In an intriguing move, boxing legend Floyd Mayweather is reportedly in talks for an exhibition match against Mikey Garcia, slated for December 9th on Showtime PPV. Intriguingly, Mayweather’s choice of date coincides with another high-profile boxing event - the bout between Regis Prograis and Devin Haney on DAZN Pay-per-view.
The collision of these two events on the same day forces fans into a challenging decision: which one to tune into? It’s a dilemma that doesn’t sit well with many, given the $100+ potential price tag for each event. Furthermore, there are concerns about the future of boxing. While Mayweather’s name certainly pulls in audiences, the potential overshadowing of a rising star like Devin Haney, who could be the next big thing in boxing, is problematic. It’s viewed by many as a move that prioritizes personal promotion over the sport's greater good.
The Mayweather-Garcia event isn’t just about the headline fight. The undercard boasts matches like Keith Thurman vs. Eimantas Stanionis and Danny Garcia vs. Erislandy Lara. Mayweather’s ulterior motive for the event, as highlighted by Chris Algieri, appears to be promoting his new “Good Money Whiskey”. It’s seen by many as leveraging his boxing fame for business promotion, even at the expense of emerging talents and significant boxing events.
It's undeniable that Mayweather, with a net worth estimated at $400 million, has been astute in monetizing his brand. However, some critics argue that there’s a time and place for such promotions, and competing with meaningful, future-shaping matches may not be it. As boxing seeks to attract newer generations and maintain its relevance, will moves like Mayweather’s help or hinder the sport’s evolution? Only time will tell.
While Mayweather’s business acumen is commendable, Paulie Malignaggi emphasizes the importance of supporting upcoming talents and the next generation. With boxing’s future stars like Haney on the rise, the hope is for the sport to prioritize nurturing and spotlighting these talents, ensuring that boxing continues to thrive and captivate audiences globally.
Image Credit: Sky Sports