Mayweather Still Dodging Top Opponents

LAS VEGAS -- Floyd Mayweather Jr. stood on his triumphant post-fight podium Saturday night, flanked by the boxer who openly challenged him in the ring after his win by unanimous decision over Juan Manuel Marquez, and said he is ducking no one.

"Shane Mosley is a good fighter, and he's got an upcoming bout (vs. Joshua Clottey on Dec. 26) and I wish him nothing but the best," Mayweather said of the current WBA welterweight super champion, who jumped into the post-fight ring, grabbed the microphone like Kanye West and openly challenged "Money" to fight him minutes after Marquez had been dispatched.

The confrontation with Mosley in the ring moments after the final bell was about a lack of respect, Mayweather said.

"When Bernard Hopkins, when it's his time to shine, or Shane Mosley, his time to shine, when I go to support and watch them fight, I don't get into the ring, grab the mike and get in the way of their shine," Mayweather explained. "I let it be their night, and I got respect for them as fighters. And I just want the same respect."

What about an anticipated matchup against current pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao?

"Pacquaio is going to face Miguel Cotto (Nov. 14) and may the best man win," Mayweather responded.

Mayweather, making his return to the ring following a self-imposed 21-month "retirement" from boxing to pursue show business interests, earned $10 million for this fight, while Marquez took home $2 million.

Cynics have argued that "Money" came back to boxing in order to satisfy millions of dollars in debts to a host of creditors, including a $6.1 million unpaid 2007 tax bill to the Internal Revenue Service.

Mayweather recently defaulted on a $415,000 auto loan on his Mercedes Maybach at 16 percent interest, and the bank repossessed that luxury ride days before fight week commenced in Las Vegas.

Someone asked Mayweather about a rumor that Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions -- who was handling Marquez -- paid off Mayweather's outstanding IRS bill to ensure this much-publicized comeback fight would take place.

"Sorry, but I don't know what you're talking about," said Mayweather, sticking to his story about not owing money to anyone. "Why you want to get into my personal business? I don't get into your personal business."

Mayweather and Marquez agreed to fight this 12-round non-title welterweight bout at a contractually agreed catchweight of 144 pounds. On Friday, Mayweather tipped the scale at 146 pounds, while the smaller Marquez -- who has never fought heavier than 135 pounds -- weighed 142.

As per the contract, Mayweather had to compensate Marquez $300,000 for each pound over the 144 limit. The disparity all but guaranteed Mayweather would dominate his three-inch smaller opponent.

Did Mayweather even try to make weight?

"Honest? I'm gonna be honest. Yesterday (Friday), when I woke up in the morning, at my house, I think I weighed 145 1/2. So I said, 'I'm gonna at least get down to 145. I jogged for 20 minutes on the treadmill. I weighed 145.0 so I thought when I got here (the MGM Grand) I was gonna get on the scale at 145.

"But I ain't trying to complain. If the extra money is something that they wanted, then it is what it is."

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=723507&pid=723506&uts=1253429661

http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf

Mayweather-Marquez Photos

Floyd Mayweather of the US (L) punches Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico in their Welterweight fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 19, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

AFP

Mayweather vs. Marquez Photos

LAS VEGAS - SEPTEMBER 19: Manager Leonard Ellerbe hugs Floyd Mayweather Jr. after Mayweather Jr. defeated Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico by unanimous decision during their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 19, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Floyd Mayweather Jr;Leonard Ellerbe

Getty Images

Floyd Mayweather (L) of the US ducks a punch by Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico in their Welterweight fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 19, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather went on to win the 12 round bout. AFP PHOTO/Mark RALSTON (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Floyd Mayweather (L) of the US is hit by Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico in their Welterweight fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 19, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather went on to win the 12 round bout. AFP PHOTO/Mark RALSTON (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Floyd Mayweather (R) of the US lands a punch on Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico in their Welterweight fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 19, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather went on to win the 12 round bout. AFP PHOTO/Mark RALSTON (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Rap singer Sean Combs (L) and basket ball legend Magic Johnson (R) attend the fight between Floyd Mayweather of the US and Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 19, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Former boxer Mike Tyson attends the fights between Floyd Mayweather of the US and Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico at the MGM Grand Garden Arena September 19, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)

9-20-2009 @ 5:17AM

@bi3L said...

Heheheh... at 146 lbs?! come on... he did that on purpose... so that he will not dehydrate himself... making sure he's on tiptop shape... what is 600 gram against the... say 10,000,000 and the horror... err.. honor! lols... anyway... let's see.. what will be his excuse when he manny beat cotto this nov.

btw... congrats!!

9-20-2009 @ 12:18PM

ivorb2817 said...

How r u so sure Manny will beat Cotto. Anyway, if he fights Manny u and the press will still say he beat a smaller man and look for someone else to say he is dodging.

9-20-2009 @ 6:41AM

Mr. Reynolds said...

Is Nancy Gay on crack? Is Marquez not a top fighter? Floyd is THE TOP FIGHTER so anyone else out there is just trying to position themselves for a big pay day. Cotto, Williams, Manny, Mosley, Margarito, etc. need to have a box off to see who is worthy to fight Floyd. The funny part about this idiotic story is that "Golden Boy Productions" is pimping the fans by fanning the flames of "what if?" Even after an excellent fight, Floyd can't get any respect. That's why he left the sport before, Nancy! I like Mosley but he wouldn't last against Floyd. Shane is trying to get a "nest egg" fight because he's aging. Shane needs Floyd more than vice versa. Who Floyd fights next is up to his people and family. Thank God it's not up to Nancy or he'd be fighting Godzilla in a King Kong costume.

9-20-2009 @ 7:39AM

gsan201 said...

If it was up to you Gayweather would be fighting against a 5 year old.Gayweather weghed a good 10-15 pounds more then Marquez by fight time...Remember idiot that Gayweather has always fought in the 150 ranger while Marquez had fought at a height of 135...These guys are in 2 totally different weight classes. Let Gayweather fight against the top Heavyweight Boxers and see how long the punk lasts. Yeah i don't think so.The poosie won't even fight anyon e in his own weight class let alone someone bigger and stronger then him.Aso Gayweather had a 6" reach advatage 3" taller and 4 years younger and also had 2 years to rest and relax and be rejuvenated. Go to hel! you fanatic. Tell the truth for a change.Gayweather is a poosie just like you.

9-20-2009 @ 8:51AM

eburke1021 said...

Why do you insist on making uneducated comments. It's people like you who trash the truth for your own foolishness.

9-20-2009 @ 7:50AM

Tasso Paris said...

Of course he came back for the MONEY isn't that why we all go to our jobs and Mayweather obviously has a hell of a lot of fight in him .... He'll beat Paquiao but he Hopkins is another story that will depend on how long he makes Hopkins (no spring chicken) wait.

9-20-2009 @ 8:34AM

pristine said...

I'll make a wager here...that Mayweather will not pay Marquez that 600,000 for purposely in my opinion coming in overweight...he's your typical flake who lives over his head...he'll die broke watch and see. Back to the fight, Mayweather is cunning he got Oscar to weaken himself as well as Hatten they both looked emaciated. Mosley will end Mayweathers reign and Mayweather knows it and when they do finally fight Mayweather will be older and use that as his excuse.

9-20-2009 @ 1:10PM

Kenneth said...

The 600k will come out of the check before it is cut to Mayweather. De La Hoya didn't have to drain himself to fight De La Hoya. That fight was @ 154 lbs, which was a very comfortable weight for DLH. He came in the night of the fight well over 160. Mayweather only weighed in @ 149 & came in the night of the fight @ 148. That's because he wasn't even a true welerweight when he fought DHL. (He's a true welter now though) As far a Ricky Hatton, he normally fights @ 140, but he fought Mayweather @ 147, so he didn't have to drain himself either.

9-20-2009 @ 8:42AM

mrpristine said...

Marques made the same mistake many fighters do and Pavlek vs Hopkins being the most recent...he fought out of his weight class a big mistake and he did it for the moola. Mayweather uses smoke and mirrors alot...he needs to fight someone his own size like Mosley let's see him hype up this fight...i'd actually pay to see this one

9-20-2009 @ 8:57AM

Ok..Floyd won so time to move on. Go Cards and Cowboys!

9-20-2009 @ 10:45AM

espsafety51 said...

Your right, he is going to wind up like the rest of his boxing buddies. Broke and working the casinos, saying how great he was. He will be working for whity one day soon!

9-20-2009 @ 9:29AM

ikill3dbill said...

lsdlmc

9-20-2009 @ 10:24AM

sammy said...

the fight id like to see the pacman and mayweather delahoya is just hating on mayweather cuz he beat his ass good

9-20-2009 @ 10:57AM

Gus said...

I just think that there is way to much money involved for mayweather to box like hes in the olympics. Since he was so much bigger and "Better" why dont he go toe to toe? Cuz his punches are weak. He wont beat Manny. You seen the Hatton fight.

9-20-2009 @ 11:16AM

retrojoke said...

Mayweather is a top fighter but he isnt a killer like Pacman. Mayweather has been grooming himself too long to have a killer instinct and will to win. He completely avoided an old and weathered Delahoya and has consistently avoided fighters in the ring and outside the ring. Guy is not good for boxing.

9-20-2009 @ 11:47AM

cell0027 said...

Mayweather won the fight but it wasn't that impressive, he had the chance to knock out Marquez in any rounds...I was waiting for that but so strange...I wanted to see how powerfull he is and I was waiting for him to show an explusion. If by chance Pacqiuao wins and will have a showndown with Mayweather, I think Mayweather will have a hard time coz Pacman is a lefty and hangs out in Mayweathers right, I think Mayweathers left jab will be ineffective and will just frustrate him...again it will be a David and Goliath. I think Pacman will give him his first loss and Mayweather SR. will again say something....it will be a 100M purse....it will be the fight of the century.

9-20-2009 @ 1:35PM

You're right, it wasn't that exciting. But keep in mind that this fight was all about making the following statement to Manny Pacquiao: "you went life & death with Marquez twice, & actually lost both fights. I dominated Marquez, so what does that say for you?" Love him or hate him, he's the best 'p4p' in the sport.

9-20-2009 @ 1:42PM

But Mayweather only uses his jab to set up his arsenal. I hope your wrong about Pacman staying on his right side, because Floyd has the best lead right in the business, which spells trouble for Pacquiao.

9-20-2009 @ 7:53PM

johnnynumber5 said...

Kenneth

Thats ignorant.

If common opponent matters then how about how Pacquiao knocked out Hatton in 2 rounds that took Floyd to do?

Hater.

How can Floyd be best P4P when he only fights lightweights moving up to welterweight?

9-20-2009 @ 11:33AM

pokerhorror said...

i when to bed madd because u avoided questions about ur weight like a coward i always thought u were a coward now i know ur lucky i didnt become a boxer years ago dude i would have been ur nite mare

| 1 | 2 | 3 | Most Recent | Next 20 Comments