Hard work and dedication. That has been boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s mantra throughout his entire career. Mayweather the man is a divisive figure, but Mayweather the fighter is another thing altogether. Just one hour after it was confirmed that he would fight Conor McGregor at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on August 26, he was reportedly seen jogging the streets of Los Angeles.
Mayweather does not shirk training. Though he is now 40 years of age and some two years removed from his last fight, the muscle memory is still there, if this footage he posted on Instagram is anything by which to go. Mayweather acknowledges in the post that time waits for no man, saying:
I know I’m not the same fighter I was 20 years ago, I’m not the same fighter I was 10 years ago… As a matter of fact, I’m not the same fighter I was 5 years ago,I’m just an old legend putting in work in 16 oz gloves
That said, check out the 40-year-old version of Mayweather at work:
Two words sum up the first impression of the footage: head movement. Punch/punch/slide/slide, punch/punch/slide/slide as he effortlessly throws shots while moving his head. It takes a lot of time for this to look so easy. Mayweather then rattles off a 16-punch set before changing from lateral head movement to backward head movement, all while giving off a vibe that it’s as easy as a stroll on a sunny summer day.
McGregor has some challenge on his hand; boxing legend Manny Pacquiao says he has no chance of winning. The 49-0 Mayweather has a lifetime of experience on which to fall back, while McGregor has never laced up his gloves professionally. Mismatch for Mayweather or perfect moment to shock the world for McGregor? The reality of what probably will happen has been trumped by the intrigue of what could possibly take place, and that is why millions are expected to shell out their cash to see what transpires.
Published: 30 June, 2017 | 1:16 AM EDT
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