Floyd Mayweather just can't win.
It is a remarkable statement considering Mayweather does nothing but win, but the public reaction following Saturday night's masterpiece against Victor Ortiz was another indication that no matter what Mayweather does inside the ring, the general sports fan will never be satisfied.
They say Manny Pacquiao is better. Floyd returns from a two-year layoff to shut out Juan Manuel Marquez, an opponent whom many believe beat Pacquiao twice.
They say Floyd will not fight a big puncher. He annihilates Shane Mosley, after Mosley brutally knocked out Antonio Margarito.
They say Floyd only fights washed up veterans. He challenges Victor Ortiz, a 24-year-old WBC welterweight champion in his prime.
They say Floyd's fights are boring. He scores a fourth round knockout after walking down his opponent for much of the fight in his greatest offensive showing in years.
They say Floyd landed a cheap shot. They try too hard.
Lost amidst the complaining and controversy following last weekend's victory over Ortiz, is the fact that Mayweather delivered his finest performance since moving up to the welterweight division.
In an atmosphere that could have quickly gotten ugly, Mayweather acted as the consummate professional-the most competent of the three men who occupied the ring. He could have retaliated to Ortiz's roughhouse antics in many an illegal fashion; instead, he waited for the fight to resume-and he said good night.
He did exactly what we wished Pacquiao did to Mosley, each time Mosley extended a glove to touch.
When warranted, criticism is an excellent tool.
We expect the most out of our finest athletes and there are few in the sport's recent memory as fine as Mayweather. If we did not think so highly of him, we would not have discussions with our friends about his inactivity, opponent selection, or in this case, the morality of a legal punch.
But the fans who feel Mayweather was in the wrong this time around are off base. This was a savvy veteran goading a rookie into a false sense of security to expedite his inevitable victory. It was no different than feinting a jab.
The Monday after Mayweather's victory, the St. Louis Rams picked up big yardage against the New York Giants by running their no-huddle offense, an offensive scheme designed to catch the defense off guard.
It was not Sam Bradford's responsibility to check with Corey Webster or Aaron Ross to make sure that the defense was ready. They were on the field, so Bradford snapped the ball.
Mayweather snapped the ball.
When Mayweather will next snap the ball is the billion-dollar question. Against Ortiz, Mayweather walked to the ring with 50 Cent. He walked out of it with 50 million. Suffice to say we may not see him for a while. But when we do, will it finally be against Pacquiao?
It is far too early to tell-for now, Amir Khan seems more likely. Bob Arum would not be signing Timothy Bradley if Pacquiao intended to agree to Olympic-style drug testing.
But one thing is for sure: If we are promised the offensive-minded Floyd Mayweather who fought Victor Ortiz, boxing fans will undoubtedly be getting their Money's worth.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: FightHype would like to welcome the talents of Nick Xouris to the team.]