By Vivek Wallace: In this weeks EastSideBoxing Countdown to Boxing scribe Vivek “Vito” Wallace takes a look at what fight fans can expect as we tune in to the premiere of HBO’s “24/7: Mayweather vs Cotto”. If the past is any indication, prepare for a wide range of emotions. Some will laugh, some will pout, a few may even cry……but all will tune-in…..here’s a few reasons why:
HBO’s 24/7 has become a staple of the boxing world when it comes to mega fights. Since its inception, the powerhouse network has slowly perfected the show using an element of entertainment that effectively bridges the gap between avid fans of the sport and those not always so fond of it. Through the years we’ve seen everyone from Oscar De la Hoya, to Manny Pacquiao, to Shane Mosley, and beyond…..but one name in particular seems to have a natural nitch when it comes to keeping fans of the sport home on Saturday nights when the rest of the world chooses to party!
When the camera’s roll this time around, the world will first hone in on Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto. A man of few words, and at times, even fewer smiles. One may read this excerpt and question where’s the entertainment value in that? Well, when it comes to Cotto perhaps the entertainment angle is best kept in the ring; but for those who can appreciate closeness of family, a little salsa y merengue, and every Puerto Rican dish from arroz gundules to Mofongo, this particular segment sells.
For those out there who need a little more of that “Hollywood’ element, filled with the type of drama that breeds street cred, look no further, as boxing’s ‘prettyboy’ turned ‘money-man’ is always eager to taxi the runway!
Past episodes of HBO’s 24/7 has seen Mayweather do everything from hit the casino’s to the tune of $100K bets, to skating with his kids and fighting with his Dad. Literally anything goes in the Mayweather camp, and in an era of reality TV, most quickly note that despite his showmanship, there’s nothing fake about Floyd’s antics.
In HBO’s “Face-Off” between the two fighters with commentator Max Kellerman, most took note of the fact that Mayweather seemed awfully tamed, as some fans even noted his non-typical “Ortiz-isms”, extending his hand to shake unnecessarily on multiple occasions. At first glimpse one would think we’re on the brink of seeing a kinder, softer, more gentle Floyd Mayweather as we gear up for this epic night. To those who feel that way, to quote my fellow Latino’s “No Tan Rapido”! In other words…..”not so fast”! What we’ve seen thus far is simply the calm before the storm. When the true camera’s get rollin’, prepare to see the antics come out!
Mayweather always aims to out-do not only his opponent, but typically himself as well. Last time we saw a bitter feud break out between he and his Father. This time, none of us knows exactly what it’ll be, but the one thing we can all bank on is the fact that it’ll be a notch above.
In the Cotto camp, a more cohesive team around him has apparently set the mood, as many will note a far more relaxed and firmly focused Miguel Cotto mingle with the usual suspects: the kiddie Cotto-clan, lead by wifey Melissa, fat-Joe turned slim-Jim, (Bryan Perez), conditioning coach Phil Lindman, and new Cuban trainer Pedro Diaz. In the Mayweather camp, look for the same usual suspects as well. Every last one of them…..and what a cast they are!
Providing unedited, unscripted comedy with no need for “acting” what-so-ever is Uncle/Trainer Roger Mayweather who you can count on at least once to tell fight fans why they “don’t know s**t about boxing”! After intense pad work with Floyd you can anticipate Roger’s role in the broadcast fading away, replaced by rapper 50Cent and the incredibly gorgeous Chantel Jackson. Beyond that, the Mayweather kids will make their usual cameo, and the mountainous ‘Money’ Mayweather mob will keep Floyd out of harms way as we get another glimpse inside the big-boy mansion.
For the most part everything will be typical, but fight fans can expect one surprising shocker during the 3-part series. Can’t let the cat out of the bag so you’ll have to watch, but fans are surely in for a surprise. All in all, fight fans should be ready for the unexpected once the reality series begins. Rumor has it that Puerto Rican fans of the sport have given notice to be ready for the unexpected once the fight begins, as well. But like always, ‘Money’ Mayweather will have “something to say” about that, too! Looking at the big picture, it’s safe to say there will be high entertainment every step along the way! Don’t miss out. Tune in Saturday night…..only on HBO. (Check channels for local listing)
(Vivek “Vito” Wallace can be reached at 954.292.7346, vivexemail@yahoo.com, Youtube (Vivek Wallace Boxing Channel), Twitter (VivekWallace747), Skype (Vito-Boxing), and Facebook).