Floyd Mayweather is closer to cementing his place as one of boxing's greats, says Adam Smith.
Welcome back the most talented fighter of our generation!
After last weekend's sublime performance, Floyd Mayweather - a five-weight world champion - now stands at 40-0.
You might know how highly I rate Juan Manuel Marquez. I have long felt he's one of the finest boxers in the world - a highly skilled, all-round technician who's claimed major scalps and world championships in three weight divisions.
Never did I ever believe that he would be made to look more like a Mexican club fighter, or worse still - a near novice. The stark contrast was most real Stateside last Saturday.
It was an enjoyable and busy build-up in Vegas, organised by the young, professional and dynamic Golden Boy team.
The weigh-in was an event in itself, as Mexican Independence day weekend was kicked off by over 6,000 Mexicans screaming for the popular Juan Manuel Marquez, whilst Floyd Mayweather coolly climbed on stage and danced with the crowd!
I had the pleasure of standing very close by, not just with my 'right arm' Jim Watt, but also next to the awesome Tommy Hearns. As a little boy, I cried the night the original 'Hitman' was stopped in that thriller by Marvin Hagler. Hearns was a real boxing hero of mine.
We watched as the weights brought confusion, and then typical pre-fight controversy followed.
When Marquez scaled 10st 2lbs, the assembled media presumed that was nicely inside the agreed 10st 4lbs limit. Yet Mayweather - looking in supreme shape - then scaled 10st 6lbs.
Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy, rushed quickly to the press room and announced that 10st 4lbs had been the weight set by both parties, and that Mayweather would be fined a substantial amount of money ($300,000 was claimed) for each pound over.
The Mayweather camp said nothing - apart from the fact that the fight was made at 'welterweight', and Mayweather was inside. (Floyd did admit - post-fight - that he had weighed 10:5 on Friday morning, and would accept whatever cost was involved...)
Friday evening was full of rumours and speculation that there had been two sets of contracts (one for the promoters, and a second one for the Nevada State Athletic Commission) and late agreements had been made between the Mayweather and Marquez camp.
I think Mayweather wanted to weigh what he was comfortable at, and almost certainly didn't want to drag himself down further.
Whatever the truth was - all sides then agreed that the welterweight fight would go ahead. Of course!
Packed
More stories flew around that ticket sales had been poor, but we saw thousands of fans around the MGM beforehand, and indeed the arena was fairly packed - especially with the large Mexican contingent, which made it a terrific atmosphere.
Mayweather sparkled. Almost two years away? Ring rust? Rib injury? Problems out of boxing? All totally inapplicable. It was as if he had never been away.
Mayweather was virtually born in a ring. The genetics - from the successful fighting family; the natural talent; the enormous amount of hard graft he puts in behind the scenes.
Of all the great American-based fighters I have witnessed over the years in training - from Roy Jones to Oscar De La Hoya; Lennox Lewis to Evander Holyfield - Floyd Mayweather is by far the most impressive in the gym.
In the ring he looks virtually untouchable.
The speed was dazzling, especially if he was indeed so much the heavier man. Mayweather's timing was virtually impeccable; there was his judging of distance and range, the movement, the variety, and of course that sensational defence.
Mayweather was utterly dominant and compelling to watch. It was so one-sided that the gulf between two of the greatest fighters of the last 15 years was astonishing.
The second-round knockdown saw a brilliant moment from Mayweather, who literally punished Marquez after he, himself, had been caught.
Marquez was very very brave, tried his hardest, fought his heart out, and has nothing to be ashamed of. The teak-tough Mexican was just outclassed from first bell to last.
Yes the weight was a contributing factor. Yes Mayweather's naturally bigger (even though he was a featherweight as an amateur). But to be honest, Mayweather was so much quicker anyway, and it is not as though he was towering over Marquez.
He simply toyed with Marquez, and you got the feeling Mayweather could have pulled the trigger. He cranked up proceedings from about the eighth, almost forced the stoppage in the 11th, and may have just had the respect to let Marquez - a true warrior - make it through to the final bell.
To have that sort of control is masterful. To be fit enough not to even be out of breath after 12 rounds. To take only two meaningful punches in 36 minutes. To emerge facially and physically unscathed and unblemished against a fighter of Marquez's standing.
Isn't the art of our sport to hit and not be hit? Isn't that what Muhammad Ali did? Isn't that what Roy Jones Jr was doing in his prime?
This was about boxing at its purest, and I loved it.
Genius
I can understand if Mayweather's style is not to everyone's taste, but even if it isn't, you have to admire his genius.
I am sure there are many fans out there who crave more excitement, and the knockouts. Especially as it looked as though Mayweather could have stopped Marquez on occasions, if he had thrown caution to the wind. My own opinion is that he virtually held Marquez up towards the end, and anyway, does not like to take unnecessary risks.
Wayne McCullough - one of our most iron-willed champions of recent years - didn't seem that impressed on
his blog this week. In contrast
Glenn McCrory raved about Mayweather. I can appreciate both sides, but I lean towards Glenn on this.
Mayweather may still have some way to go to be remembered alongside the likes of Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson or Sugar Ray Leonard. He needs more mega-matches, and maybe some electrifying endings.
Yet, I think Floyd Mayweather's incredible, and being fortunate enough to watch him just feet away - at ringside - I feel one appreciates him even more. We should embrace Mayweather. We will miss him when he is gone, and I think history will look back at Floyd Mayweather as one of the very, very best.
Shane Mosley - usually so amiable - fired up the post-fight interview. That is the match Golden Boy obviously wants, and I think that would be good, while Mayweather waits for the winner of Pacquiao-Cotto.
Manny Pacquiao and his trainer Freddie Roach also have a claim to have the greatest current fighter. If the Pac-man beats Cotto, let's get him in with Mayweather fast!
It was great to catch up with Andre Berto, who would relish a crack at Mayweather. What about Paul Williams too? There are many possibilities - even though Oscar De La Hoya ruled himself out of a comeback! I think he enjoys the promoting too much.
It was strange to see the 'Golden Boy' raving about Mayweather at the post-fight presser. Floyd appeared immaculately dressed and smiled constantly; while the other top fighters and champions on the bill wore dark glasses to cover their bumps and bruises. Interesting to see. Floyd looked like he hadn't been anywhere near a boxing ring.
Maturity
There was an added sense of maturity about Mayweather all week too. Not only has he patched up his differences with his dad, but he also just seemed more sensible and more comfortable. Floyd did absolutely everything we asked for from a media point of view, and kept telling us how much he loved his UK fans.
He really does have a very soft spot for the Brits - possibly because he knows he took apart one of our heroes in Ricky Hatton. By the amazing turnout when Mayweather was last in London, it is obviously reciprocated.
Anyway, this was a sensational re-appearance. Floyd Mayweather really is the 'money', and maybe only age will beat him.
My advice is to enjoy the finest fighter in recent years.
For Marquez - it is back down in weight. Hatton's name was mentioned. So too Michael Katsidis, who emerged victorious from the pick of the tasty undercard against the skillful Vicente Escobedo - who just got sucked in too quickly.
Escobedo can come again. So too Victor Ortiz, who while not on the bill, was constantly flitting around the scene and a pleasure to catch up with.
Comforting
Mike Tyson was ringside, and certainly won't be fighting anytime soon - judging by his comforting size! 'Iron' Mike is more like 'Approachable' Mike these days, and is really looking forward to seeing the highlights of our next exciting heavyweight 'Prizefighter' in London on October 2.
Tyson actually did the draw in Vegas, and when I saw the contenders for their interviews at the Sky studios on Wednesday, they were astonished that such a huge name had been involved.
All eight - plus the two reserves are ready to rumble - and I will be bringing you a big 'Prizefighter' preview next week.
This Friday Fight night we welcome our friend and fighter Ricky Hatton into the complex but fascinating world of boxing promotion.
The Hitman's first 'Sky' show features his close pal - and one of our more talented operators - Matthew Macklin.
The bright, bubbly Brummie has always been good to watch, but things have taken time to really kick in.
Finally Macklin exploded onto the scene with a cross-city crushing of Wayne Elcock to capture the British Middleweight title.
Now he rises another level rapidly - for a crack at the European 11st 6lbs belt against the well-respected and tough former champion Amin Asikainen.
Macklin has plenty of class, and he seems more settled under Joe Gallagher, after chopping and changing trainers over the years. Being one of the leading lights in his good pal Ricky's new camp is a real bonus.
Asikainen - a popular Finnish fighter - has won 26 of 28, and is hard and strong. Expect a tough battle, but Macklin's fitness, freshness and added skill should see him through in the mid-late rounds.
Tough
Meanwhile it's been another tough week for Frank Maloney as his brightest hope Darren Sutherland was buried in Navan - a truly tragic story that is still sinking in amongst the boxing fraternity.
Frank's also on the mend after a heart scare, and was furious with the British Board's decision not to punish referee Terry O'Connor for he Tyson Fury vs John McDermott controversy.
Terry made a mistake. We all do. He has a livelihood too, and it is right that he should continue as a referee.
A re-match - which is the correct outcome - has been ordered, although maybe it is unfair that it has to go to purse bids again. Still, let's hope it happens.
I am looking forward to seeing Ricky in his new guise this Friday in Manchester, but the boxing week belongs to his old conqueror. Leonard Ellerbe was right: The king is back.
There is indeed only one Mayweather... one Mayweather...
