By James Slater: Whatever Floyd Mayweather Junior does or says makes the news, so huge a star is the boxing master who has just turned 34-years-of-age. Recently, however, the only thing boxing writers have had to write about with regards to the unbeaten great is stuff pertaining to “Money’s” various legal issues – will he or won’t he face jail time when he goes to trial in March?
Thankfully, there is now a little bit of news regarding Mayweather Junior’s boxing life. Making the rounds right now is a strong rumour that says Mayweather could well be fighting again in July, in South Africa. Web site Fight Hype.com broke the story, when Jeff Mayweather spoke to them and confirmed that his nephew is in talks with the daughter of the legendary Nelson Mandela. The giant political figure celebrates his 93rd birthday in July and there is the possibility that Mayweather will fight in South Africa, in a tribute to the iconic figure.
Of course, nothing is anywhere close to being finalised or definite yet, but the idea makes sense – and it would certainly be great to see the subliminal talents of “Money” on display once more. Fans have expressed their concern that Mayweather, in being so inactive, is all-but “wasting” his phenomenal talent. Sure, the legal problems haven’t helped any, but Floyd had begun to box only sporadically long before he got himself in hot water.
Another reason a fight in South Africa, as the great Mandela’s guest, would make sense and appeal to Mayweather is the political aspect. Potential rival Manny Pacquiao (a man some say Floyd is even a little jealous of due to his immense popularity) recently met with the U.S President no less. That must have bothered Mayweather, but now he has the chance to grab his own politically-orientated headlines by being linked to Mandela.
There are a number of obstacles that will have to be overcome for Floyd to have what would be a hugely-publicised fight in South Africa: most obviously being the settling of those legal issues. Assuming he does beat the rap and remain free, Mayweather would then have to find a suitable opponent. Having always kept himself in the gym and in great shape as a result, it’s doubtful Mayweather would have to worry too much about ring-rust. Mayweather has had longer layoffs than 14 months before and when he came back his speed and timing were razor sharp. And it’s doubtful Mayweather will opt to fight anyone too tough in South Africa; maybe a top-ten welterweight but not a champion.
Mayweather has never boxed outside of the U.S before, and it would be great to see him take his show on the road, so to speak. Muhammad Ali had his finest moment in Africa; maybe Floyd Mayweather Junior will put on a memorable performance of his own in South Africa!