Floyd the straw that stirs boxing’s drink

LAS VEGAS - Floyd Mayweather Jr. took a lot more than 20 months off immediately after knocking out Ricky Hatton just before he defeated Juan Manuel Marquez in 2009. He took another eight months off and then went out and dominated Shane Mosley in 2010.

On Saturday, soon after 16 months on the sidelines, Mayweather returned to create the World Boxing Council welterweight champion appear like a rank amateur.

It leads one to wonder what the guy may do if he fought often.

“If I was active, I’d be excellent, real great,” a beaming Mayweather said. “I’d be putting these boys away in the initial round.”

He’s beyond good. He’s spectacular.

Maybe most importantly, he’s a colorful, controversial figure who's beloved by some and despised by a lot of. Those that love him were roaring their approval Saturday before a crowd of 14,687 in the MGM Grand Garden Arena as Mayweather raised his record to 42-0 by dismantling Victor Ortiz.

Those that despise him had been jumping out of their seats in anger after a controversial finish in which a left hook and also a straight right hand put Ortiz out for the count of 10 at 2:59 of the fourth.

“What can I say?” a beaming Mayweather asked after the fight. “’Money’ May comes out and never lets you down.”