Floyd questions Manny's award

MANILA, Philippines - Trash-talking Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is questioning the basis for the Boxer of the Decade award given to Manny Pacquiao by the Boxing Writers Association of America and recently said he should be recognized as the world’s greatest fighter ever, dismissing the exploits of Hall of Famers Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali.

Mayweather may be creating hype for his expected showdown with Pacquiao in November although nothing is certain about the much-awaited fight. Representatives from both camps are reportedly conferring to agree on terms that will make the bout a reality. Revenue splits and drug-testing are the main issues which need to be resolved before Pacquiao and Mayweather are good to go.

There is talk that Pacquiao is scheduled to leave for the US on July 1. The speculation is he will fly to meet Top Rank chairman Bob Arum and finalize a contract to face either Mayweather or Antonio Margarito in Las Vegas before the year ends. Mayweather is the priority as a fight against Pretty Boy will break pay-per-view records for sure. Mayweather and Pacquiao could rake in as much as $40 million apiece if they slug it out. Margarito is a competitive opponent but won’t be able to draw as much sales as Mayweather.

“I got respect for Sugar Ray Robinson,” said Mayweather, quoted by Ron Borges in Boxing Monthly (June 2010). “I got respect for Muhammad Ali. But I’m a man like they’re men. I put on my pants just like they put on their pants. What makes them better than I am? Because they fought a thousand fights? In my era, it’s totally different. It’s pay-per-view now so things change. It’s out with the old and in with the new. Ali was one hell of a fighter but Floyd Mayweather is the best. Sugar Ray was one hell of a fighter but Floyd Mayweather is the best.”

Mayweather, 33, took potshots at Pacquiao in downgrading the Filipino icon’s legendary status.

“Pacquiao struggled twice – which we really know he got beat – with (Juan Manuel) Marquez,” he went on. “We know he really lost, right? And we know he’s been knocked out twice. And he’s been outboxed by Erik Morales but they still gave him Boxer of the Decade so that’s something I don’t understand. We’re talking about what these guys are doing but I’ve been dominating since the ‘90s. That’s what I’ve been doing.”

Mayweather, who is unbeaten, went a step further in doubting the competence of TV commentators who are mesmerized by Pacquiao.

“You got to realize most of the commentators on HBO know nothing about boxing,” he said. “The only one who knows something about boxing is Lennox Lewis (whose contract as commentator recently expired). But I know where I stand. Pacquiao beat a Miguel Cotto who just got pummeled with a cast (Margarito) and he beat Ricky Hatton who got stretched by me. So I’m trying to find out what it really is. It’s not for me to put him in the Hall of Fame. All I’m saying is if you’re a clean athlete, take the test.”

Mayweather insisted that Pacquiao admit to random drug-testing, Olympic-style, as a condition for them to fight. His condition, however, is not a requirement by US state boxing commissions and fans are wondering why Mayweather keeps bringing up the drug bogey – is he looking for an excuse to avoid Pacquiao, knowing the Filipino will never agree to a blood extraction unless it’s 14 days before a fight?

“It’s only fairness I’m looking for because when it comes down to it on the night of the fight, all that matters is me and him,” he said. “We must be on an even playing field. Too many fighters are dying. Too many fighters’ families are suffering. I’m a clean athlete. I’m doing it the old-fashioned way.”

Mayweather claimed he doesn’t take drugs. “I don’t drink, smoke or do drugs,” said Pretty Boy. “No matter what anyone says, they aren’t God. Only God can judge me.”

Mayweather’s father Floyd Sr. once served a 5 1/2 year prison sentence for cocaine trafficking. But Mayweather has no history of drug use.

Mayweather hasn’t lost a fight since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics where he settled for the bronze medal. As an amateur, he compiled an 84-6 record, starting his career in 1993 weighing 106 pounds – Pacquiao’s same weight when he turned pro in 1995. Mayweather has a record of 41-0, with 25 KOs compared to Pacquiao’s 51-3-2, with 38 KOs.

Showing signs of slowing down, Mayweather has scored only one knockout in his last six outings dating back to 2006. In contrast, Pacquiao – who is 31 – has won 11 bouts, including seven by knockout, since 2006. They’ve battled three common opponents – Oscar de la Hoya, Hatton and Marquez. Pacquiao stopped De la Hoya in eight while Mayweather beat the Golden Boy on points in setting a new record for pay-per-view buys at 2.4 million. Hatton went down in two to Pacquiao and lasted until the 10th round with Mayweather. Pacquiao fought Marquez twice, drawing once and winning a split decision in a rematch. Mayweather outpointed Marquez in his comeback fight after a 21-month layoff last year.

“My goal is to be one of the best who ever lived,” said Mayweather, quoted by Chuck Johnson in USA Today. “I feel I’m the best fighter to ever put on a pair of gloves. I have nothing but the utmost respect for Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali but I’m in a sport to be the best.”