"I understand the Mayweathers and I know their style...that's why Mayweather don't let anybody tape him anymore. That's why he's in top shape for every fight. I think we taught him a good lesson because we really did handle him. I mean, the first two rounds were you take one, or I'll take the other, but after that, Paul just handled him like he owned him," stated world-class trainer Jesse Reid, who called in to the FightHype Radio show last week to share his frustrations about Floyd Mayweather's unwillingness to face the one man who he thinks gave him the toughest challenge of his career, former lightweight champion and undefeated welterweight Paul Spadafora. Over ten years ago, Spadafora reportedly got the better of Mayweather during a taped sparring session and for months now, rumors have been circulating about a potential showdown between the two whenever Mayweather makes his return to the ring. Although Floyd Mayweather himself has come on record to deny that he will be returning this summer to face Spadafora, according to Reid, there were indeed conversations with representatives of Mayweather's camp about the potential matchup.
"Roger and his father are saying they want the fight and Mayweather is saying he wants the fight, next thing I know, we're not getting the fight. So I don't know the politics of what's happening here, but I do know that workout needs to be answered. Paul's 45-0...he's gifted. we were lucking forward to the fight, well, it isn't happening, so you give me the answers. If Mayweather thinks that this fight is as easy as he says it is, then why isn't he fighting," Reid explained. "All this secrecy and this and that, if somebody really wants to fight, and you know, if Paul is this easy guy, why is Mayweather not wanting to take a 'tune-up' fight with a left-hander that's slick like Paul to get ready for Pacquiao?"
After months of keeping quiet due to fear of jeopardizing their opportunity, Reid finally decided to break his silence. He now wants some answers after receiving word that they likely won't be getting the fight. "Why is not Mayweather wanting to take this fight? The money was good; everything was good. It was going to be in Vegas, July 18th [Editor's note: July 18 is a Monday, so we assume the date Reid actually meant was July 16]. From what I understand from everybody I've talked to, everything was going to be done," Reid continued. "All of a sudden, it's not being done. So this vicious animal that's supposed to be this and that and the greatest boxer of all times, why isn't he fighting Paul Spadafora? I don't know the answers. I do know that Mayweathers know I know them and I'll tell you right now if they ever make that match, Paul Spadafora will be right in his chest and he'll get his heart rate up to over 270 beats and might run him out of the damn ring because Paul is slicker than him. And here's a guy who's not even a puncher who kicked his ass once, and I think he'll kick it again!"
Whether or not Paul Spadafora is actually out of the running as a potential for Mayweather's eventual return remains to be seen, however, it's clear that Reid is confident that the sparring session held over ten years ago was no fluke. Say what you will, but the fact that Spadafora is a southpaw with fast hands and good at using angles makes him a perfect tune-up prior to a showdown with Manny Pacquiao. That being said, if it's true that Spadafora's camp was contacted by representatives of Team Mayweather, one has to wonder why Floyd wouldn't want to take this fight, assuming, of course, he actually does plan on returning to the ring.