"I'm an all-time great with or without Pacquiao," stated undefeated pound-for-pound champion Floyd Mayweather shortly after the press conference in New York to officially announce his May 5th showdown with Miguel Cotto. With the likelihood of a potential clash with 8-division world champion Manny Pacquiao growing slimmer as the years go by and each man gets closer to the end of their career, it's clear that Mayweather feels his legacy in the sport is already set regardless of whether or not the fight ever takes place. Still undefeated after 42 professional fights, 7 world titles in 5 different weight classes, wins over 15 different world champions, and CompuBox stats that suggest he's the most accurate puncher while being the least hittable fighter, perhaps he does have a point. Indeed, there's no denying that he will be remembered as one of the best fighters of this era. The question is, will he really be content knowing there's another fighter in Manny Pacquiao that many will rate just as high, or even higher, than him when their careers are all said and done?
"You know, I wasn't in the sport 2 years, I became world champion in a year. I've been in the sport from then 'til now and I beat you for your belt and give it back. Like I said before, a belt don't make me," Mayweather explained as he reflected on his accomplishments. "The title as pound-for-pound...when we talk about a fighter being pound-for-pound, we gotta talk about a guy who has been dominating in the sport of boxing, you know, not like Marquez and Pacquiao, life and death, getting your hand raised, and I thought Marquez won unanimous," he continued, making note of the fact that he's maintained his undefeated record without every being seriously challenged by any of his opponents.
Although he's doubtful that a fight with Pacquiao will ever take place so long as Bob Arum is still in the picture, Mayweather does want to take care of some unfinished business to ensure he's remembered as the best ever, and on May 5th, he plans on erasing any questions that fans may have had regarding a fight with former fellow stablemate Miguel Cotto. "To be the best you have to beat the best, and he's one of the best fighters out there today and, you know, I wanna finish putting the rest of the pieces...you know, it's a puzzle and you got certain pieces that go to the puzzle and he's one of the pieces, you know, so I can solidify myself as one of the best fighters to ever live," he added.
That being said, Mayweather has simply come to the realization that, much like former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, no matter what he does, whether he fights Pacquiao or not, he will never get the credit that he deserves until his career long over. "Like I said before, it is what it is. I'm never going to get my just due until I'm gone from the sport for a very, very long time, and then everybody gonna be saying, 'You need to be like that fighter Mayweather. He spoke his mind.' I'm comfortable at the end of the day because I spoke my mind and I know I was honest."