Absence makes the heart grow fonder...

Muhammad Ali was one of the most hated fighters of any era before his three year hiatus. Upon his return he became the most recognisable icon to emerge from the sport.

Marvellous Marvin Hagler fought a constant battle for respect and recognition. He retired feeling slighted and underappreciated. He is now viewed as one of the greatest Middleweights of All Time.

Throughout his career Lennox Lewis lived in the shadows of his more popular predecessors and was largely ignored. The void his retirement left remains in the heavyweight division to the present day, he is sadly missed.

Has Mayweather's retirement allowed the boxing public a more impartial view of his achievements? In his absence has he been missed and if he returns will he be received more fondly?

<Has Mayweather's retirement allowed the boxing public a more impartial view of his achievements? In his absence has he been missed and if he returns will he be received more fondly?>

Yes, Mayweather's retirement might have allowed for a more impartial view of his early successes, in the mind of the boxing public. However still, he is not overwhelmingly missed in his absence, IMO, as his retirement is somewhat perceived more as a stunt or gimmick rather than a retirement based on true sentiment, sincerity.

IB that his absence did not raise his stock in the fan department, neither has it suuddenly swayed detractors into fond receptors.

For as we all know, boxing fans are sensitive to bullsyte!

I agree a lot with the above.
Its also possible, that like Lewis, if Mayweather stays retired we will have lost its Number 1.

But with Pacquaio, Margarito, Cotto, Hatton, Haye, Vasquez, Pavlik and Dawson continuosly providing thrills we've got plenty to console us.