By Paul Strauss: Pretty Boy Floyd recently held a three day retirement celebration in Grand Rapids, MI. During the celebrations, and an interview with the Grand Rapids Press, he felt compelled to play the race card. He said he could “no longer hold his tongue”! In this particular case, he dealt the card to HBO, bemoaning their (white) announcers didn’t give black fighters their due. By black fighters, he of course meant himself..
According to this persecuted pugilist, the white announcers praise white fighters such as Kelly Pavlik, asian fighters such as Manny Pacquiao, and hispanic fighters – can you say Oscar, and puerto rican fighters like Cotto, but not black fighters. Again, he meant himself.
Frankly, it’s hard to garner any sympathy for the self-proclaimed “Pretty Boy”.
First of all, his complaint is without basis. He has repeatedly been called the best P4P by just about everyone, including all of the HBO announcers, whether white or black. Secondly, if he’s waiting for a coronation to take place, he needs to understand he is not royalty, and isn’t in line for the throne. Finally, and most importantly, he needs to face up to the fact some boxing fans and the general public might not like him because of his personality and behavior.
That fact doesn’t have anything to do with the color of his skin. No, it has more to do with rudeness, show-boating, and selfishness. Be honest, who do you prefer, regardless of skin color, someone who comports themselves with dignity, dresses appropriately, speaks with respect for others, and demonstrates humility. Or, someone who shoves his accomplishments under you nose, demanding recognition and praise, someone who cares little about offending others with his language or actions, and brags endlessly about how much money he has accumulated?
To make matters worse, this “weeping walloper” has been blessed with great physical gifts, but doesn’t acknowledge that fact, and takes all the credit to himself. He always wants credit for how hard he works, or his team works, not accepting that others work just as hard, but simply don’t have the physical gifts.
Finally, “Moaning Mayweather” fails to understand his style wasn’t always the most popular with fans. Many times, he refused to not put himself at risk, even if he obviously out-classed an opponent, and should have ended the contest quickly.
Yes, just about everyone acknowledges his tremendous skill and ability, but it goes beyond that to what is in a man’s head and heart. Fans have always placed great importance on those two things. Throughout the history of boxing, fans have demonstrated great love and respect for less skilled fighters who really have what it takes, and not so much for those with the greater skills who simply want to take. Reporters covering PBF must feel somewhat like the person coming up on the ocean, full of anticipation for its beauty, and then being somewhat disappointed when the closer they get, the more they hear the seagulls “crying”. Probably best to stay away and avoid the distress, because you know the gulls aren’t going to shut-up!