At yesterday?s open media workout, Floyd Mayweather was running a bit behind, as he pulled in with his white Ferrari nearly two hours past the scheduled 2 pm time. Despite Mayweather being absent during that duration there was still a great aura and energy in the building as Mayweather?s personal gym was full of members of the media and people from Mayweather?s entourage, corner team, and family. While scouting the area it was easy to get a feel for the people who are behind Floyd as he gears up for his May 1st bout with Shane Mosley at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada and their words spoke volumes about their loyalty to the outspoken fighter.
In the north side of Mayweather?s personal gym his father Floyd Sr. spoke about his son?s career of the years. The elder Mayweather pointed out that the Mosley bout could have happened ten years ago but Shane asked for too much money. Floyd Sr. finished up by recalling how he called and spoke with his son over the phone before his bouts with Diego Corrales and Juan Manuel Marquez, both dominant wins for Mayweather. Floyd Sr. finished up by stating that even though he and his son have had their share of separation over the years that they will always be family.
Sitting along the mirrored wall and keeping to himself, Leon Azubuike was at peace with the world as he went through another daily grind at the Mayweather?s facility. Azubuike is a heavyweight amateur who relocated from Philadelphia and has been soaking up the Vegas life. Outside of boxing Leon also turns much of his focus to the NBA, and made mention of his second cousin Kelenna, who is now a member of the Golden State Warriors. Azubuike is fresh to the city and seems grateful for the opportunity of being around the Mayweathers.
Mayweather?s advisor Leonard Ellerbe was spotted next and went in depth about the heavily discussed rematch clause that has been included in the contract for the Mayweather-Mosley fight. Speaking passionately on behalf of his fighter, Ellerbe insisted that the clause has nothing to do with the fight itself and that Floyd is far from worried. Ellerbe finished up by dismissing any notions that the Mayweather camp is focusing on a future bout with Manny Pacquiao, insisting that Shane Mosley is their number one priority at the moment.
Sitting on the steps and speaking reflectively, Roger Mayweather weighed in on getting ready for yet another pivotal bout with his nephew. The head trainer insisted that while this is like second nature for the two men they still must take Mosley seriously. Roger even went on to admit that Mosley is quite possibly the stiffest test for Floyd out there because of his power and decent speed.
At just five years old, Lehkei Mayweather seems right at home in the boxing gym. The son of the aforementioned Roger, young Lehkei showed off his shadowboxing skills to anyone would watch and just like a Mayweather he seems to love the spotlight. Lehkei later hit the mitts with his Dad and was impressive enough to make a core group of people from the gym stop and take notice.
Former champion Steve Forbes went about his business unassumingly but was more than happy to speak about his time in camp with Floyd. A longtime friend of the Mayweather clan, Forbes was brought into camp earlier this month to help Floyd gear up for Shane. Speaking on the intensity in camp, Forbes admits that Floyd is prime and focused. Of all the fighters who can mimic Mayweather?s style in the ring with success, Forbes would be the man, perhaps one of the reasons that Floyd and his team were quick to snag him so that Mosley wouldn?t be able to reap the benefits of studying him in sparring.
Just minutes later Floyd Mayweather Jr. made his grand arrival and everyone?s attention immediately shifted. At that point Floyd?s team members and friends all became part of the backdrop but in those two hours prior they revealed enough of themselves to show how much of a part of their life Floyd is. Whether he is loathed or hated, the characters surrounding Floyd are tirelessly loyal towards their man and inside of the gym there was a definitely feeling of unity and support.
