During Wednesday’s press conference promoting his May 1, challenge of WBA welterweight (147 pounds) super champion, Shane Mosley, at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington, D.C., undefeated champion, Floyd Mayweather, was besieged by fans of all ages and sizes.
Autograph seekers of all ages and sizes clamored toward Mayweather, who sat on the dais, simultaneously being sought by reporters for post-fight interviews.
There were women. There were men. There were children. There were television, newspaper and internet media, at least two of which were from foreign countries.
A large man fought his way past several massive and muscled security men and managed to place his 4-year-old boy on the stage next to Mayweather on the right side.
The figther abruptly ended a conversation with two reporters and glared first at the man, then, at the boy, in seeming amazement.
Undeterred, the boy’s parent stared right back at Mayweather.
There appeared to be an instant of consternation in the father’s eyes before he broke the silence.
“Can you sign the back of my son’s coat?” asked the man, extending his right arm forward and thrusting a black, marker toward Mayweather.
Mayweather took the writing utensil and began to scribble on the child’s left shoulder.
When the man tried to take a photo, Mayweather, having completed his signature, quickly extended forth his his left hand as if to fire one of his lightening quick jabs.
Mayweather snatched the camera from the man’s hand.
“Let me take the picture, man, you got it?” said Mayweather, who then hoisted the boy into his lap with his right arm before snapping the shot with his left hand.
Nearby reporters were annoyed by the interruption, but Mayweather defended his actions.
“Man, my fans make me,” said Mayweather. “My fans make me.”
The 33-year-old Mayweather (40-0, 25 knockouts) will try to deliver a fan-pleasing performance against the 38-year-old Mosley (46-5, 39 KOs), who was the antagonist during Wednesday’s gathering, where he was roundly booed while Mayweather was cheered.
A throng of about 1,500 packed into the Lincoln Theatre, whose balconies were filled to excess, with former Mayor, Marion Barry, being among those in attendance.
As the people filed into the venue, a video montage of the fighters’ greatest hits was shown on a large, movie screen prior to the start of the press conference.
Some of the faces on the screen were fight fans who had been in line only moments earlier, each being asked whom they thought would win between Mayweather and Mosley in accordance with the event’s promotional theme, “Who R U Picking?”
When it was time for the fighters to emerge, a dressed-to-the-nines Mosley was introduced first to music and more of his career highlights as he walked down the aisle and up onto the stage.
Mayweather also emerged to music and videos, wearing a black and blue warm up suit over black, hooded sweat jacket.
No sooner had Mayweather reached the stage, then he and Mosley were in a face-to-face stairdown in the center of the dais. A day earlier, in New York, the two fighters scuffled and had to be broken up.
This time, they jawed at each other, but mostly, kept their cool.
“I just do what I do, man,” said Mayweather. “All that I do is just do me, and be the best that I can be in the sport of boxing.”
