LAS VEGAS — The defense was back, just like it used to be. Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s dad was back, too, just like he used to be. LAS VEGAS — The defense was back, just like it used to be. Floyd
LAS VEGAS — The defense was back, just like it used to be. Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s dad was back, too, just like he used to be.
And Mayweather was a winner once again — just like he always is.
Mayweather fought as if he had never left the ring, coming back from a year’s absence Saturday night to win a unanimous 12-round decision over Robert Guerrero in their welterweight title fight.
The game plan was defense, and Mayweather followed it perfectly. With his father directing from the corner after a 13-year absence, he dominated Guerrero in a performance not totally expected at the age of 36.
“I needed my father tonight,” Mayweather said. “My defense was on point and he told me to stick with my defense and that the less you get hit the longer you last.”
Mayweather was masterful at times, landing thudding right hands and bloodying Guerrero’s face in a performance that mimicked some of his best fights. Mayweather hurt Guerrero on several occasions, including a series of right hands near the end of the eighth round that buckled Guerrero’s knees.
All three judges scored the bout 117-111. The Associated Press had it 119-109.
“We did it again,” Mayweather said after earning at least $32 million for his night’s work. “I take my hat off to Robert Guerrero. He’s a true warrior.”
If it wasn’t terribly pleasing to the crowd of 15,880, it was terribly effective. Mayweather made a fighter who hadn’t lost in eight years look befuddled as he danced and moved and shot out right hands with increasing frequency.
He remained unbeaten in 44 fights and, more importantly, looked so fresh that he may follow through on his plan to fight again in September.
“I was looking for the knockout but I hurt my hand,” Mayweather said. “I feel bad I didn’t give the fans the knockout.”
Mayweather was booed at times for not mixing it up more, but he didn’t need to. He was content to move and land jabs and right hand leads, while Guerrero grew increasingly frustrated trying to chase him.
