Joe Louis. Floyd the way you want to be remembered is all up to you.

 

jacksjas9@aol.com