Atlanta used to call itself “The City Too Busy To Hate.” That was a great handle in an era of heightened racial tension, especially for a Southern metropolis which Gen. Sherman torched during the Civil War. Not to mention a city that gave us the greatness of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Me, I’m the writer/lawyer too busy to hate. I don’t hate and never have hated or despised Floyd Mayweather Jr. despite my generally perceived Pacquiao preference. Which led me to scribble Things I Like About Money Mayweather: 1. Expertise. If Mayweather confined his public comments to what he intimately knows, meaning boxing, more people would realize that he is a boxing braniac or, in my own inimitable phrase, an Everlast Einstein. 2. Giving credit where it’s due. Egomaniac, yes he sure is, but Floyd takes the time to lay the props on octogenarian handwrapper/cutman Rafael Garcia and training assistant Nate Jones. It’s not always All About Floyd. 3. Spending Money’s money to make mo money. Have you noticed that Mayweather is attracting better fighters to his formerly wobbling Mayweather Promotions banner? It’s no surprise that Mayweather would have a fine eye for fistic talent but now he’s showing it. 4. Mayweather really does love Mexico. A few months back, he made the observation that Mexico’s fight fans are the best in the world. I think he said it sincerely and it’s an on target observation. No country compares to Mexico in appreciation of boxers. Expect more properly reverential remarks about our neighbor to the south when, not if, Money takes batting practice on Carrot Top Canelo Alvarez. (Uncle Roger, you may recall, was billed as “the Mexican Assassin” until JC Chavez made him quit on his stool one night in Los Angeles.) 5. Vanishing breed aside, Mayweather stands tall. In a progressive era where African American boxing superstars are in a short supply, Mayweather is a throwback to Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, Larry Holmes and, dare I say it, yes to Muhammad Ali also. I know, I know, I’m going soft in midlife. But Mayweather, loathe him or not, is American boxing’s standard bearer. He’s not perfect, no, but he is the best we’ve got. Remember, I’m fair but infirm. ([email protected])
