By Robert Jackson: Welterweight Champion Antonio Margarito while being interviewed by Bob Papa in regards to whom he would fight next, was asked whether a ‘lifeline’ had been thrown out by his team to Floyd Mayweather Jr, to arrange a fight between the two men. Margarito responded and I’m paraphrasing ‘Mayweather refused to fight me before so why would he fight me now?’, he then outlined his plan to rematch Miguel Cotto in mid 2009.
In pursuit of a 3rd match between Manny Pacquiao & himself at whatever weight, Juan Manuel Marquez stated after defeating Joel Casamayor that he had defeated the ‘best’ lightweight in the world and that Floyd Mayweather Jr was the best fighter, denying Pacquiao’s P4P #1 status.
Ricky Hatton, who’s ultimate goal is to face Floyd Mayweather Jr a second time recently hired Floyd Mayweather Sr as his trainer for his upcoming fight against Paulie Malignaggi.
GBP’s Richard Schaefer also considered contacting Mayweather surrogates, Leonard Ellerbe and Al Haymon to make a fight between Shane Mosley and “Money May”.
The BBC currently lists the retired Mayweather Jr as the P4P #1 boxer in the game.
Just a few examples, showing that “Money May” is far from forgotten or irrelevant. Does it seem that boxing is somewhat flat without Mayweather Jr gracing it’s stage? Frankly, yes! The man that everybody loves to hate isn’t around any more. It appears that boxing does need Mayweather or, at least, he’s wanted.
Floyd Mayweather’s contribution to this saga begins with the DeLaHoya rematch negotiations stagnant, in turn Floyd bailed out, retiring “permanently” to rest his aching body and investigate other economic opportunities. Other economic opportunities are rumored to have set up “Money May” into a position similar to his former Advisor and Mentor Al Haymon (also referred to as Machiavelli by Top Rank boss Bob Arum), a concert and special events promoter and manager of several top fighters including Chris Arreola and Paul Williams.
Notwithstanding a reported $7M jewelry theft from his Las Vegas estate and a reported default on a $1.7M down-payment on a Miami home under construction, Mayweather wealthy beyond his wildest dreams is estimated to be worth ~$75M. Mayweather also indicated in early August 2008 that through ‘wise investments’ made while fighting, by the end of 2008 his wealth could possibly increase 100 fold approaching $1B. That forecast may be overly optimistic considering current economic events, even so Mayweather won’t be pushing all of his belongings around in a shopping cart anytime soon.
The Oscar DeLaHoya rematch almost fell back into Mayweather’s lap when negotiations between DeLaHoya and Pacquiao stalled because of Pacquiao’s refusal to budge from his 60/40 purse split demand, De La Hoya reportedly said that Mayweather was worth 60/40 but not Pacquiao. Around this time Mayweather Jr was seen training late at night in a Las Vegas gym, presumably for an un-announced upcoming fight. Things worked out, Pacquiao got a 65/35 deal from DeLaHoya and DeLaHoya vs Pacquiao was on. A case of boxing not needing Mayweather?
Some boxing conspiracy theorists, myself included have surmised that De La Hoya/Pacquiao is just a prelude to Mayweather Jr vs Pacquiao OR, a career ending fight for De La Hoya facing Mayweather a 2nd time. Mayweather has to be somewhat antsy in his retirement while observing Margarito, Clottey, Berto and Shane Mosley getting all of the attention and accolades previously given to him. He probably also realizes his celebrity is connected to and based on his primary vocation and that is boxing, not dancing, not music, not motion pictures. ‘Lil’ Floyd must realize that he has unfinished business to do in boxing at the 147lb weight class he formerly ruled and by retiring left more questions than answers regarding his boxing legacy. The shrewd investor that “Money May” is should understand that any fight he returns to engage in will pay him more money than any other 147lber not named Oscar.
Facts are, Floyd Mayweather energizes the boxing game and with his absence boxing is noticeably flat. Facts are, Mayweather probably has enough wealth to last him a lifetime although it’s in-doubt as to whether he will attain the billionaire status by the end of 2008. Facts are, several big fights remain to be held in the final months of 2008, but the ‘have to see’ element that would COMPEL a fan to purchase many of these fights is lacking. The consensus should be that boxing needs Floyd Mayweather Jr as much as Money May needs boxing. What say you?