Roughly two and a half hours after meeting Floyd Mayweather for the very first time face to face, and exchanging phone numbers at a now historic Heat basketball game in Miami, Manny Pacquiao receives a phone call from “Money” and decides to reach for change.
“Let’s flip a coin,” Manny says to advisor Michael Koncz. “I’m calling ‘Heads’ he wants to meet with me tonight, and ‘Tails’ he’s going to lie.”
After letting the call go to voicemail, the Filipino icon decides to put the message on speaker. “Manny this is Floyd… We need to talk. Once again, we gotta find a way to work this fight out for the fans. How about me and your people meet for dinner to go over some things? Gimme a call when you get this.”
“Well.. Whatta ya think? Whatta ya wanna do?” Asks an amused Koncz.
Taking a moment to reflect on Koncz’s disposition and continuously looking at both sides the coin with a wry smile, Pacquiao decides against this meeting while directing his advisor to an article released by “FightHype” immediately after their meeting.
After reading that incredulous account, the two exchanged looks of bewilderment, not unlike the kind you’d offer the world if you just realized you’ve stepped in sh*t. “I’d rather eat crumbs with bums, than eat steaks with snakes,” dead-panned Pacquiao. “If he wants to meet me, we can meet at the hotel.”
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Turns out Pacquiao was right.
Floyd not only met with Pacquiao later on at that hotel, but he brought along a secret video camera as well. He did this to leak footage offering evidence of his abject desire to make this long awaited fight. The astute and intelligent know that this was merely designed to cover his ass in the event that attempts he made to block fight (which he would not record or release) were successful.
Having seen and heard enough, Pacquiao decides that it is time to arrange a meeting with the true heads of the boxing family. He decides to call on Don Muhammad Ali to bring order to the situation.
“Don Ali I call on you for justice against Mayweather,” Pacquiao begins. “I know that you are a man of honor and valor. You are a reasonable man. This Mayweather… He does things to ruin this thing of ours because of fear. Makes loud noises in public places, but goes quiet in private arenas. Don Ali you must bring justice.”
“You come to me for justice- but do you come to me for friendship?” Asks the ailing Don Ali.
“Yes, Don Ali,” Says Pacquiao. “It is your friendship I’ve sought all along over the years of many battles I’ve not turned down. I’ve sought your friendship through rivalries of respect. This man has no dignity. Just the other day, his former friend, 50 Cent, told a Sports Illustrated journalist he’s scared to death of me. Don Ali you must act.”
Ali takes a moment to ponder the remarks he’s just heard, before offering his decision and reason.
“You were a judge of a beauty pageant recently, called to inspect women,” Don Ali declares. “You were a man who inspected panties other than your wife’s while intoxicated- and you did not hide this. You faced your demons, so now I’ll help you face the devil. Consider this justice an acceptance of our friendship.”
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February 13, 2015
Floyd, believing he’s about to have his nefarious record of criminal offenses against women expunged by none other than President Obama, walks into a plush boardroom with the President, and he can’t believe what he sees.
Not only has he been double-crossed by Obama (who is no fan), but he’s greeted with the cold faces of Al Haymon (who summoned him), Bob Arum (who gives him the middle finger), Oscar de la hoya, Larry Merchant and 50 Cent. Les Moonves and Ken Hershman are glaring at him and Stephen Espinoza wears a blank expression.
Neither Manny Pacquiao nor Michael Koncz can even bother to look at him.
Floyd is then offered a seat directly across from Ali by the President, who then strikes him in the head with a lollipop. Flanked by luminaries George Foreman, Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, Aaron Pryor and Roberto Duran, the great Ali takes a seat. He pauses for awhile; before taking his glasses off, to take a good look at a grim Mayweather.
“You might be looking at me like I’m stale coffee,” The Champ began. “But the only thing old and weak in here is you.”
Don Ali then leans forward with effect, before raising his arm to motion for his coat. He decides to make this meeting light and sweet, and proceeds to get Mayweather stirred like a cup of Starbuck’s.
“Floyd (Ali whispers strongly) the public has made you an offer that you’re refusing. I frankly can’t believe your nickname is “Money”. A fight greater than any of mine. And what do you do? You mock everything I ever stood for. You disgrace your fight family, and every fighter, big or small, in history. Manny Pacquiao is your Frazier- but you pay him no respect. Instead, you hide video cameras and hire journalists. You wear hats with initials that belong to me, but you won’t put your initials on a contract that belongs to all of us. I would make you sleep with the fishes, but you already do by the smell of your smile.”
Every man in the room now glares at Floyd, his own (eh-mm..) “boss”, who’s allowed to leave after Ali departs. President Obama, who’s been exchanging text messages with Jay-Z, tells Floyd he’ll be joined by Rihanna during the NBA All-Star Game festivities, and that he expects an announcement on this fight soon. Very soon.
Enjoy the All-Star game folks.
