By Cassandra Cousineau for LVSportsBiz.com
It often feels like the source of Floyd’s motivation is something more to him than money — and that’s the attention. The timing of this particular announcement is a bit conspicuous considering there’s a major heavyweight fight in Las Vegas this weekend between WBO champion Deontay Wilder and Luis Ortiz at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
The most dominant fighter of his generation hasn’t been the biggest cheerleader of Wilder in the past. Mayweather called the clash between Wilder and Fury a “hell of a show,” but slighted both by stating he makes more in retirement than they do while active fighters.
Wilder has stated this week and in previous months he’s felt a lack of support and what he perceives as a less than warm camaraderie as African-American fighters between himself and Mayweather.
For the record, Mayweather is co-promoting the Wilder vs Ortiz rematch as part of the Premier Boxing Championship (PBC) partnership he has with his longtime manager, Al Haymon.
Whether he’s beloved or not, it’s hard to argue that the most popular person in the sport of boxing is still the now un-retired Mayweather. Even a step further, the soon to be 43-year-old boxer is the most notable person in all of combat sports. The needle automatically moves when he opens his mouth or Instagram app.
One thing Mayweather is absolutely correct about is boxing is a brutal occupation. Saying so isn’t hyberbolic. Somewhere close to 1,600 boxers have died in the last century due to injuries sustained in the ring. In October, 27-year-old Patrick Day became 2019’s fourth fatality in the sport. It’s a sobering reminder that while it may be entertaining, a return to the boxing ring isn’t a laughing matter.
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