In a venue that seemed far from full, Miguel Cotto shined while Floyd Mayweather, Jr. was seemingly stunned more often than he cared to admit by his opponent as well as by those in attendance, who booed him loudly at the end of the contest, while awarding challenger Victoriano Sosa, a standing ovation. The message was unequivocal, but was it heard by the former king of flash?

Dominican Victoriano Sosa had a strong pulse and he came to fight. He also has fast hands and a rough style, which combined seemed to have given Mayweather trouble finding his rhythm in the early rounds. It is also obvious that Floyd Jr. doesn't have much sting at this weight class. However, what stands out the most in this writer's eyes is the fact that since the 26-year old undefeated champion beat Diego Corrales like he stole something, he simply has not been the same. Usually that comment is made about the losing fighter, not the victorious one, but I believe it totally applies. He has gone from an extraordinary fighter to a good one.

Mayweather's left jab saved his undefeated status; the defensive weapon kept Sosa at bay, he simply couldn't handle it, and from the fifth round on that inability allowed the champion to dominate. But where did the Mayweather razzle dazzle go? Where did the blinding speed disappear to? The things that made him stand out and qualify for super star status -and a multi million dollar network contract- are simply not there anymore. Could it be that Floyd Sr. is sorely needed in the young man's corner, and in his life? Well, you do the math. Floyd Sr. was there, not in the corner, but in the crowd, shouting instructions and lending support, when Floyd Jr. defined his career in a stunner where he scored 5 knockdowns against then 33-0 Diego Corrales; he has been ostracized every since.

The lopsided verdict didn't sit well with the crowd, and frankly I was more in tune with Lederman's scoring than with the officials, who saw it 118-110, 119-109, 118-110. Surely Victoriano Sosa won more than one or two rounds as these numbers reflect. Mayweather, Jr. improves his record to 30-0, 20 KOs, while Sosa drops to 35-3, 26 KOs.

Speaking in the third person, as only the 'great' ones seem to do, Floyd Jr. said in the post fight interview: "Whoever steps up to the plate, Floyd Mayweather is willing to fight them and take on all-comers."

He also said: "This guy was a solid opponent but I took my time and the main thing was to win, and I did that." Well, there might be some who take exception to that comment. The main thing is to win, yes, but simply winning -mediocrity- didn't get Floyd Jr. to where he is today. It was the love he showed for the sport, the beauty he brought to it, the unique and special qualities that seem to be missing now.