Is Floyd considered "prime" or declining?

[JonesJrMayweather]

Well he's 33, and I wonder if he loses will people say that he isnt in his prime. Because 33 is getting up there in the sport of boxing and most with the exception of BHOP, and mosley, are noticeably fading around 33-34. So is there a possibility that one might suggest that floyd got old overnight?

Another things is, before many try to dispute the fact the shane is old, and nowhere close to his prime...think about whether or not floyd will be considered as good at in five years as he is now...

[Jimmy G-Force]

Well he's 33, and I wonder if he loses will people say that he isnt in his prime. Because 33 is getting up there in the sport of boxing and most with the exception of BHOP, and mosley, are noticeably fading around 33-34. So is there a possibility that one might suggest that floyd got old overnight?

Another things is, before many try to dispute the fact the shane is old, and nowhere close to his prime...think about whether or not floyd will be considered as good at in five years as he is now...

I think Mayweather was born 'Prime'. There has never been any evidence to suggest his ridiculous talent is on the decline, nor do I beleive we will ever see an anything less than 100% Mayweather. The guy is a pugilistic phenomenon. He has the kind of inner pride that will always ensure whenever he fights he will never be anything less than prime.

[Hornfinger]

Well look at his last fight. No sign of deterioration at all. I personally think he could have ended that fight anytime. I think he was more focused on doing 12 rounds and also making marquez look like a more credible opponant than what he was. Also Floyd is looking more muscular and stronger these days too.

I agree with Jimmy, although all it takes is one punch, I just can't see him being hit with that one punch at the minute.

[blegit]

People decline at different rates. It depends what your crutch is. Mayweather's ability is founded on reflexes and speed. Those are the first to go. But there is no sign that either of these attributes are on the decline. He may be on the tail end of this prime but Mayweather is still in his prime. Extending or maximizing your prime I think a lot has to do with Mayweather always staying fit, active, and not having any real bad habits to his body even in retirement.

[Jody Lane]

I tink that the prime Mayweather is indeed over. The long inactivity has hurt him. The speed and reflexes may seem intact against a smaller older opponent, but against Mosley it will tell. Yes Mosley is older but I believe that Mosley is one of those wonders that overall had a greater ability than Mayweather in terms of ring generalship and power. Lets face it, Money didn't look all that dominating against an old Oscar. I think the fight with Mosley will be like Ali-Frazier I. MOney will try to dance his way in and out and Mosley will grind him down for a narrow decision.

[Jimanuel Boogustus]

Well he's 33, and I wonder if he loses will people say that he isnt in his prime. Because 33 is getting up there in the sport of boxing and most with the exception of BHOP, and mosley, are noticeably fading around 33-34. So is there a possibility that one might suggest that floyd got old overnight?

Another things is, before many try to dispute the fact the shane is old, and nowhere close to his prime...think about whether or not floyd will be considered as good at in five years as he is now...

Neither.

The 1st thing I looked for in his fight against Marquez was any drop in that blinding velocity of his punches and tbh I felt sick to my stomach the instant Mayweather threw his 1st left hook... I think the lay off has worked really well for Floyd... It just amazes me how naturally gifted he is.

[ryanman]

He is still bang in his prime. We can guess that maybe his prime is due to end soon, but we'd be doing just that - guessing. So far we have seen no evidence. He seems to be getting better if anything.

[Manuel "Chubby" Medina]

i believe Mayweather waz slightly slow against Marquez but that might have been ring rust...

[Truth]

Undoubtedly Prime,
He takes great care of his body, has a style which is meant for long careers and he fights sparingly and has never been punished in a fight I can think of

[HattonTheHammer]

he certainly hasnt done anything to suggest his in a decline.

floyds greatest performances were against corrales, gatti but he has upped his competition in recent years

id say neither

[15rounder]

Good thread here. I think one of the things that has kept Floyd in such tip top shape (and I can't believe more boxers don't do this) is that he stays at fighting weight year round. I know there was a hickup in the Marquez fight but Floyd has done this his whole career. So there's no issue of putting your body through dehydration/rehydration hell the last week or 2 before the weigh in. I think this is a good part of the reason why, but certainly not the only.

[Master]

Floyd fights less often which means he does less damage to his hands which are fragile. It also means his skills are not deteriorating by taking hard fights but not being an active fighter makes a difference to his overall conditioning, timing and durability. He passed his best and maybe his prime at the lighter weights.

[DaxxKahn]

Can't really say...He shows no evidence of decline that is for sure but on the other hand when has Floyd really gone into an all out fight where we seen him truly tested to his abilities?....Impossible to say it is because he is that good because he has not fought the best in most of the divisions he has been in....

I compare him to Roy Jones in many ways...Early on he fought everyone and dominated them...as time went on he looked more for opponents that he knew would make him look good rather then fight the most dangerous available....

This is not too take away from Floyd's ability or accomplishments because the talent is undeniable....This is not to say he would not be as dominate against those opponents just that you can not tell,...

I mean can you really judge by the JMM fight? JMM was coming up 2 divisions after having only 2 fights as a lW...the second one he was pushed to the max by a 1 dimensional fighter Juan Diaz....So Floyd was not pushed he came in the bout with an advantage.....

The Mosley fight win or lose will tell us

[Pugilistic]

Mayweather is as smart as ever in the ring and he is still physically in immense shape but because of his brittle hands he doesn't put punches together anymore so you could argue that because of that, he has declined by a tiny margin.

[Mar]

It's the same with all boxers....he's in his prime if he wins decline if he looses. Everyone floyd fights is great before hand. Then (fill in the excuse here) after.