Floyd Mayweather Jr. live at the Apollo!
The controversial fighter will share the storied stage in the historic theater with Miguel Cotto Tuesday afternoon. Except for some overzealous Jeremy Lin fans who may wander inside the hallowed halls on West 125 Street in the heart of “black America’s hometown.” Mayweather figures to get a rousing reception. Two points to the p.r person who suggested inviting the public into the presser, thus assuring “Money” of a welcoming audience. Don’t think that Mayweather doesn’t know about the giant names who have performed at this venerable venue, that he is not actuely aware of how James Brown, Wilson Pickett and so many other musical superstars who packed fans into the now renovated old building. As for Cotto, well the Puerto Rican has made New York a second rig home with all the fights he’s had at Madison Square Garden and even one at the new Yankee Stadium. I’ve liked Mayweather-Cotto since the match was first broached and I still like it. Since Floyd isn’t fighting presumable Pound For Pound ruler Manny Pacquiao and perhaps never will (this fall and next spring seem to be the only two remaining, practical slots), who should he fight? Advertisement
He’s fighting boxing’s Number 3 guy, in terms of PPV TV track record, and he’s fighting a guy who always comes to fight. This could be the most fan friendly Mayweather fight ever and I think it will be as entertaining as Mayweather-De La Hoya was deadly dull. While I think Tim Bradley-Pacquiao coming June 9, a month and four nights after Mayweather-Cotto, will be entertaining, it just cannot match Miguel-Floyd in terms of star power. Mayweather will attract his fans and many of his haters while Cotto’s fan following is strong across the racial and ethnic spectrum. Bradley-Pacquiao offer a more resounding conclusion but it’s really just a stay busy fight for Pacquiao. There was a blaxploitation movie back in the 1970s entitled “Hell Up In Harlem.” Mayweather’s visit there won’t engender derision. It will be more of a lovefest, I think. You don’t bring garbage to the Apollo. You bring quality. And that’s what Cotto-Mayweather is, two proven performers with strong legacies and legions of fans. The two of them, and their fight, belongs on the same stage where all those musical heavyweights performed. ([email protected])
