The Mayweather gym opened it’s doors to writers, photographers, and videographers alike this past Tuesday with it’s traditional pre-fight media day.
The action kicked off with a workout from young, and undefeated prospect Jesse Vargas who worked the pads and heavy bag for the national and local media. Roger Mayweather fielded questions from the press at ringside, while p.r. specialist Kelly Swanson conducted interviews with fighters and trainers for Ustream.
Mayweather himself entered the room close to 3 o’clock, decked out in black, fielding questions from the press before changing into his workout attire. Commenting on everything from his father, to Victor Ortiz, to Manny Pacquiao, Mayweather reiterated the same points he has drilled home time and time again. When faced with a question regarding Ortiz’s thoughts on his financial carelessness Mayweather offered up his defense.
“People act like I just woke up and was a millionaire, I had a very tough upbringing. But people don’t want to hear the same thing over and over, 24/7 is about entertainment”
Nowhere to be seen was the original Floyd Mayweather, who was infamously involved in an eruption with his son just weeks ago. Mayweather Jr. was inevitably asked to comment on his father, and remained reserved in his answer, wishing his father well in his boxing ventures, and reaffirming his loyalty in uncle and long time trainer Roger.
Another inevitable question the former champion faced involved a certain Pilipino champion by the name of
Manny Pacquiao. Mayweather’s criticism toward Pacquiao on this particular day centered around the Pac-Man’s lawsuit.
“I figured that this was boxing, Ali used to criticize his opponents. I criticize my opponents, It’s boxing.”
The Grand Rapids native continued to insist that he has never outrightly accused Pacquiao of cheating, and stood by his stance on Olympic style blood testing.
The Mayweather gym houses more than just it’s future hall of fame namesake. The facility also serves as a breeding ground for several hopeful young champions. Among them is 25 year old Christian Thomas.
While Thomas has yet to make his debut, he calls himself the car that isn’t quite ready to come out of the garage yet, but when his number is called he’l be ready for the best at 168. The young fighter migrated west from Mayweather’s hometown of Grand Rapids Michigan, and notes that the gym functions as a team operation.
If Media day offered one consistent trend, it’s that Floyd Mayweather is not afraid to be hated, and when the spotlight is on him he is at his brightest.
