By Vivek Wallace: This weeks ‘Call Em Out Fridays’ segment takes aim at two of the sports most iconic figures in recent times. With Goldenboy Promotions and Top Rank both holding loaded decks, Don King has potentially positioned himself to land the proverbial trump card as he attempts to sign the one man whose very name sparks a brush fire amidst a once dry sport. ESPN’s Dan Rafael broke the story last Tuesday evening that Floyd Mayweather jr. has been doing more than splashin’ in the sands of South Beach lately. With his return to the sport imminent and the presence of the only man powerful enough to orchestrate such a celebrated return already on deck, the only element missing is the one in which we bring today….the media and those who follow it.
With the world of boxing in the midst of a strong resurgence, the duo of a Don King led Floyd Mayweather jr. could be that one boost to really place boxing back squarely in the thick of things around the sports world.. Once upon a time that possibility wouldn’t have seemed fathomable, but judging by the many inquiries I’ve received in response, there’s no mistaking the fact that this could become a classic colossal ordeal. What’s so intriguing about this potential tandem is the fact that for three generations in a row, it would thrust Don King – (who’s far from quiet himself) – into the spotlight with arguably the biggest mouth (and biggest talent) of that particular era. This is the same Don King who paraded around town with the legendary Muhammad Ali in the 70’s and early 80’s. In the late 80’s and early 90’s he was able to take the world by storm with a man who revolutionized the sport in many ways, “Iron” Mike Tyson. And now, after seemingly falling off the map, he awaits the chance to join forces with today’s version of those celebrated athletes – Floyd Mayweather jr. With the exception of Felix Trinidad, who was arguably the sports biggest Latin star of his era, Don King has made a name for himself solely based on the efforts of heavyweights that bared heavy names. With the heavyweight division run by some very adept Europeans today, King has been somewhat phased out, but the addition of Mayweather would definitely be that shot in the arm he needs to inject his once mighty presence back to the pinnacle of the sport, again.
Now for all the mega fights and huge promotions that could come out of this, surely there’s a huge contingent out there that doesn’t quite see this as a match made in heaven. King has had his share of controversy and so has Mayweather, but in the name of the mighty dollar, there may just be enough cheese to go around for these two big nibblers. Few promote a huge talent better than King has, which makes it intriguing. Mayweather, on the other hand has been known for antics to be over the top, but when the rubber hits the road, few will deny that the finished product which takes center stage is first class, even if we don’t agree with the tactics that got him there. Yeah, he may bark loud and bite soft, but being such a masterful competitor, there’s no way that this era of the sport would not benefit from a guy like Mayweather being touted by a guy like King. Floyd Mayweather jr. was listed in Forbes Magazine as the top earning sports star of the 2007 calendar year, second only to Pro Golf’s Tiger Woods. If he had a nickel for every time someone spoke trash about him, he’d probably be a multi-millionaire. Oops, apparently the kid with the big mouth isn’t so dumb after all! That’s exactly what being the sports most hated fighter did for him, and it’s no coincidence why he, (like Ali and Tyson) chose to travel that sometimes lonely road. Don King is no fool either! You can bet he realizes that there’s no other white, brown, or ‘black-mail’ necessary when you have a guy whose blueprint bleeds green before his career light strikes red. How this all plays out remains to be seen, but the mere possibility puts things in a certain perspective. With Pacquiao peaking, Cotto crackin’, and Hatton healed, there’s no reason in the world why we shouldn’t see a few mega fights with Mayweather on the bill. History tells us that a king has everything. The present tells me that this one seeks more ‘money’. Yeah, I know money is said to be the root of all evil, but these two guys have never had a problem being the bad guy! Stay tuned….
(Got questions or feedback?: Contact ESB’s Vivek Wallace at vivexemail@yahoo.com or 954-292-7346, follow more of his work at 8CountNews and The Examiner, or show some love at Facebook and Myspace).