“MAY 2. That’s when the world stops,” says Floyd Mayweather. “Mayweather. Pacquiao. The biggest fight in boxing history.”
For the boxing world his contest with Manny Pacquiao will become all consuming. It’ll be a landmark sporting event. The Olympic Games happen only once every four years, how boxing would love to have a decent super-fight that frequently. It’s an occasion so big in fact that Mayweather and his former promoter Bob Arum, who represents Manny Pacquiao, could shake hands, smile and move past their old animosity.
“Without everyone together we couldn’t make this fight happen. So I have to be thankful for us coming together as one so that we’re able to give the world what they want to see. Mayweather-Pacquiao. Everybody that’s tuning in I want to say thank you,” said Floyd, in benign mood.
But in particular Mayweather singled out his father and trainer, Floyd senior. Mayweather Snr did stand to be acknowledged but unlike Freddie Roach, his counterpart who trains Pacquiao, he didn’t speak at Wednesday’s press conference.
“First off, I have to thank my father. Unbelievable trainer. Unbelievable person,” Floyd said. “I want to thank Showtime, MGM Grand, so many different social media outlets, the fans, Team Pacquiao, Top Rank, Al Haymon, remarkable guy. If it wasn’t for Al Haymon, my father, Leonard [Ellerbe] and my team, I wouldn’t be at where I am today. So I want to say thank you.”
His cordiality to Pacquiao extended too to noting, “I’m pretty sure he’s going to push himself to the limit because he wants to win just the same way I want to win.”
He did however gently impress on his opponent his own credentials, an opening psychological jab. “But one thing I do know about any sport. When you lose, it’s in your mind,” Mayweather said. “If you’ve lost once, it’s in your mind. If you’ve lost twice, it’s in your mind. From day one, I was always taught to be a winner. No matter what be a winner. Push yourself to the limit. Stay focused and be the best that you can be.”
There 50 days to go until Mayweather-Pacquiao. The countdown continues.
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