Are Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao Simply Misunderstood?

Floyd Mayweather Jr. isn’t as bad you think he is, say his lawyers.


At some point within the 22-page opposition to Pacquiao’s motion for default and dismissal -- in the defamation suit he levied against Mayweather -- Mark G. Tratos (Mayweather’s attorney) stated that his client was being misrepresented by the Pacquiao’s corner and the media. That contrary to popular belief, Mayweather wasn’t simply going out and partying on all those nights when there is evidence that he went out partying.


Rather, Tratos insists that Mayweather’s clubbing is “not random acts of partying, but calculated promotional events designed to appeal to his fan base and maintain his public presence."


In fact, attending those events is all a part of Mayweather’s effort to live up to his “Money Mayweather” alter ego, and because “those who dislike him are willing to pay for the privilege of watching the fight, he is more profitable.”


And finally, Tratos also noted that Mayweather “does not drink, smoke or take drugs."


Do Mayweather and his legal team have any ground to stand on with this defense? No.


Look, Tratos may have inadvertently touched on an intriguing point, but it certainly wasn’t the one he actually ended up making. Mayweather does play up the “evil” card because that’s how he rose to prominence, as the guy you love to hate.


In a sport filled with a number of nameless, bland great fighters who never get ahead because they lack the ability to draw attention (and subsequently, PPV purchases), Mayweather has carved out his own special little niche. He’s the cowboy who wears the black hat, and he’s very rich because of it.


Pacquiao, meanwhile, has gotten ahead because he does the exact opposite. He plays the role of the international leader, the good-hearted Samaritan and admirable sportsman. I'm not saying Pacman isn't genuine. Just saying whereas Mayweather evokes feelings of loathing and hate, Pacquiao makes fans respect him and fall in love with the way he is. For instance, If he does a promotional event or dines with Paris Hilton -- he's always quick to point out that a percentage of the proceeds will go to the poor.


The two approaches are clearly different, but equally effective. Obviously both Mayweather and Pacquiao are amazing fighters in the ring, but their out-of-ring demeanors help stir up interest.


At the same time, partying and trying to pass it off as “work” doesn’t fly, not even with the most ardent of Mayweather supporters. It’s almost as ludicrous of a notion as the idea that Pacquiao wants Mayweather to lose to Ortiz and is trying to distract him with this dumb lawsuit, when in reality, Pacquiao loses out on a massive payday if Mayweather drops a match to Ortiz and loses his undefeated streak.


Mayweather can be likeable guy, but he’s opted to go the other route. And once you do that, there’s no turning back. Currently, the undefeated superstar is feeling the flip side effect of what happens when you play the villainous role – you don’t get the same benefits of the doubt that the heroes get.


ow my, in so many cases of violence around the world here is one guy pretending hes living in a theatrical act portraying "calculated promotional events designed to appeal to his fan base and maintain his public presence". where did you get this sh*t nonsense? you mean Qaddafi could be acting as villain for global conflict balancing the powers of good and evil presenting artificial dangers? you mean those who were killed in this conflict are pretending they're dead? you gotta be kidding me! floyds acts are pure immaturity drunk with his self. an egoist that thinks the world revolves around him yet this narcissist braggart sees he's greatest rival beating his ass out on every points, from inside the ring to outside popularity, influence and politics. his disgraceful uneducated ways is compared to his counterpart branded him instead as villain from trash talking to baseless accusations and now violence.. psychological assessments on floyd jr is he plainly had a rough childhood life most probably from his criminal dad's hands. you cant ignore the fact this is floyd himself. he is who he is, no take two, no camera action, no curtains down and no audience applause. this is real life and sooner or later he will have to face reality that he is hitting the wall, pulling the plug and going to jail or kissing the ground.


my message to floyd is, wake up dude, you're going no where. live in reality and stop pretending. you're not the best out there. you have to prove you're greatness by beating pac, cotto, margarito and everyone else before being proclaimed the greatest. prove your worth.


Mayweather and his legal team can say many good things just to get away with the deposition, but in the long run it is the court to decide. Deep into Mayweather's and in his attorney's mind they know if they are telling lies. Their real conscience tells it, and the public and the unbiased media knows if it is a lie.


ordering a bodyguard to shoot a person in skating rink,threatening a security guard and an ex wife ,burning a monetary bill,ignoring a court order,oral defamation and many others you name it.all these acts floyd did.if mr, tratos will say floyd is a good person then i can say there is no bad person.


Grasping at straws, Mr. Tratos.you are in effect picturing Floyd as saying."screw the Courts! I have a calculated promotional event to attend to.".yep.I calculate it to be $100..hahaha.I can't imagine the honorable Judge buying your pathetic excuse.you put Floyd into deeper s**t!


You are absolutely right in your well explained observation.


Nice article Alex, I salute you!