At a sweltering gym in east London, it seemed the world was waiting for the return of Floyd Mayweather, in his first public workout since announcing his return to the ring. Allan Williams was ringside for the action.
Floyd Mayweather may be skilled at boxing, but as far as timekeeping goes, he leaves a lot to be desired. The two hour session that was originally due to begin at 3pm instead became a shorter session starting at 4.45pm. The crowd was packed to the rafters, good natured yet boisterous, and this led to delays by the Mayweather camp as the fans tried to rush to the ring to get a glimpse of their idol.
Britain’s Olympic Gold medallist James DeGale turned up to catch a glimpse of Floyd, and as the wait ensued in the baking hot gym DeGale took to the ring to entertain the crowd, going through the motions with some pad work as the crowd awaited ‘Money’ Mayweather.. Speaking to DeGale afterwards, the immensely likeable boxer gave me an interesting insight into his mindset. He is fighting again on the Khan-Kotelnik undercard, in a 4x3, and DeGale told me he that with the work he is putting in, he could easily do 6x3’s, or an 8-rounder. Commenting on the recent news that amateur rival Darren Sutherland is to fight the man DeGale fought on his pro debut, he said: ‘it’s rubbish, you know – that’s not a test at all. They’re only doing it to try and get one up on me’.
When Mayweather took to the ring, even his burly security guards couldn’t keep the crowd from rushing to the ring. Floyd, it must be said, seemed slightly uncomfortable with everyone so close to the ring, frequently shouting ‘back up baby, back up’ as he went close to the ropes and felt people on or near him.
Having said that, Floyd working out is poetry in motion. Seamlessly engaging in the choreographed moves with his uncle and trainer Roger, he looked like he has lost none of his poise or speed in his lengthy absence. At one point, the crowd couldn’t believe their eyes, as Floyd and Roger both closed their eyes and practiced the routine, neither one missing a step. It was over all too quickly, but it had been worth the wait.
FLOYD MAYWEATHER - "July 18th you are going to see the best Floyd Mayweather, because I am truly back."
"My uncle Roger and I, we have a tremendous game plan, and I'm going to be more than ready for this fight. Training camp is going amazingly well. I am weighing in around 146 or 147 and I know I will be ready on July 18th."
"Marquez is a great Mexican warrior who is going to be in tremendous shape. He is a hell of a guy and he is a hell of a fighter.."
"I like to hit, but I don't get hit. Marquez hits and gets hit. He seems used to it and still comes out on top 90 percent of the time."
"I expect a great fight. If Marquez is aggressive it could turn into a brawl and that is exactly the type of fight fans love to see."
"I want to be the best. They say to be the best you have to beat the best and Marquez is one of the best in this sport."
"I've got nothing but love for the Mexican fans; they are some of the most loyal fans in boxing. Mexican fans really know boxing inside and out."
"I can't wait for this fight, and I am really dedicating myself to be ready for it."
"Please continue to support boxing. July 18, make sure you tune in. It's going to be a hell of a fight. I'm not overlooking Juan Manuel Marquez, and I hope he's not overlooking me. He knows I've been off awhile so he might think I'm rusty, but I'm not. I'll be ready."
JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ
"I am preparing myself mentally and physically for this fight."
"When Golden Boy Promotions asked me do you want to fight Floyd? I said 'yes let's do it.' I don't like easy fights."
"I know that this fight very important for my career and for my life, and I am going to be fully prepared on July 18th."
"I have a tough fight with Floyd, I'm training right now and will go up to the mountains to build muscle for the fight. It isn't exactly my weight but that only means I'll have to eat more Tacos, Burritos and Carnitas."
"My fans here and all of my fans in Mexico will help me come out on top, the support they have showed today and at the fan rally yesterday has been amazing."
"Everyone knows I don't like to talk outside of the ring, I do all of my talking inside of the ring."
ROGER MAYWEATHER, Trainer of Floyd Mayweather Jr.
"I know what's going to happen, and I'm sure all of you know what's going to happen."
"Marquez is a good boxer, but in boxing it's about more than being good. Anyone can be good, but there are only a few out there that are great, and Floyd is a great boxer."
"The best boxers in the world come from where I'm from, the Midwest. Floyd is also from there so you know he's one of the best."
"It's going to be a great fight and I know that this guy over here [Floyd] is going to come out on top."
LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
"Now that Floyd is back, he has come back to take his crown. He is coming back to be the best out there and to be the best out there you have to beat a fighter like Marquez."
"Marquez fought two great fights against Pacquiao, and in the eyes of many beat him both times."
"As soon as tickets go on sale (this Friday), you need to get them because it is going to be a tremendous fight."
"Floyd Mayweather, Jr. has the greatest global impact of any fighter. In 2007 Floyd fought in the two biggest fights of the year."
"The reason Floyd is back is because he is in love with the sport; he's always been in love with it."
"No matter where he goes, fans are always coming up to him asking, 'When are you coming back?' Well, he's back now and is ready for this tremendous challenge."
"He has a lot to prove. There are always the naysayers out there who say he cant get back on top."
"He represents boxing to its fullest."
OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions
"This fight will pit the best fighter from the United States against the best fighter from Mexico.
"Styles make fights and Marquez's style will beat Floyd's on July 18th. With the support of all his fans, Marquez will come out on top."
"I don't care what people say, Marquez beat Pacquiao. He got knocked down three times and came back to win every round after that."
"Mayweather has beaten everyone he has ever fought. He retired as the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world and now he's returning to fight one of the best fighters in the world."
"Marquez has already been training in the mountains, and he is ready to go."
"This is truly a fight that the fans want to get behind. In my eyes, Mayweather is the best in the world, who is about to meet the number one Mexican fighter in the ring to duke it out and show who is truly number one."
RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions
"Fight fans around the world have been waiting for this for a long time. Floyd said he is coming back to fight the best and Juan Manuel Marquez is the best."
"Juan is one of the best pound for pound fighters in the sport today on July 18th he will be carrying the hopes and dreams of 160 million people on his back, the people of Mexico."
"Floyd Mayweather is the undefeated and undisputed pound-for-pound champion. He is the number one pay-per-view star. With 250 million dollars, that is a quarter of a billion dollars, in receipts from his last two fights, Floyd Mayweather is definitely a star.
"July 18 is going to be the biggest pay-per-view event of the year. It's called number one because everywhere you look you are surrounded by the best."
(To Floyd) "On behalf of the millions of fight fans around the world, thank you for coming back. You really bring energy to the sport of boxing."
"Even when he wasn't fighting he was a tremendous asset to the sport of boxing."
"Floyd talks the talk, but he does walk the walk as well? He has a huge group of people who love him and adore him and respect him for his accomplishments. Then he has the 'haters.' The people who cant wait to see him lose, but the good news is that both of those people will buy the pay-per-view."
"This really is the showdown between Number One and Numero Uno."
ROSS GREENBURG, President of HBO Sports
"Floyd Mayweather, the mouth that roared, is back and he is going into the lions den."
"I have seen Marquez in the ring and in rounds 6-12, you better watch out."
"Move over Paris Hilton and the Kardishians; Donald Trump, empty out the boardroom, and survivors get off the island because Money Mayweather is back on 24/7 and the first episode premiers June 27th."
"We will load you up again with 24/7's all access. We are always excited when Floyd Mayweather is part of the series. We are also excited to go down to Mexico to join Juan Manuel Marquez. All access 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. Whatever it takes, we will be there."
MARK TAFFET, Senior Vice President of HBO Sports and HBO Pay-Per-View
"The year 2009 is shaping up to be a fantastic one for boxing. In January, we had a great fight in Margarito vs. Mosley. Then we had Marquez vs. Diaz, which was an impressive fight, and a few weeks back we had Pacquiao vs. Hatton."
"In Mayweather vs. Marquez, we have one guy that is returning to the ring while the other is more ready than ever. One that is representing the United States and the other that has Mexico on his back. One has had six world championships in five weight classes and the other has held five world championships in three weight divisions."
"Mayweather vs. Marquez is one of those events you will not want to miss."
BOB HALLORAN, Director of Sports, MGM MIRAGE
"Representing the MGM Family and having this fight at the historical MGM Grand Garden Arena, we are elated."
"We have now had a long association with Golden Boy Promotions, Richard Schaefer and Oscar de la Hoya and they keep making better and better fights."
"We've had both fighters fight at the arena a few times before and every time we did they had some great fights. I don't think there is any question that this will be a sellout."
Mayweather vs. Marquez: "Number One/Numero Uno," is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Marquez Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and Southwest Airlines. The 12-round bout will take place July 18th at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada and televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9pm ET / 6pm PT.
Floyd "Money" Mayweather has returned to the sport of boxing and will put his undefeated record on the line when he faces the dangerous and highly touted five-time world champion Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez in MAYWEATHER vs. MARQUEZ "Number One/Numero Uno" Saturday, July 18 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Tickets priced at $1,000, $750, $600, $300 and $150, not including applicable service charges, go on sale Friday, May 22 at 10 a.m. PT. Ticket sales at $1,000, $750, $600 and $300 are limited to 10 per person and ticket sales at $150 are limited to two (2) per person, with a total ticket limit of 10 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800)745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
A 1996 Olympic Bronze medalist for the United States, Floyd "Money" Mayweather (39-0, 25 KO's) has since gone on to strike Gold in the professional ranks, winning six world titles in five weight classes to firmly establish himself as one of the best fighters of his era. In just his 18th pro fight, Mayweather won his first world title at the age of 21 by stopping Genaro Hernandez for the WBC world super featherweight crown in 1998. The Grand Rapids, Michigan native defended that title eight times before moving up to lightweight and taking the 135-pound belt from Jose Luis Castillo in 2002, but "Money" Mayweather wasn't done yet, as he defeated Arturo Gatti and Zab Judah for the junior welterweight and welterweight world titles, respectively. Despite these impressive achievements, it wasn't until he defeated Oscar de la Hoya in May of 2007 for the world junior middleweight championship in a record-setting super-fight where the world truly got to see what Mayweather was all about. In his last fight, on December 8, 2007, Mayweather made another statement to the world when he knocked out Ricky "Hitman" Hatton in the tenth round, handing the British superstar his first professional defeat. After the bout, Mayweather - who has achieved crossover fame as a contestant on the hit show "Dancing with the Stars" and as a participant in WWE's "Wrestlemania XXIV" - announced his retirement from boxing. But he left the door open for a return if the right challenge presented itself, and on July 18th, the 32-year-old Las Vegas resident comes back to face Juan Manuel Marquez.
In an era of great Mexican fighters such as Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales, Mexico City's Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez (50-4-1, 37 KO's) has made it clear over the last few years that he is truly the greatest of the bunch. Long revered by boxing purists as one of the best, Marquez won 29 of his first 30 pro bouts, before finally getting a world title shot in 1999. Marquez would lose that opportunity controversially to Freddie Norwood and in response, he didn't lose for the next seven years, winning the IBF world featherweight title against Manuel Medina in 2003. In November 2003, Marquez unified the titles when he defeated Derrick "Smoke" Gainer and captured the WBA world featherweight title. His second title defense in 2004 against Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao may be his most memorable, as he rose from three first-round knockdowns to roar back and gain a draw in a fight that many observers believe he won. Marquez would lose his belt via decision to Chris John in 2006, but he returned to form almost immediately, scoring a 12-round win over Barrera in March of 2007 to win the WBC 130-pound world title. In 2008, Marquez and Pacquiao would meet again in another memorable bout however Marquez dropped a disputed 12-round split decision to the Filipino superstar. Undeterred, "Dinamita" moved up to the 135-pound weight class in September of 2008 and stunned the boxing world by handing Joel Casamayor his first knockout defeat to win the Ring Magazine world lightweight championship. It was hard to top such a victory, but in the 35-year-old Marquez' most recent fight on February 28, 2009, he did just that as he stopped former Three-Time World Champion Juan Diaz in the ninth round to add the WBO and WBA World Lightweight belts to his trophy case. On July 18th he looks to further cement his legacy with a win over Mayweather.
Mayweather vs. Marquez: "Number One/Numero Uno," is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Marquez Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and Southwest Airlines. The 12-round bout will take place July 18th at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada and televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9pm ET / 6pm PT.
The Mayweather vs. Marquez pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $49.95, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to more than 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry.
The father/son combination of unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr. and well-known trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. - is back. The two have been feuding for several years but managed to make peace in the last few months. Mayweather Sr. taught his son the sport but after a falling out which took place nearly a decade ago, he began training other fighters like Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Chad Dawson. Uncle Roger Mayeather is the head trainer for Floyd Jr.
Speaking with the Los Angeles Times, FLoyd Jr. revealed that his father has been helping him in camp since the May 2 bout between Pacquiao and Hatton. Floyd Jr. wants to give his dad plenty of support during a very tough time. The elder Mayweather lost between 25 to 30 pounds due to sarcoidosis, a disease that limits lung capacity.
"My dad's been working with me every day since the Hatton fight," Mayweather Jr. said. "We chill out, shoot pool, talk about different fighters."
As far as the Hatton loss, Floyd Jr. says the Manchester fighter did not listen to his father.
"I know what my father teaches," Mayweather Jr. said of the Hatton debacle. "That's not how my father trains a fighter. He'll say, 'Use the . . . jab, man.' I guess a fighter can't be taught new things. Hatton rushes in, he didn't follow the game plan."
Hundreds of fans showed up to show their support for Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez this past Sunday May 17th at the historical “Placita Olvera” (Olvera Street) in downtown Los Angeles, CA. This event kicked off the two continent six day press tour to announce the mega fight between Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez, which takes place on July 18th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV and will be showed live on HBO Pay-Per-View. Some of the guests in attendance included “Vicious” Victor Ortiz, “Dangerous” David Rodela, “El Magnifico” Israel Vasquez and Frank Espinoza.
Floyd Mayweather faces the dangerous and highly touted five-time world champion in three divisions Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez in MAYWEATHER vs. MARQUEZ "Number One/Numero Uno" on Saturday, July 18 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada which will be broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9pm ET / 6pm PT..
The "press tour" to official announce the mega-fight between Floyd "Money" Mayweather and Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez which will take place July 18th at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada and live on HBO Pay-Per-View, kicks off this Sunday, May 17 and will span two continents in six days with stops in Los Angeles, New York and London.
"Now that Floyd is back, we need to let the world know it," said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. "The fight against Marquez will be one to remember and I am looking forward to getting on the road so the media and the fans can really get a sense of how great July 18th will be for the sport of boxing."
"Mayweather and Marquez are two of the best, therefore it is fitting that they will be making appearances in three of the best cities in the world," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions.. "This fight has universal appeal with Mayweather stepping back into the ring and accepting the challenge of the great Juan Manuel Marquez. I know fans around the country and around the world will want to be a part of this unprecedented night of boxing."
Mayweather vs. Marquez: "Number One/Numero Uno," is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Marquez Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and Southwest Airlines. The 12-round bout will take place July 18th at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada and televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9pm ET / 6pm PT.
The press tour will begin in downtown Los Angeles with a rousing fan rally for Marquez at "Placita Olvera" (Olvera Street), which is part of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument and known as the "birthplace" of the city of Los Angeles. Highly touted prospect Victor Ortiz and other Mexican-American fighters will be there to support Marquez and fans are encouraged to attend and show their support for Marquez as he prepares to face Mayweather, who recently came out of retirement after 16 months away from the ring.
The Los Angeles leg of the tour will continue on Monday, May 18 with a bevy of interviews for the fighters and an outdoor, open to the public, press conference in front of the Los Angeles Public Library Central Library downtown before the tour caravan jets across the country to New York for the tour's next stop.
Immediately following the two days of media activities in Los Angeles, another two days worth of appearances in the Big Apple will be on tap, including a press conference at a site fit for a fight of this huge magnitude - the tallest building in New York - The Empire State Building. Mayweather, who is the King Kong of boxing, will stand with Marquez on the 80th floor of the world's most renowned skyscraper to discuss their mega-fight which can only be described as a challenge of the tallest order in their respective careers. Following the press conference, a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity will be staged on the 86th Floor Observatory, which is host to over 3.5 million visitors per year.
Following New York, the fighters will fly across the Atlantic to Londonfor a whirlwind tour of the capital of the United Kingdom. With a press conference on Thursday, a Mayweather open workout on Friday and media appearances throughout, Mayweather and Marquez will spend two full days promoting this mega-event which will also be shown in the UK.
TOUR STOPS:
LOS ANGELES-SUNDAY, MAY 17 @ NOON PT
FAN RALLY
*OPEN TO THE PUBLIC*
PLACITA OLVERA (OLVERA STREET)
125 Paseo De La Plaza
Los Angeles, CA
LOS ANGELES-MONDAY, MAY 18 @ 2:00PM PT
LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE
*OPEN TO THE PUBLIC*
LOS ANGELES PUBLIC LIBRARY CENTRAL LIBRARY
400 S. Hope Street (corner of Hope and Flower)
Los Angeles, CA
NEW YORK-TUESDAY, MAY 19 @ 11:30AM ET
NEW YORK PRESS CONFERENCE
*ACCREDITED MEDIA ONLY
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
350 5th Ave, 80th Floor New York, NY
LONDON-THURSDAY, MAY 21 @ 2:00PM GMT
LONDON PRESS CONFERENCE
*ACCREDITED MEDIA ONLY
LANDMARK HOTEL, DRAWING ROOM
222 Marylebone Road, London
LONDON-FRIDAY, MAY 22 @ TBD
MAYWEATHER AFTERNOON PUBLIC WORKOUT
*OPEN TO THE PUBLIC*
EAST LONDON BOXING GYM TBD
*DETAILS TO FOLLOW*
Mayweather vs. Marquez: "Number One/Numero Uno" is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Marquez Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and Southwest Airlines. The 12-round bout will take place July 18th at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada and televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9pm ET / 6pm PT.
WBA/WBO lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez is already training hard at the Romanza Gym in Mexico City, taking his first steps in camp to prepare for the biggest fight of his career. Marquez moves up to 143-pounds to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr on July 18 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The calm that prevailed yesterday at the Romanza Gym was interrupted by the entrance of several television cameras and a herd of reporters. Reason: Juan Manuel Marquez was to start his training with a view to meeting against Floyd Mayweaher of July 18 in Las Vegas.
Marquez sees some flaws in Mayweather that he plans to exploit. During last week's press conference to announce the fight, Marquez told BoxingScene.com that he was pretty confident of an upset. Mayweather's physical attributes don't appear to be a issue either.
"I'm positive that I'm going to beat Mayweather. It's true that he has a two inch height advantage, a little bit more reach and he is a great fighter - but I know how is beatable, and I will do just that on July 18 in Las Vegas," Marquez told ESTO.
Marquez had told BoxingScene that he planned to keep his camp in Mexico for the full duration, but because of the swine flu epidemic in the country, he may head off to Big Bear, California at some point. He knows the public has him as a heavy underdog. It doesn't bother him. He likes the role of the underdog.
"This is not the first time that I'm the betting underdog. For example, I encountered Manny Pacquiao twice, and in both fights he was the big favorite. Even though I lost the rematch by one point and had a draw in the other, I am sure that I won both fights. Pacquiao said that he hoped to fight Mayweather in November, because Floyd is going to win me, but [that won't happen]. In November I will be his opponent," Marquez said.
Will he or won't he? That's the question fight fans the world over are currently asking themselves when it comes to whether or not Floyd Mayweather Junior will fight the quite awesome Manny Pacquiao. In training for his next fight - a "comeback" affair against Mexico's Juan Manuel Marquez - "Money" is under immense pressure to fight the lethal Filipino southpaw after that (assuming he beats Marquez, naturally).
Calling himself the greatest fighter of his era, if not of all-time, the unbeaten 32-year-old will not be able to go anywhere without someone or other asking him, 'when you gonna fight Pacquiao, Floyd?' This is almost certainly going to jar the multi-weight champ's pride, but will it jar it enough to make him take what could well be the most exciting and important fight of this decade..
Right now the most talked about and thrilling fighter in all of boxing, Pacquiao and his team are in the driving seat and are in a fine position to be able to call the shots.
Speaking to Ring magazine, trainer Roach made it clear whoever wants to fight "Pac-Man" will have to do so at 140-pounds, as this is the weight Manny feels most formidable at today. A few additional pounds aside - maybe 143 or 144 - Pacquiao will not look to box any higher, says Roach.
"You know what, we fight at 140," Roach told Ring. "These guys are going to have to meet us in the middle somewhere. Everyone wants to fight Manny Pacquiao now. He'll make you money."
Being more specific about the guys that want to fight Pacquiao next, Roach mentioned the Mayweather-Marquez winner from July, Miguel Cotto and reigning WBA welterweight king "Sugar" Shane Mosley.
"Mayweather could've fought Manny (in his comeback fight)," Roach said. "He just had to wait one day. I think he's scared of Manny..... We're not going to wait around. I want to keep Manny busy. A busy fighter is a good fighter. I'd like [him[ to fight in November or December.
"If Cotto wants to come down a few pounds, we can make that happen. If Shane Mosley wants to come down a few pounds, we can make that happen."
Either of the possible fights Roach mentioned would be hugely attractive match-ups, but it is the Mayweather fight everyone really wants to see. Freddie admitted to Ring that Mayweather's style would perhaps give Pacquiao some trouble.
"That's a style that would give Manny some trouble," Freddie said of Mayweather's boxing style. "Manny likes when guys come to him. He used to be just aggressive but now he's a good counter-puncher. He could do both, though. Mayweather would pose problems. But if Mayweather laid on the ropes, Manny would beat the shit out of him."
With Roach also claiming Pacquiao is now a more complete fighter than he was even as recently as the second fight with Marquez, the superb little fighter who has an entire country in his corner clearly represents Mayweather Junior with his greatest challenge.
Sixteen months after one of the greatest fighters ever to grace the sport of boxing had his last fight and subsequently announced his retirement, the former six-time world champion and 2007 Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Year, Floyd "Money" Mayweather announced his return to the sweet science at a press conference today in Las Vegas.
"When I made my decision to retire last year, I felt like it was time for me to go as I had been boxing my whole life and felt like I had done all that I could do," said Mayweather, whose success and popularity in and out of the ring made him a household name and one of the sport's biggest attractions. "But after I had time to rest, enjoy life with my family and friends, I started to miss the competition and my fans. I am ready to return to boxing and give people another dose of the Mayweather experience.."
Much to the surprise of the sports world, Mayweather left the ring at the top of his game, having amassed an undefeated professional record of 39-0, 25 KOs and championships in five weight divisions. The then-recognized best pound-for-pound fighter in the world was coming off of back-to-back 2007 mega-performances with his historic May 5 victory over Oscar de la Hoya - in the highest grossing pay-per-view event in all of sports history - followed by his stellar December 8 tenth round knockout over the previously undefeated Ricky Hatton. These fights catapulted Mayweather near the top of the all-time money-earning list in the sport.
That same year, Mayweather's star-power and crossover appeal were reaching new heights. His appearances on ABC's Dancing With The Stars and his main event performance in the WWE's WrestleMania XXIV helped to elevate his worldwide recognition to even higher levels. Proof of Mayweather's staying power came with his recent appearance in an AT&T High-Speed Internet commercial that has been showing nationally, including multiple airings during CBS's coverage of this year's Masters Golf Tournament, despite him having been a retired athlete.
More importantly, while Mayweather stepped away from the sport, the world's top fighters continued to ask to fight him and fans everywhere were asking for him to come back to the ring.
"I retired from the sport, but it was as if I had never made an announcement," said Mayweather. "Fighters were constantly calling me out and fans would stop me all the time and ask me to make a return. It feels good to be back and trust me, I will deliver the same electrifying performances I always have throughout my career."
Mayweather makes his return against the dangerous and highly-touted five-time world champion in three weight divisions Juan Manuel Marquez, who is rated among the top fighters in the world today and considered to be a very aggressive selection by Mayweather for his first challenge after his long layoff. The bout will take place on Saturday, July 18 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be broadcast live on HBO pay-per-view
"I am not wasting any time with a tune-up fight," said Mayweather. "I'm going straight to the top. Marquez called me out immediately after his victory over Juan Diaz in February and now he gets his wish. What he is going to find out is that you should be very careful what you wish for."
Mayweather continued, "the rest of those fighters who called me out can get in line too because they are going to get their chance...one at a time and slowly but surely. It's going to be a great return and a wonderful 'experience.' Don't blink - I'M BACK!"
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The boxing world received two gifts this week, not only the announcement that six-time world champion in five weight divisions Floyd "Money" Mayweather has returned to the sport, but also that he was immediately putting his undefeated record on the line when he faces the dangerous and highly touted five-time world champion in three divisions Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez in MAYWEATHER vs. MARQUEZ "Number One/Numero Uno" on Saturday, July 18 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada which will be broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9pm ET / 6pm PT. Mayweather's return and the fight were announced today at a press conference at MGM Grand..
"That's right. I'm back and you can all get ready for another chapter of the Mayweather experience!" said Mayweather. "I told my CEO Leonard Ellerbe from the start that I wanted to come back fighting the best fighters out there and Juan Manuel Marquez is one of the best in boxing today."
"To be considered the best in the world, you have to fight the best, and I have made it clear even when Mayweather was away from the sport that he was the only man I really wanted to fight," said Marquez. "I'm happy that he's come out of retirement and accepted my challenge. Unfortunately for him he might be sorry he came back at all."
The summer showdown between Mayweather (39-0, 25 KO's) and Marquez (50-4-1, 37 KO's) will be promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Marquez Promotions.
"Mayweather Promotions is proud to announce the return of Floyd Mayweather after a much needed rest," said Ellerbe. "But he is coming back with a vengeance and clearly Marquez is a significant challenge for his return. It is going to be an extremely competitive and exciting fight."
"Floyd Mayweather is back and Juan Manuel Marquez is ready to fight," said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer. "Mayweather is clearly making a statement by accepting this challenge to fight the dangerous Marquez in his first fight back. Having seen Floyd perform live in his two previous fights, I know a big challenge brings out the best him. Boxing is in for a great night on July 18th."
"Floyd Mayweather vs. Juan Manuel Marquez has the potential to be one of boxing's all-time great fights," said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. "Not only are they two boxers destined for the Hall of Fame and two of the greatest technicians of this era, but they also both have a warrior's spirit that comes out when they get tested. I know that they'll push each other to the limit when they step into the ring July 18th."
"MGM Grand is thrilled to host Floyd Mayweather's return to the ring and welcome back the great Juan Manuel Marquez," said Richard Sturm, President of Sports and Entertainment for MGM MIRAGE. "We anticipate this to be one of the hottest fights of the year and look forward to the exciting night of boxing these two champions will deliver to the MGM Grand Garden Arena."
"Floyd Mayweather is a special athlete and it's heartening to see him return in such a big fight against an accomplished opponent in Juan Manuel Marquez," said Ross Greenburg, President of HBO Sports. "Boxing fans will be intrigued by this mid-summer match-up."
For these two future Hall of Famers, all that really matters is what happens when the bell rings on Saturday, July 18 and with Mayweather's return to the ring in a quest to reclaim his pound-for-pound title by taking on Marquez, a man looking to add once again to his amazing legacy, this is a true mega-fight which will determine who is the premier boxer of this era.
At a sweltering gym in east London, it seemed the world was waiting for the return of Floyd Mayweather, in his first public workout since announcing his return to the ring. Allan Williams was ringside for the action.
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