In light of the recent video that has been circulating in which Floyd Mayweather Jr. went on a profane, hateful and racist filled tirade against Manny Pacquiao, I decided to write an article from a perspective that I don’t usually write from. It’s all about priorities. Being a Christian and a preacher are much higher on my list of priorities than being a boxing writer.
I’ve had the opportunity to speak with some great boxers who put Christ first in their lives, and that’s always a pleasure. But no matter what the religion (or lack thereof) of the fighters, it’s always refreshing to see those who represent the sport in a positive manner.
I remember when I was growing up, I would sit and watch boxing with my dad. I saw the final, great boxing moments of “The Greatest” himself, Muhammad Ali. I witnessed the talents of Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Marvin Hagler, Tommy Hearns, Boom Boom Mancini and Alexis Arguello. I saw the long reign of heavyweight champion, Larry Holmes.
I don’t remember ever having to sit and listening to any of these guys spew forth language that would make a sailor blush. It was all family-friendly viewing. For the most part, it still is, but unfortunately, there are some notable exceptions these days.
On May 1st, my family and I invited our senior pastor and his wife, along with some of our other Christian friends over to watch a big fight. Along with our guests, me, my wife and our two children sat through the embarrassment and awkwardness of watching previews and teasers in which one particularly foul-mouthed boxer attempted to express himself by seasoning his speech with especially offensive, four-letter words.
The fighter won an impressive, one-sided decision over his opponent.
When the fight was over, the previously foul-mouthed boxer thanked God for his victory.
The Bible talks about this kind of hypocrisy.
James 3:10-12 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh. – NKJ Version
Although boxing is a violent, and often bloody sport, nobody’s getting beheaded or disemboweled. It would easily be considered PG if it wasn’t for the language factor.
Why is it that boxing has to be the only R-Rated sport? Why is it that Floyd Mayweather Jr., one of the greatest fighters on planet earth, feels the need to resort to hateful, racist comments against another of the world’s greatest fighters, Manny Pacquiao?
It’s certainly not retaliation or vengeance of any kind because Pacquiao has never even fired back at Mayweather. He’s never gone on a hate-filled tirade of his own against the man that most now consider to be his arch-nemesis.
Instead, Pacquiao has maintained himself in a civil, dignified and humble manner. Listen to Pacquiao’s new podcast interview on 8countnews.com. Or read the transcript of the interview here.
The only fighter to ever win 7 world titles in as many weight divisions doesn’t boast about his accomplishments. He instead gives God the glory between fights, before every fight and after every fight.
Jesus spoke on the virtue of humility and the sin of conceit.
Matthew 23:12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. – NKJ Version
As Pacquiao prepares for his November 13 bout with Antonio Margarito, Mayweather is likely to continue to do and say things to keep himself in the news. His favorite way to keep himself in the news between fights is to play the role of boxing’s greatest villain, but at what cost?
Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a great fighter and could be a highly respected role model for young boys and girls. He is already an example of how hard work and dedication can pay off, but what kind of role model is he being now?
Manny Pacquiao represents everything that is right about the sport. Although he’s been accused of using performance enhancing drugs, there is absolutely no proof whatsoever that he’s ever cheated in any way. There is only speculation, and in certain cases, slander and defamation. While these things must be extremely frustrating, somehow Pacquiao manages to control his tongue and his actions. He retains his self-respect and demonstrates respect toward others, even toward those who seem to hate him.
Which of the two would you want as a role model for your own children?
As Pacquiao prepares to break his own record and go for 8 titles in 8 weight classes, I’m now convinced that his legacy is already sealed, whether he ever fights Mayweather or not.
I’m casting stones at no-one.
I’m stating facts.
Some people are making boxing an R-Rated sport.
Let’s make boxing a sport that people from all walks of life can enjoy once again.
