Floyd Mayweather Jnr will have a rematch for only the second time in his career this weekend against Argentina’s favourite son, Marcos Maidana. It’s time for Mayweather vs Maidana 2!
Join The Roar from 12:30pm for live coverage of the fight, and all the updates, round-by-round.
The two fighters met in May of this year where Maidana, for the first four rounds looked to have Floyd’s number before tiring himself out and Mayweather cruised through to a majority decision win. The fight will take place at the MGM grand casino and hotel, Las Vegas.
There isn’t a whole lot of verbal interest to this rematch, no bad blood between the fighters, no controversial moves or decisions from their previous fight.
It’s purely a point to be made by Mayweather that although the younger and more aggressive Maidana looked good in the early stages of the first fight, he’s still not in Mayweather’s league. In fact the most controversial aspect of this fight is why it is even happening.
Currently there are several fighters who either rank higher than Maidana or have a style more suited to the chance of an upset. Freddy Roach, trainer at wild card boxing gym went as far as calling the fight a sleeping pill after four rounds declaring he has two fighters in his current roster not only more deserving of the fight but better than Mayweather.
After Cotto’s domination of Martinez and Amir Khans recent return to form, it could be argued both fighters would have been better placed, especially when Khan stopped Maidana four years ago. However Maidana not only surprised everyone for the first four rounds against Mayweather in their last fight, he earned that fight by being the first person to beat Adrian Broner.
Make no mistake, Maidana is a capable fighter. He pushes forward, has a lot of speed, is surprisingly powerful for his size and has an awkward style which many can’t understand. Although he has stripped back some weight to improve his stamina, his loss in power may affect his impact.
How Maidana Can Win:
Everyone is saying he should push forward and try to brawl Mayweather like he did in the first fight, but this is bad advice. Mayweather didn’t give him a rematch because he had trouble with his strategy and style.
It’s time to fight from the outside, stalk Mayweather, cut off the ring and force the flurries in the corner. When Mayweather moves forward you know he is going to stick and move so lock him up early. Maidana is known for his awkward style and throwing jabs from unusual positions and angles, use this all round, every round. In their last fight he had success with a left hook to the body and loop right, test early if this will work again, but don’t live by it.
How Mayweather Can Win:
Keep it moving, don’t let Maidana plant his feet. Although he is lighter, Maidana will still tire out if he has to chase Mayweather every round. Stick and move. Focus on the body more.
Prediction:
Mayweather by unanimous decision in 12
AZ_RBB
Guest
I love Pacquiao and it is a great shame nobody was able to make it happen 5yrs ago and happen more than once. But I'm not sure if he could beat Mayweather. Pacman has always struggled against the counter punching Marquez, who is weaker at that art than Mayweather. But it is a spectacle we've all been denied.
Graeme Cross
Roar Guru
I agree Alan. Maidana looked reserved, but I think a lot of that was from Mayweather's movement spatial awareness, he give Maidana much of an opportunity. Mayweather did underperform compared to his usual standard. These two fights with Maidana actually made me think for the first time that Floyd is beatable now, similar to Pacquiao v Bradly. My personal opinion is that Garcia would be a boring fight. Mayweather would control the full 12 and take a simple points victory. If Khan didn't have the questionable jaw, he would be a good match up. I would watch a fight with Pacquiao but it really shoul have happened 5 years ago to be a true showcase of the sport.
Alan
Roar Guru
Watched the fight Graeme. Really disappointed. I thought Maidana had more left in the tank and didn't give it his all in the last four rounds or so. Mayweather meanwhile remains undefeated but nothing exciting or captivating about his performance tonight. He really needs to fight Pacquio or Danny Garcia IMO.
Graeme Cross
Roar Guru
Thanks for tuning in! Floyd goes on to a 47-0 record while Maidana now has the chance to assess his next move. That's it from the Roar and myself..
Graeme Cross
Roar Guru
Maidana thinks he won the whole fight for being the aggressor and placing more pressure on Floyd. He states he never bit Floyd
Graeme Cross
Roar Guru
Floyd gives himself a C- for his performance. I would agree, he was starting to look slower tonight. Asked about a possible fight with Manny Pacquiao in May, Floyd didn't indicate either way.
Graeme Cross
Roar Guru
Post fight interview. Floyd claiming the alleged bite sent his left hand numb which meant he couldn't use it.
Graeme Cross
Roar Guru
Judges score 115-112, 116-111, 116-111 All to Floyd
Graeme Cross
Roar Guru
Round is over. Not sure Floyd landed anything. Judges might give it to him on his ring generalship, but I give it to Maidana for landing more and being the aggressor. My card: Floyd wins 117-110
Graeme Cross
Roar Guru
Maidana catches Mayweather in the corner before Floyd slides out of the corner
Graeme Cross
Roar Guru
More movement from Floyd, no fighting really so far
Graeme Cross
Roar Guru
The fighters flurry in the corner momentarily before Floyd locks it up
Graeme Cross
Roar Guru
Maidana lands a floating jab on FLoyd as he moves past him
Graeme Cross
Roar Guru
Floyd is moving laterally again now. Maidana hasn't been able to find him yet in the 12th
Graeme Cross
Roar Guru
Round 12 starts Fighters touch gloves
Graeme Cross
Roar Guru
Rd 11 wins. Floyd Round 108-100
Graeme Cross
Roar Guru
Maidana drops a clean double but received a double for his efforts.
Graeme Cross
Roar Guru
Maidana gets tagged on the body twice.
Graeme Cross
Roar Guru
Strong right from Floyd out of the pocket
Graeme Cross
Roar Guru
Maidana corners Floyd and gets warned for using an elbow