Floyd Mayweather believes some of the same fans who once bet their life savings on him are now praying for his downfall, but the five-weight world champion may be confusing two very different forms of the hostility that helped make him boxing’s biggest attraction.
Mayweather has always been polarizing.
His arrogance and unshakable belief in himself helped create the “Money” persona that sold millions of pay-per-views, but the same personality has often worked against him.
Speaking to Cam’ron, Mayweather explained why he believes attitudes toward him have changed.
“These people will pull equity out of their house, bet their life savings, and they bet it on Floyd because I’ve proved that I’m 100% when I get in that ring.
“They bet their life savings on Floyd Mayweather every time because they believe in me.”
Mayweather then turned his attention to what happened after those fans collected their winnings.
“And then after they go home and they got everything they want, they praying on my downfall.
“They praying on my downfall. So, yeah, we don’t want to see Floyd with nothing.”
Mayweather’s Polarizing Personality
Mayweather has a point, but his comments risk coming across as bitter toward boxing fans.
The fact that he was so good and never lost meant millions bought his fights hoping to see someone finally take his “0.”
The unbeaten champion eventually becomes the target, and Mayweather spent years making sure the possibility of his first defeat was worth paying to see.
His personality only added fuel to it, with some fans admiring the confidence while others saw arrogance and tuned in hoping Oscar De La Hoya, Canelo Alvarez, Manny Pacquiao or another challenger would finally beat him.
Mayweather made a fortune from both sides.
Criticism of Mayweather Crosses the Line
His stronger argument comes from the relentless criticism surrounding his life away from boxing.
His finances, businesses and personal affairs have become regular targets, with every new development used by some as evidence that Mayweather is heading toward a downfall.
There is a difference between paying to see an arrogant, unbeaten boxer lose and wanting the man behind the persona to lose everything.
Some media coverage and social reaction have crossed that line.
Mayweather could turn more of the same fans who helped build his pay-per-view empire against him, but his wider point should not be dismissed completely.
Wanting someone to lose their “0” is boxing, but praying for their entire life to collapse is something else.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.
