ESPN blasts Floyd Mayweather a Shameful Coward -- Boxing Historian

By Cristian Palmer, Boxing Historian

The comments came as news filtered through that Mayweather had refused to sign a contract to fight Manny Pacquiao, emotions where running high after the deadline imposed by Top Rank Promoter Bob Aram passed yesterday on the stroke of twelve.

The fight is off said Bob Arum, “We laid our cards on the table, Pacquiao agreed to all of Mayweather ridiculous demands in a clear attempt to make the fight a reality, yet Mayweather still refused to sign.

“From my vantage point Pacquiao wants this fight and is doing everything to make it happen, Mayweather is making the fight impossible with ridicules demand after ridicules demand. It’s clear he does not want to fight, I cannot speculate on why that is, only he knows. But I have been in this business long enough to know when someone does not want to fight”.

Arum said he would now look at a possible match up against Mexican Antonio Margarito. “We will need to obtain a licence to fight in the states, however, it’s not something I am overly concerned about as I have already spoken with Manny and he has no issues at all fighting in Mexico. The Mexican people have a great admiration and respect for Manny, they know he comes to fight and has been involved in many battles with great Mexican fighters over his career".

Its clear Margarito would be the first choice of opponent but Arum went on to talk about a possible rematch with Miguel Cotto. Pacquiao dominated Cotto when the two met last November, but Cotto has since went on to secure the WBA light middleweight title, making this bout a little more interesting considering Pacquiao would be challenging for a title in a historic eighth weight category.

Arum went on to explain the door would be left ajar for Mayweather should he change his mind, no time scale was given but Arum said if Pacquiao did sign to fight Margarito or Cotto they would be made aware of the fact Mayweather has the option to step in. So in a sense the circus continues.

Angry ESPN commentators blasted Mayweather calling him a shameful coward and the only reason they can find is that he is attempting to protect his undefeated record; all too aware Pacquiao represents a legitimate threat.

“Do you think that Michael Spinks was not afraid to get into the ring with Mike Tyson, he probably was, but he took the shot and got in there” said the ESPN host. The host went on to say five of Mayweathers last six fights he has one via decision, he is losing something and he knows it.

Source: theboxinghistorian.com