if floyd were around during the 80s...

[Thread Stealer]

It's a little unfair (and actually a compliment to Floyd) to compare Mayweather to guys like Hearns and Leonard.

Mayweather started at 130, and that was probably his best weight class. Mayweather's fourth weight class was 147, and unlike some other fighters, it wasn't a case where Mayweather was huge at 130 and 135 and didn't belong there. Guys back at 130 and 135 like Chico and Castillo were outweighing him by 10 pounds on fight night. Hearns and Leonard started at 147, and were successful at higher weight classes.

It's like holding it against Whitaker because he would likely lose to Hearns at 147, or McCallum or Norris at 154.

[zhubin]

It's a little unfair (and actually a compliment to Floyd) to compare Mayweather to guys like Hearns and Leonard.

Mayweather started at 130, and that was probably his best weight class. Mayweather's fourth weight class was 147, and unlike some other fighters, it wasn't a case where Mayweather was huge at 130 and 135 and didn't belong there. Guys back at 130 and 135 like Chico and Castillo were outweighing him by 10 pounds on fight night. Hearns and Leonard started at 147, and were successful at higher weight classes.

It's like holding it against Whitaker because he would likely lose to Hearns at 147, or McCallum or Norris at 154.

I agree to an extent. But that's exactly why i think he would have a tough time against those past all time greats. Guys like Hearns, Leonard, Hagler, Duran...where MUCH better fighters than anyone Floyd has ever faced. I have never said Floyd wouldn't stand a chance or even beat them...just saying his resume doesn't inspire confidence IMO.