A lot has been said and written in the past few days regarding Floyd Mayweather's controversial rant about Manny Pacquiao. During a live broadcast on UStream, Mayweather made a series of remarks directed towards the Filipino superstar that most consider to be racist. Fans and writers alike have gone so far as to call for the boycott of any and all things related to Floyd Mayweather. on top of that, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) has comdemend the undefeated fighter for his remarks, asking the National Boxing Association, state athletic commissions, and even the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to do the same. The question, however, is does any of that really matter? Regardless of what Mayweather has said or done, how many of you will still pay $49.95 (or more) to watch a mega-fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao?
"We are outraged by Mayweather's racially offensive remarks. This disgusting diatribe against Pacqiuao is a racial slur against all Filipinos and Filipino Americans and an embarrassment not only to the boxing community but to all Americans," said NaFFAA National Chair Greg Macabenta in a prepared statement released earlier today. "Talking trash may be common between boxing rivals, but Mayweather's racially-laced profanities brazenly crossed the line of decency and respectability." Although Mayweather did appear again on UStream issuing an apology of sorts the following day, in the eyes of many, the damage was already done. "Mayweather's apology is unacceptable and he must be made accountable for his damaging statements," Macabenta added.
While it's true that we all should be held accountable for our actions, exactly who is going to hold Floyd Mayweather accountable when so many still stand to profit off of him? Despite the fact that Mayweather's comments were directed towards Pacquiao and Pacquiao only, one would think that the best way to "get back" at him is for Pacquiao not to fight him at all, preventing Mayweather from making what will amount to be the biggest payday of his career. That being said, will Pacquiao take the same stance as NaFFAA, reprimanding him for his "abhorrent and demeaning" behavior, or will he be the first in line to still do business with a man who "brazenly crossed the line of decency and respectability"?
And what about HBO, who heavily relies on boxing stars like Floyd Mayweather to participate in mega-bouts that will generate enormous amounts of revenue through pay-per-view. Will they be as eager to distance themselves from Mayweather and his "cruel, abusive and hurtful" remarks, or will it simply be business as usual for the powerful cable network, giving Mayweather his usual pick of TV dates along with a 24/7 series? At the very least, one would hope that Mayweather is given some form of rebuke, but considering that HBO still stands to make a lot of money off of his name, it's doubtful that we'll get anything more than a quick post-fight comment from HBO commentator Larry Merchant.
More importantly, however, is what will you do about it? Fans and writers have been the most vocal regarding Mayweather's comments, going so far as to create online petitions in hopes of getting sponsors like Reebok and AT&T to cancel any endorsement deals. Obviously, the idea is to hurt Mayweather where it counts the most, in his wallet. Whether or not that would even have any impact is questionable though as nobody really knows the true nature of Mayweather's endorsement deals with those companies. Mayweather's biggest sponsor, however, is HBO and, ironically, it's the one sponsor that both fans and writers can have an impact with. So when Mayweather does fight again, and fight again he will, exactly what will you do about it? Regardless of what Mayweather has said, there's no denying that Mayweather vs. Pacquiao is still the biggest fight that can be made in boxing. So, as a writer, despite all the "disgust" and "anger" you may feel about his remarks, will you be writing articles to help promote, or asking for a credential to sit ringside, if Mayweather vs. Pacquiao takes place next year? As a fan, will you still pay the $49.95 (or more) to watch Mayweather fight Manny Pacquiao? If so, keep in mind that despite his comments, which so many consider to be racist, you will be supporting and putting money right back into Mayweather's pockets.
Just something for all of us, fans and writers alike, to think about as we continue to discuss our opinions on racism in boxing and what we can do about it.
Source: http://fighthype.com
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