There’s whackings, and then there’s just plain wacky. Watch “The Sopranos” on Sunday nights, and you’re sure to see one. Stay tuned to HBO a half hour later and you’ll get the other.
Some 1.4 million U.S. households did just that the other night, and for many it was their first glimpse into the life of Floyd Mayweather Jr., a boxer HBO would love to turn into a household name – and quick.
Oscar De La Hoya is already that, of course, or as much of a household name as anyone who hits another person in the head for money these days can be. He’s the Golden Boy, and he’s the reason Mayweather will be making millions to fight May 5 for the 154-pound title.
People pay to watch De La Hoya, who has built up a nice franchise for himself as the most popular fighter in the game. Now HBO is betting a prime-time spot that Mayweather will give even more people reason to cough up $54.95 for the fight.
