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Floyd Mayweather Jnr is the master of his own destiny and is always in control. Photo: AP
Opinion
Tim Noonan
Tim Noonan

Whatever happens in boxing, Floyd Mayweather Jnr is in control

The Mayweather-Pacquiao fight is finally going to happen, but only because the unbeaten American wants it so

Floyd is in control. At this stage it's impossible to deny, so don't even try. When "Control Freaks Are Us" sits down for its annual meeting, the politburo in Beijing and the green jackets of Augusta National wait for Floyd to show up so the gathering can officially begin. Floyd Mayweather Jnr is that good.

The most anticipated fight of this century, perhaps the most anticipated sporting event of this century, is about to happen because Mayweather said it would. He finally agreed to fight Philippine demi-god Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas on May 2 because the timing was right.

Both are well-removed from their prime; Mayweather will be 38 and Pacquiao 36, but no matter. Such is the dearth of big fights in boxing that even if it goes only two rounds it will be the fight of the century by default.

This is all because Mayweather, much like our rulers to the north, knows how to wait things out until the time is most advantageous. Mayweather is considered to be the superior athlete and because of this he can control the tempo of the fight while the one advantage Pacquiao had was his punching power.

But it has been almost six years since Pacquiao knocked out an opponent and on that day in 2009, when he destroyed Ricky Hatton, Pacquiao was pound for pound the best fighter in the world.

This is all because Mayweather, much like our rulers to the north, knows how to wait things out until the time is most advantageous

Mayweather knew it as well. Since then Pacquiao has lost twice and recently won a couple of bouts against unknowns in Macau. Mayweather is undefeated, a perfect 47-0.

On recent form alone, it would seem that Pacquiao's skills have eroded more than Mayweather's and so the timing is perfect. It is also enormously lucrative and will be the biggest boxing purse ever. Naturally, Mayweather will get 60 per cent, while Pacquiao will get 40 per cent and whatever you may think of Mayweather this is actually fair because he is a much bigger pay-per-view draw.

"I honestly believe at this particular time, even if Pacquiao didn't want to fight, he has no choice because his back is against the wall," Mayweather told Fighthype.com last week. "Because he needs the money, I don't. Every property that I have from Miami to LA to Las Vegas, it's paid for."

Again, whatever you may think of Mayweather you have to admire his honesty. He says and does what he wants because he can. On the list of the highest-paid athletes for 2014, Mayweather was number one with an annual windfall of US$103 million.

Tiger Woods, Roger Federer and LeBron James were also on the list, but every one of them was there because they made in excess of US$50 million in endorsements.

Philippine boxing icon Manny Pacquaio trains at a gym in General Santos City. Photo: AFP

Mayweather's money from endorsement in 2014? Zero, not a penny and because of that he can do and say what he wants. In 2003, when women's groups were picketing the Masters because of Augusta National's refusal to allow female members, sponsors tried putting heat on the exclusive golf club.

In response, the club told every single sponsor of the Masters to take a hike. This tournament will proceed with no advertising, thank you. It's a lesson Mayweather took to heart.

He has had a litany of legal issues, most stemming from domestic abuse and has also done prison time because of it. His behaviour has often been reprehensible, his ostentatiousness vulgar. He has routinely been cited as a terrible role model but, to be honest, if you are looking for guidance for your children from a guy who beats up people for a living then it could well be more of a parenting issue.

Boxing is a brutal game, that's hardly news. It is, however, also known as the sweet science and in that context Mayweather would be the sweetest of scientists. He has mastered the fundamentals of his sport in a way few ever have, ergo his perfect record.

He may not be the most enthralling fighter because of his refusal to engage in slugfests, but inside the ring his intellect is unsurpassed. He cares little about entertainment value, only wins.

When he fought Victor Ortiz in 2011, Ortiz became consumed and head-butted Mayweather. The referee docked him a point and Ortiz apologised in the ring for his transgression. He then tried to hug Mayweather and dropped his guard. Mayweather hit him twice and knocked him out. Fair, foul or indifferent, end of fight.

Greater boxing minds are now debating the outcome of the fight of the century, but no one really knows. The only thing that is certain is that Floyd is in control.

Floyd Mayweather Jnr, who has a 47-0 record, is the highest paid athlete of 2014, according to Forbes. Photo: AP
This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: Floyd proves he is always in control
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