Did Floyd Mayweather Continue His Undefeated Streak?
Floyd Mayweather's career may be winding down, as the 37-year old claims he has only a handful of fights remaining. Prior to his re-match with Marcos Maidana, his camp guaranteed a knockout victory.
Though that guarantee wasn't fulfilled, Floyd Mayweather continued his unbelievable undefeated record Saturday as he defeated Maidana for the second time in four months. This time, via unanimous decision.
Mayweather employed his usual defensive strategy throughout the early stages of the fight, trying to stay off of the ropes as much as possible after running into trouble there during the first bout with Maidana.
After the first two rounds, the disparity was obvious. The Maidana/Mayweather re-match looked nothing like the first fight, Mayweather was dominant through the first three rounds. Maidana seemsded too active and fell right into the counter striking of Mayweather. Yet, at the end of the third, Maidana was able to catch Mayweather with a big shot that changed the complexion of the fight.
In round four Maidana went all in, going wild and agressive with his shots although he landed plenty of good punches. Mayweather stuck to slipping and countering his heavy leather throwing opponent, almost winning back the fourth round from Maidana.
In the middle of the ring, Mayweather had his way with Maidana all night, but Maidana was on his game against the ropes, it was the story of the evening. Well, until Mayweather claimed that Maidana bit him through the glove at the end of round 8. Though the referee didn't see anything and replays were inconclusive, Mayweather was steady in his complaint.
By round 10, Maidana looked predictable and was getting countered often when he had a point deducted for shoving Mayweather to the mat. Referee Kenny Bayless' choice was met with mixed reviews for the call.
Mayweather coasted through the last round, dancing around Maidana as he was confident he could earn a victory. His opponent was in desperation mode, trying to finish off Mayweather and score an upset- one that didn't happen.
The judges scorecards were read, giving Mayweather the victory with scores of 115-112, and two of 116-111.
After the fight, Mayweather claimed Maidana bit his hand in the eighth round and caused it to go numb for the rest of the fight.
When asked about a possible Manny Pacquiao fight, Mayweather was non-committal but said he hopes to fight again in May.
It remains to be seen if the highly anticipated Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao fight will ever occur, but even at 37 years old Floyd Mayweather has shown no signs of slowing down.