In 2014, Floyd Mayweather almost saw the face of defeat when he entered the ring against Marcos Maidana. Years later, a boxing coach has outlined why the fight was iconic in its sense, and what worked in each of the fighters’ favour.

In May of that year, Mayweather was coming fresh off a victory over Canelo Alvarez. While he remained sure to defeat the Argentinian welterweight, on fight night he was surprised. Maidana remained strong to his ground, and defended himself against each of the lethal blows ‘Money’ threw his way. However, the highlight was that the fighter also was on his A-game on the offensive front. While he lost that fight on points, a rematch was scheduled four months later. The first fight still found itself in one of the best fights to ever happen.

“One of the most epic fights”

On Instagram, Eric A Bradley, a boxing coach who shares his insights on social media provided a detailed breakdown of the infamous Mayweather-Maidana. He started, “Mayweather-Maidana was one of the most epic fights in recent boxing history. Maidana did everything right that night and that’s the mastery of having all layers as a defense.”

He explained, “One of the things that he did that showed me that he was ready for that fight was he brought everything that you’re supposed to bring every time you fight someone who’s in the Philly-shell style of defense and understand the five layers of defense. He rake them to the body, he rake them over the top, he threw overhand rights, he threw uppercuts. He was relentless with his pressure. He constantly came forward.”

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Money was known for his Philly-shell style of defense. Fighters who master this style usually lean to their stance side. This forces the opponent’s hands to travel further, giving the fighter more time to block, evade, or counter. Despite employing that notorious style, Mayweather found it hard to cause much damage to Maidana.

Yet, Mayweather sustained the powerful fight. He won. What worked in his favor?

Floyd Mayweather, A Masterful Boxer

In his analysis, Bradley outlined the correct way Mayweather undertook the fight despite the pressure that came against him. The coach explained, “Floyd did everything that a masterful boxer does. He defends well. He understood how to stay composed when he got hit. He understood how to stay composed whenever he got cut. He just stayed consummate.”

So what could have Maidana done to defeat Mayweather? “One of the things that Maidana did not do, he did not change up his boxing speed. You gotta have different rhythms in your punches because you have to know how to reserve yourself for the second half of the fight. Which is what is the biggest mistake he made all night. Came at him like a savage, and he showed boxing craft,” he added.

Who do you think is better that night? Floyd Mayweather or Marcos Maidana? Take your picks in the comments section below.

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