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February 6th, 2010 | by J Soriano
Now that I’ve satisfied my self-imposed 30 day hiatus from writing about Pacquiao and Mayweather, it’s time to “talk about the past” and come to grips with my feelings.
Release the hounds!
First, a quick recap of the past 90 days on this subject.
Late November, Pacquiao demolishes Cotto and all eyes looked towards a super fight between pound for pound greats, Manny and Floyd.
In mid-December, the pre-fight hype was burning red hot, although steroids had entered the equation. Fans didn’t care, they just wanted to see the fight.
By the end of December, the fight was in jeopardy, and both sides were posturing for PR position. The media and fans began pointing fingers and taking sides, while remaining hopeful.
And then we hit early January and the fight was officially called off. The fans were fuming and everyone was wondering “WTF went wrong ?”
But suddenly, things turned around.
Within days of the fight collapse, Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum announced that his fighter would take on welterweight bruiser, Josh Clottey.
While he’s no Floyd Mayweather, most fans, hungry to see Pacquiao go toe-to-toe with anybody, accepted the strong-chinned Clottey as a suitable replacement.
The media and fans looked to the Mayweather camp for a response.
The sad disaster for this island nation was too much for countryman Andre Berto, and he subsequently pulled out of his scheduled bout with Shane Mosley. Thus, the doors were flung wide open for the possibility of Mosley finally meeting Mayweather—a match that had somehow never materialized while both fighters were in their prime.
And within a couple weeks, what felt like boxing’s version of a punch to the groin, was beginning to heal with the promise of two spring time matchups including four of the biggest names in the welterweight division in Pacquiao, Clottey, Mayweather, and Mosley.
So why then, do I feel duped?
Like I was the recipient of a great bait and switch.
Because these weren’t the fights I wanted.
Sure, I will be glued to a flat screen on Mar 13 to watch Pacquiao beat up on Clottey.
And, if the Mayweather-Mosley fight actually gets signed, I’ll be the first in line to buy the pay per view.
But this just feels fishy, and I don’t know why.
We knew the fans wanted the fight.
We all believed that Floyd wanted the fight.
We all believed the promoters wanted the fight.
Certainly, nobody could’ve predicted that a natural disaster of great magnitude would derail the Berto-Mosley fight, just days before the event.
But in retrospect, maybe the signs were already there. And we, as fans, were blinded by the bling of the fight that could’ve been.
At one point, Freddie Roach said March was too soon for a fight with Mayweather. He wanted time for his fighter to heal from the pounding he took from Cotto—even though we already knew Pacquiao would be unable to fight in May because of his pursuit of a congressional seat in the Philippines.
And during negotiations of Mayweather-Pacquiao, Arum kept dropping names like Yuri Foreman into the conversation as a backup for Pacquiao, should the fight not happen.
We ignored the fact that the Mayweathers were more focused on unprecedented drug testing, rather than the promise of a $50 million pay day and reclamation of the pound-for-pound crown.
Some of the more optimistic fans quickly point out that this scenario has the potential for an even bigger event (is that possible?), should Pacquiao and Mayweather both win, and eventually come to terms on a fight later in 2010.
They point to these spring fights as “tune-ups” for both fighters. That by the time Pacquiao and Mayweather get into the ring, it will be for all the marbles, all the accolades and all the belts.
And I buy into that. Sort of.
Sure, I’m relieved that Team Pacquiao and Top Rank were able to act fast and put Manny in the ring in March against a tough opponent.
And, as a boxing fan, I’m satisfied to see Mayweather finally face a very hungry, but aged fighter in Mosley, that many claim he has ducked for so long.
So, why then, do I still feel duped?
This entry was posted on Saturday, February 6th, 2010 at 12:27 AM.
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February 6th, 2010 at 12:30 PM
Seriously I couldnt agree with you more I wanted to se the best pound for pound fighters in the world now I have to see speedbumps before I get the Mayweather-Pacquiao Fight. Which may not even happen now because anything can happen between now and then. Boxing really needed this mega fight to pull it out of its decade long slumber
February 6th, 2010 at 12:33 PM
ahhh what a story very touchin so well spoken. here listen youll floyd mayweather will discreas (if thats spelt right) shane mosley hell make him retire and hell then demolish pacquaio end of itil be like a peace of cake to him the mans a genius wata a boxing brain he dont no how to get beat
February 6th, 2010 at 12:43 PM
Mayweather vs Mosley?
Nice…it’s about time, coz there’s no where to hide for Mayweather.But wait a minute make sure that this is boxing and not dancing with the stars or hide and sick
Also make sure that he will not look for
any request that Mosley will not agree.
February 6th, 2010 at 1:24 PM
It’s apparent that you think the current development was designed to drum up more business. It definitely will drum up more interest and much more than the $50 million projected for the original fight, as both Mayweather and Pacquiao will win their respective “tuneups” and will agree to fight. But I don’t think it was by man’s design. It was by the arcangels’ Mikael, Gabriel, Uriel, Sabrael, Arael, Iaoth, and Adonael- the original Seven Samurais. These Heavenly beings also designed the American version, the Magnificent Seven. Now they are very much into the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight. They first want to throw out the wannabes Mosely and Clotty to make it clear to us on earth that Pacquiao and Maywather are indeed the top two. But alas for Mayweather, they see his cowardice. They will make sure that the fight occurs; it will give Mayweather an opportunity to redeem himself win or lose. Just visualize all this: Boxing fans, officials and boxers in Heaven- Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Jack Dempsey- are jumping with glee for this change in event, all of them betting their money.
February 6th, 2010 at 1:28 PM
Even though the fight is signed I think that mayweather will find a way to get out of the fight. Pac man vs clottey seems like a pointless fight. Hopefully Berto can get an exiting fight together.
February 6th, 2010 at 1:30 PM
…..it’s worth the wait for sure.my only worry is will mayweather throw a monkey’s wrench to the whole thing bnext time again .
February 6th, 2010 at 1:41 PM
I feel like Flavio- it’s worth the wait. It just whet the appetite.
February 6th, 2010 at 1:47 PM
Mex and flavio make a good point about Mayweather undermining the fight with Mosley. There is a good possibility he might. If he does, then it will confirm once and for all that he indeed was ducking Pacquiao.
February 6th, 2010 at 1:48 PM
Mayweather vs Mosley is a Super fight in it self, So im fine… as for Pac vs Clottey, thats a easy win for Pac.
February 6th, 2010 at 2:29 PM
mayweather vs mosley fanpage…
http://www.facebook.com/pages/mayweather-vs-mosley/258895594821?ref=ts#!
February 6th, 2010 at 3:43 PM
Don’t worry, by the time Floyd vs Mosley is over you will finally know who is the great pretender of the p4p list, Floyd. The true great WW champion will emerge and that is Shane Mosley. That’s the fight everyone will want to see. Pac vs Mosley is the TRUE SUPER FIGHT. Both brings heart, determination, and willingness unafraid to throw punches. Definitley the most fan-friendly and exciting fight that we will witness. Floyd is a self proclaimed champion and do not engage which makes him a BORING fighter.
February 6th, 2010 at 4:12 PM
Well you can definetely blame Mayweather for the fight not happening. Floyd is going around “crusading” around about “cleaning up the sport” and saying that Pacman “refused a $25 million dollar drug test.” Floyd is so hypocritical it’s stupifying how some people buy into his garbage. Why did it have to start with MP? Why didn’t he mention anything before he “retired?” Pacman NEVER refused a drug test so get that straight people, he just refused to take the test on Floyd’s terms. Besides who the hell is Mayweather to dictate the terms of a drug test? Really who is he to do that? As far as I’m concerned Floyd REFUSED an extra $25 million from J. Jones refusing to fight in Dallas…hmmm I wonder why that is??? $25 million extra on top of what he could have made??? Now people get on the case of Pacman refusing a “$25 million dollar drug test” but at the same time people want to disregard the FACT that Floyd refused an extra $25 Million before Floyd even brought up drug testing??? How is Floyd going to turn down a $40 mill + payday on top of the extra $25 mill that J. Jones was offering and then fight a KNOWN steroid user in Shane for less money? I don’t understand the mentality behind that thinking. On top of that how do you go crusading around saying “I’m just trying to cleanup the sport” when you’re on xylocaine? Granted that xylocaine is ‘legal’ in NV and illegal throughout the rest of the states still gives you an upperhand in the fight. IMO if a boxer has to DEPEND on some form of substance that can numb your hands enabling you to throw harder and disregard the pain inflicted on your hands while also inflicting pain on the other boxer WITHOUT USING YOUR NATURAL ABILITY to do so, then I think you need to retire. Like I said Floys is a hypocrite and a liar and I blame him for the fight not happening. So Mr. Writer I feel duped along with millions of people but at least I for one can see through Floyd’s BS antics.
February 6th, 2010 at 5:16 PM
Pretty Nice Article.
Manny vs CLottey and Mosley vs Floyd is gonna be Great Tune up Fight for Welterweight Division SUPREMACY. I just hope there will be NO MORE EXCUSES and NO FIGHTER DICTATING the deal to get the advantage before the fight.
February 6th, 2010 at 5:18 PM
TRAINING WINS 99% of the FIGHT.
February 6th, 2010 at 6:09 PM
Mayweather want to beat mosley first in a convincing fight. Pacquiao as i know, he scrapped clottey out. This two gladiator warrior pacquiao vs mayweather is a fgiht that i really wanted. Most of americans, european, and asian wishing this fight! This could be the real fight. Floyd is defensive while pacquiao is offensive. I’d like to see this bout in order to know who is real P4P kingpin and who can prevail thier respective talent. Both are genius in boxing. I hope this fight will happen soon!
February 6th, 2010 at 6:26 PM
Mayweather is so arrogant he claims he can generate more money than Pacquiao.
Many people I know are turned off by this.
We are getting PPV for the Mar 13 fight but not the Mayweather-Mosley fight
February 6th, 2010 at 6:45 PM
I work hard for a living. I watch sports to relax and get entertained. I do not want to
spend my hard-earned money to watch an ego-centric athlete who seem to purposely go out his way to annoy the paying public/fans.
February 6th, 2010 at 6:49 PM
I AGREE WITH J SORIANO…THESE COULD BE TUNE UP FIGHT..PACQUAIO VS MAYWEATHER will probably happend later these year nor a year ender FINALE FIGHT..I THINK GOLDEN BOY & TOP RANK PROMOTIONS ARE TRYING TO HYPE THE FIGHT SO THAT ALL HARDCORE BOXING FANS WILL CRAVE FOR THE FIGHT TO HAPPEND(PACQUAIO & MAYWEATHER BECAME A HOUSEHOLD NAME LATELY)..MARKETING STRATEGY, THE LONGER THE TIME FRAME FOR THESE FIGHT, THE DEMAND THE WILL BE MUCH,MUCH HIGHER..SO WHY MAKE IT HAPPEND OVER 3 MONTHS FRAME FOR THESE 2 P4P BOXER WHEN YOU CAN HYPE THE FIGHT LATER THESE YEAR..
February 6th, 2010 at 7:35 PM
Actually I lost interest in whatever Floyd is saying. all are bullshit and not according to reality. He says something that if you hear it he looks heroic but what he does is the reverse of it and he never tells the truth as other said his a hypocrite. To be honest I don;t think the fight between Pac and Floyd is as Roberto Duran said NO MAS. it’s an easy win for Pac. Whether I said this without basis or proof it is my right just like what the Mayweather said to ac without any proof. By the way Roger Mayweather don’t ever think to goto the Philipines because as you said we can not be wounded by bullets.lol
February 6th, 2010 at 7:42 PM
So what if Pacquiao beats Clotty and Mayweather beats Mosley? It doesn’t necessarily mean we will finally have a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight, does it? If Mayweather succeeded in avoiding Pacquiao by his unusual demand for bloodtesting 14 days before the fight, what makes people think that he is not going to demand the same again? Pacquiao agreed to be blood tested right after the fight. THis should have been enough to show that he is clean, but Mayweather rejected it because it would have meant the fight would take place; Mayeather was tryingto get out of it. So why are people so excited about them two finally meeting after the so-called “tuneups”? I don’t think it’s ever going to happen.
February 6th, 2010 at 8:02 PM
PACMAN will be remember as 1 of the GREATEST BOXER that EVER LIVED thats for sure.Also He will also remember as an HONEST & very ENTERTAINING BOXER beacause he makes sure that the FANS are enjoying watching and the money they spend is WORTH IT.No doubt that he will be INDUCTED to the BOXING HALL OF FAME in the near future.
PACMAN all the way,,,we got your back homeboy ^_^
3rd world country’s Boxers “PACMAN” NOW RULES the Sport of Boxing..haha ^_^,BELIEVE IT or HATE US,we don’t give a damn.It’s a FACT.you PLOW we HARVEST right in your in FACE!!!
February 6th, 2010 at 8:14 PM
the fool saying mayweather got no where to hide is just bunch of CLOWNS AND JOKERS. floyd has always called out shane in the past. it was shane who was ducking. not to discredit shane, hes a great fighter with superb skills, far more than an average pacquiao who is has to prove himself first hes clean of steroids. But Floyd all the way, gona be a great fighter than a boring b-rated fighter like clottey.
February 6th, 2010 at 8:52 PM
Actually the mega fight that didn’t happen between Pacquiao and Mayweather Jr. is a blessing in disguise.It gave boxing two very good fight match instead.Pacquiao vs Clottey and of course Mayweather Jr. vs Mosley.The former is definitely not an easy fight for Manny,Clottey is a very tough opponent to start with.Record shows his 3 losses were all close decisions .He is never been knock out in any of his fights.
About Mosley,he really want to have this fight to happen for a decade now and he is willing to fight Floyd under all his extra pre-fight conditions.It is very easy to visualize a world class fight that will be very exciting and intriguing too.Pacquiao will have to defeat Clottey’s toughness convincingly while Mosley need to catch and defeat floyd and give him his first “1″ on his record of course in his lost column.
After all those hates and frustrations boxing will be having a new mood if the that happens.It’s either Pacquiao wins and later on fighting the winner in Mayweather Jr.’s or it can be the other way around or winner to winner and looser to looser and finally rematches.More exciting variations to follow if things works well.
February 6th, 2010 at 10:05 PM
Mosley-Mayweather fight will be cancelled by Floyd. May 1 will be election day in the Philippines.
February 7th, 2010 at 8:35 PM
MrRomero is an asshole
February 8th, 2010 at 5:19 PM
GAYWEATHER IS A DRUGGY. XYLOCAINE ANYONE? HE HAS A SOFT CHIN. REMEMBER ROY JONES WHEN HE WAS GOOD UNTIL TARVER AND JOHNSON EXPOSED HIS WEAK CHIN. SAME STORY FOR GAYWEATHER.
MOSLEY WILL KNOCK HIM OUT!! THAT’S WHY THERE IS A REMATCH CLAUSE.
February 9th, 2010 at 11:33 PM
[...] FIGHTHYPE \ BAIT AND SWITCH: WHY FANS FEEL DUPED BY MAYWEATHER … [...]
February 16th, 2010 at 1:43 PM
Floyd Mayweather is the pound for pound best fighter in the world is all I’v been hearing.
Mayweather is constantly asking fighters to come up in weight, and fighting fighters that are past their prime. If he is as good as he thinks he is why does he not come up in weight and fight some one in an other class,(ie. Cotto, Arthur Abraham)?