The wide world of sports attracts fans from all walks of life. From the filthy rich to the dirt poor, regardless of profession or obsession, we support favorite teams and sports figures. Athletes likewise have their own favorites, not necessarily coming from the same sporting discipline.
The planet’s biggest professional league attracts the biggest stars from the world of sports and entertainment. We always see during NBA games big-name stars on courtside seats supporting their preferred teams.
Recently when the Miami Heat hosted the Milwaukee Bucks, two of the best prizefighters were in attendance. Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. were at courtside seated directly opposite each other. Floyd is a regular at Heat games while Manny was forced to be there as he can’t fly out of Miami because of the winter storms. As we all know, Manny helped the lady from Colombia win the Miss Universe crown. And he could have revised his Miss U question to something like, “what will you say to Floyd Mayweather Jr.?”
During a break in the first quarter, the overhead screen at the American Airlines Arena flashed the two fighters with the caption, “Coming in 2015? Heat TV”. The crowd cheered as obviously, these two exchanging how-do-you-dos with their fists is the most anticipated match.
During halftime, Floyd initiated contact and went across Manny and they chatted for a little while. People around merrily snapped pictures of them on the sidelines with their smart phones. While PacMan seemed to have no escorts, Floyd came to him surrounded by six bodyguards.
They exchanged phone numbers and sources say Floyd told Manny it’s time to work things out by themselves. Floyd said it is important to get in touch with PacMan to “eliminate the lies being said”. He also wants to clear things, like “them lying about having a contract for us (to fight each other)”, in specific reference to promoters. After the brief meet, both fighters shook hands and did a half-hearted, no eye contact embrace.
The exact details of their conversation could never be known but I will assume this is what transpired from the moment Floyd approached Manny with those huge escorts in tow:
PacMan : Hah! You’re going to fight me!? You’re going to fight me!?
Floyd : Not here man. If you can survive a single round with this gorilla behind me, I’ll fight you for free.
PacMan : Hah!? Are you kidding me!? That’s not a gorilla, it’s King Kong! And why do you need plenty of bodyguards?
Floyd : Hey, I’ve got more money than you. I can have a battalion if I want to.
PacMan : Ah, maybe. Well, I’m just a congressman but, ah, can you read? You know, like the messages on the phone you are holding?
Floyd : (not answering the question) Let’s meet some other time man. Give me your phone number.
And they parted ways. A short time later, Manny got a text message from Floyd, “HY MANI.. SMART KA? PA LOAD 200. TY. FYT U SOON. LOL.”
And that’s how the first meeting between the PacMan and Mayweather Jr. ended.