What should have been an epic encounter between two of the greatest fighters of this generation, has turned into nothing short of a racial nightmare.
Plagued by allegations and accusations, the negotiations between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr has brought out the worse in Boxing. In fact, it’s brought out the worse in people.
Racism can be defined in two ways according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary.
1) a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race
2) racial prejudice or discrimination
In my opinion, racism is a disgusting thing. There’s no place for it in sports or humanity. Unfortunately, American history is littered with racial disasters. Racism is a destructive force that can cripple a group of people for a long time. I’ve spent 7 years working with Native American families and I have seen firsthand the devastation that this horror has on a group of people.
In the Beginning Since Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao began negotiations in late November of 2009, animosity and tensions have built between the two camps and the legions of fans. Unfortunately, this animosity has sparked a racial attack from both legions of fans and the Mayweathers toward Manny Pacquiao. Earlier this year, Floyd Mayweather Jr said that the only reason Manny Pacquiao was popular is because he’s an ethnic minority and from the Philippines.
?The only reason why he’s popular is because he’s an ethnic minority and from the Philippines so it’s something special. If he was from Africa he would be just another boxer.? FMJ (2010), Cagereport.net
If you can’t understand why these comments are racist, please refer back to the definition of racism by Merriam-Webster. These comments by Floyd Jr completely dismiss the accomplishments and skills that Manny possess and sum up his popularity as the sole result of his race.
But this isn’t the first time Floyd Mayweather Jr has made racial remarks toward Manny Pacquiao. In fact, this isn’t the first time that Floyd has made race an issue. In the build up to his fight with Juan Manuel Marquez, Floyd made some very racial comments about Mexicans, Africans, Whites, and Manny.
