“I’m about a dollar, what the f$%k is 50 Cents?” wrote rapper Jay-Z in a song dissing Curtis Jackson (aka 50 Cent) when he first started making noise in the rap game. And boxing is indeed about the dollar, but I can’t help but wonder how Jackson’s involvement affects the landscape.
Jackson is making noise again, this time in the world of boxing. After he announced venturing into boxing promotions by forming his own promotional outfit called TMT (The Money Team) Promotions, Jackson immediately moved to acquire blue chip names such as undefeated former featherweight champ Yuriorkis Gamboa and Andre Dirrell.
And now, in classic 50 Cent fashion, Jackson has jump in bed with Floyd Mayweather, Jr.’s arch-rival Manny Pacquiao in allegedly forming a partnership to promote fights. Jackson and Mayweather have publicly displayed their affection and relationship as close friends in the past, and is the main reason the rapper is involved in boxing in the first place. One can only imagine how somewhere the likes of The Game and Young Buck are saying “I told you so” in thinking of Mayweather (for those who have not followed rap, feel free to Google).
Video: MANNY PACQUIAO CONFIRMS 50 CENT PARTNERSHIP TALKS
What is Jackson’s real purpose? And as close as he was to Mayweather, how can Pacquiao benefit and trust the rapper-turned-promoter? Jackson has proven to be a successful entrepreneur and is a business mogul in his own rite,. He, after all, sold one of his old projects, Vitaminwater, for $400 million dollars. But just like most shrewd businessmen, there’s always something behind an audacious move such as this. Jackson is a fan of the “The 48 Laws of Power”, a highly-popular book written by Robert Greene, that has become a proverbial manual for many businessmen, and advises on the value of ruses in attaining the upper hand on an opponent.
Is Jackson’s move to acquire Pacquiao a ruse not only for Mayweather to gain leverage against Arum, but against Pacquiao himself? That may all sound too far-fetched, and it probably is, but surely, more elaborate and unimaginable ideas have been implemented to secure less money. A Pacquiao vs. Mayweather fight stands to generate megamillions.
At any rate, Jackson’s popularity in mainstream America, and the world as well, can only do wonders for the sport. Making Mayweather-Pacquiao happen will be Jackson’s greatest hit; “everybody will party like it’s their birthday”, and “sip Bacardi like it’s their birthday”. But if it isn’t for that reason, then this truly is nothing but another one of his attention-stealing publicity stunts. CLICK HERE to watch the video of my interview with Floyd, Sr. saying he doesn’t want his son to fight Sergio Martinez.
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