This Saturday, September 19th, marks one of the biggest day for boxing and its possibly its last punch at to remain popular in America. Saturday night is the highly anticipated return of Floyd "Money" Mayweather Jr. to the ring after a 2 year hiatus to face Mexican sensation Juan Manuel Marquez.
Mayweather "retired" from boxing in 2007 after he defeated legend Oscar De La Hoya and Britian's Ricky Hatton. At the time, there were no other worthy challengers, so Mayweather felt that he had accomplished all he could in boxing, and therefore retired.
Since 2007, boxing has seen the emergence of a new superstar, Filipino Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao. Pacquiao stormed the scene in the absence of Pretty Boy Floyd by defeating Marco Antonio Barrea, a split decision with Mayweather's current opponent Juan Manuel Marquez, TKO against David Diaz and Oscar De La Hoya, and a recent KO against Ricky Hatton who retired after the fight.
Boxing needs Floyd Mayweather to win his bout against Marquez in order to set up the dream match-up of Mayweather-Pacquiao. This could be boxing's regain to fame and be one of the most classic fights of all time. This fight has the potential to go down like Ali-Frazier and Tyson-Holyfield. Boxing needs this fight in a sport with decreasing popularity. TV ratings have dwindled for boxing and is in dyer need of any kind of hype.
With the emergence of MMA and the UFC, boxing has had a tough time especially with the aggressive marketing style of the UFC by its CEO Dana White. Also on September 19th is UFC 103, so this will be a huge test for boxing to see who can get the ratings.
Mayweather and Pacquiao are like the Kobe Bryant and Lebron James of boxing, and everyone wants to see this match-up. It should be interesting to see if Mayweather can make a comeback this Saturday, and as much as people love to hate him, everyone knows the want to see him fight the Pacman. Boxing is on life support.
