Floyd Mayweather said he wanted a challenge and that’s exactly what he got in his fight with Marcos Maidana on Saturday night.
Maidana swarmed on Mayweather from the opening bell, swinging wildly and getting Floyd up against the ropes several times. Some considered Maidana’s tactics dirty as he landed a couple shots below the belt, used his knees and caused a cut over Mayweather’s eye after an accidental headbutt in the fourth round.
The cut temporarily blinded Mayweather and he had to rally in the last half of the fight to avoid losing for the first time. Maidana threw far more punches but Mayweather’s accuracy was superior. According to Showtime Stats, Maidana threw 858 punches while landing 221 (25%) and Mayweather threw 426 punches while landing 230 (53%). Though not very accurate, Maidana’s were the most punches landed by any fighter against Mayweather in 38 fights where punch stats were compiled.
Mayweather initially raised his hands in victory but looked pensive while awaiting the official decision. The judges scored the fight 114-114, 117-111 and 116-112 giving Mayweather the majority decision. ”It was a tough, competitive fight,” Mayweather said. “I normally like to go out there and box and move. But he put pressure on me. I wanted to give the fans what they wanted to see so I stood and fought him.”
Maidana on the otherhand felt like he won and raised his hands after the final bell while waiting on the announcement. ”I think I won the fight,” Maidana said. “He didn’t fight like a man.”
“If the fans want to see it again, let’s do it again,” Mayweather said. Maidana agreed as well.
– Shaina Auxilly (@Shay Marie)
