Connect with us

Featured Articles

Floyd in South Africa: “Mr. Mayweather, You Did Your Brand Proud”

Published

on

MONEY BOMAYE ? – Muhammad Ali heard the since iconic chants from African fans in Zaire. It appears that Floyd Mayweather Jr. enjoyed a similarly meaningful chorus in Johannesburg last week from this generation’s sports fans, even though the most pronounced repetition came from his own “Hard Work, Dedication” team. A beaming Mayweather appeared in typical prime condition and proved worthy of the distinction, representing himself, his brand, and his country with class and charisma. He certainly wasn’t shy in accepting his well earned accolades. “It took 36 years, but I’m here,” announced Mayweather after touching down on the great continent. “I just don’t represent the red, white and blue, I represent all of humanity. I look forward to coming back and fighting. I’ve been getting some awesome offers, hopefully it can happen someday.”

“Ali was the greatest,” Mayweather told the press, before taking another opportunity to expand The Money Team brand. “I’m TBE. The best ever. I didn’t give the sport my whole life to say there’s another fighter better than me. First off, I wanna thank my team because without them all this wouldn’t be possible.” The SA media ate it up at a “press briefing” that played more like a fan club convention. “This should have happened long ago. It is great to host you while you are still a champ, because we do not host mediocrity, we only host champions,” said Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula upon Mayweather’s arrival, drawing a wide and constant grin from his guest. “We will roll out the red carpet for you, for the rest to see, because humanity has given you to us. You no longer belong to America (only). Our kids look up to you. The people that you see here do not sleep when you fight.”

Reporter Sifiso Ramara of SABC News summed up Mayweather’s impact thusly, “In the past we’ve hosted the likes of Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield, but one should say it doesn’t get bigger and better than this.” Of course, the subject of a Manny Pacquiao fight came up immediately. Mayweather addressed the current situation, and Pacquiao’s recent comments about pursuing a fight. “He’s really saying ‘Floyd, can you help me solve my tax problems, get me out of debt?” offered Mayweather with minimal mockery. It’s not unrealistic to consider the truth in that.

Mayweather praised South African Phillip Ndou, against whom he scored a 7th round stoppage while defending the WBC lightweight belt in 2003, and was complimentary as he assessed the sport in general, offering a revealing personal preference.“There’s a lot of great fighters out there. You guys had Azumah Nelson. At one time I thought we were gonna fight. I admire what a lot of fighters, and entertainers, have done. I’m thankful to those that paved the way. A lot of fighters are looking to be known as the best. I just want to be known as the smartest fighter, as far as businesswise, outside the ring.” As a corporate executive, Mayweather achieved a substantial PR boost, indeed.

According to SA media and the Sports Ministry, Mayweather covered his own travel expenses after scheduling conflicts kept him from attending a ceremony he was invited to last year. Maybe karma is paying off already. As for the future, Mayweather declared that he’d know in a week or so whether his next opponent is Amir Khan or someone else. Unless it’s a smokescreen, there could be some maneuvering that gives Marcos Maidana the call. Don’t be shocked if that occurs, or if a brave, strong, but quickly exposed Maidana falls by Mayweather TKO. Just as Maidana may accomplish much less effective aggression than hoped for, Khan could well defensively outperform relatively low predictions about his chances. Either way, anybody who bets against Mayweather these days looks crazy.

Mayweather demonstrated additional business savvy simply by mentioning a significant, yet often neglected partner during discussions on his future. “Don’t forget CBS,” reminded Mayweather. “Everybody always talks about Showtime, but I’m with both companies.” As for that future, Mayweather said, “Four more and I’m through. September 2015 will be my last fight.” Pac-man was a flag left to dangle in the Capetown breeze.

Still, Mayweather impressed with dignified restraint during interviews and press briefings, giving thoughtful responses to a press gatherings that apparently worshipped him but asked few softball questions. When topics like Pacquiao or Bob Arum came up, Mayweather remained diplomatic and respectful.

After an apparent “they’re all the same to me” slight in forgetting former rival Saul Alvarez’s name, Mayweather gave the Mexican star serious, solitary props, saying, “Canelo is a solid competitor and he’s one guy that will be the future of boxing.” When asked about potentially intriguing opponents like Bernard Hopkins or Gennady Golovkin, Mayweather gave The Alien faint praise and didn’t even acknowledge GGG. “Bernard Hopkins has done a lot, but I don’t think he has a voice or the will to win like me. But I take my hat off to the guy.” Mayweather didn’t reveal any secrets or drop any bombshells. He simply did exactly what the Ministry of Sport and Recreation were hoping for. He ignited interest in boxing.How well everything launches the “Awaken the Giant” boxing campaign remains to be seen. There were certainly enough sparks for a powerful liftoff.

An actual bout in Africa might not be the longshot it currently sounds like.

In fact, it could be the perfect scenario for a Pacquiao fight. It could be the perfect location for Floyd’s farewell. For now, in honor of what certainly seemed a more successful, considerate appearance than many supposedly higher pedigreed US diplomats, administrators or celebrities have achieved around the globe these days, we’ll refer to TBE’s preference on how to be remembered well.

Mr. Mayweather, you did your brand proud.

WATCH RELATED VIDEOS ON BOXINGCHANNEL.TV

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles4 days ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles1 week ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

More-Medals-for-Hawaii's-Patricio-Family-at-USA-Boxing's-Summer-Festival
Featured Articles3 days ago

More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles1 week ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles4 days ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles6 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles7 days ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

A-Closer-Look-at-Mario-Barrios-Poised-to-Wreck-the-Comeback-of-a-Legend
Featured Articles9 minutes ago

A Closer Look at Mario Barrios, Poised to Wreck the Comeback of a Legend

Paro
Featured Articles22 hours ago

Liam Paro Returns with a Flourish on Wednesday’s ‘No Limit’ Card in Queensland

More-Medals-for-Hawaii's-Patricio-Family-at-USA-Boxing's-Summer-Festival
Featured Articles3 days ago

More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles4 days ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles4 days ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles6 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles7 days ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles1 week ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles1 week ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending