Floyd Mayweather recently defeated Victor Ortiz in a fourth round knockout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Of course, the world is greatly anticipating a Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao fight in the near future.
Speculation is rampant on this topic and it may ultimately create a frenzy that could create a record pay day for both, no matter who wins. During the fight weekend, my mind was comparing Mayweather with Mike Tyson. The amount that they have in common is striking.
Controversy in the ring: No one can ever forget when Tyson bit off a chunk of Evander Holyfield’s ear. Iron Mike must have thought that he was invovled in a no holds barred type of event that Vince McMahon would stage. Mayweather arguably won this weekend’s contest with a cheap shot. While the official was attempting to separate the two fighters, Floyd provided a surprising blow to Ortiz. Both men have ruffled more than a few feathers.
An affinity for Las Vegas: Both men called the gambling mecca home. The desert oasis, like Casumo casino, is atop destination for wagering and boxing is a sport interwoven with placing betts. While Tyson is a supposed family man now, he used to frequent the night clubs and enjoy the casinos much the same way that Mayweather does. Both men like the all hours atmosphere and the ability to be part of the community. It provides some intriguing training options as well. The heat can improve toughness and Big Bear, California is near-by if they want to train with increased altitudes.
Domestic Issues: Mike Tyson has been accused of sexual misconduct and had domestic abuse allegations from Robin Givens. Floyd Mayweather was in a major tiff with a gal pal over her supposed relationship with NBA player C.J. Watson. Your strength can be your weakness. The aggression that these men show in the ring can prove to be dangerous with their better halves.
Prolonged Success: Mayweather is now in his mid-thirties. Mike Tyson was successful into very late in his career as well. Both men reached the pinnacle of their sport and were embraced by the fan base. Tyson was a cultural icon, but Mayweather’s stature is proved by the price that he commands for his pay-per-view fights. In a fighting world that UFC seems to be taking over with the younger demographic, no one commands a higher price from cable companies and satellite providers than Mayweather.
An Ability to Make Fools of Themselves: I have previously mentioned Mayweather’s issues with the security guards in his neighborhood and the fact that he attempted to run someone off the road near the strip. Mike Tyson is embarrassing himself in different ways during his retirement. His closing scene in Hangover 2 is hard to watch, but I have to admit that I would have done it to for a quarter million dollars. Tyson is also continuously making public appearances in a mall selling his autograph, much like fellow great Pete Rose. This is demeaning and beneath them. These men should be mentoring the youth in their respective sports, not posing for photos with wannabes at memorabilia shops.