Money May looks and sounds like a new man.
Floyd Mayweather, Jr. has always been well known for his skill in the ring, but his bravado is also a part of the package. Those two qualities have made him the most polarizing fighter in the world today.
His style and outspoken nature have garnered him legions of fans and haters. That combination will make you rich, but it also brings a ton of pressure. Recently released from an 87-day jail sentence, Mayweather has the look of a more mature and thoughtful man.
The effect confinement can have on a person is significant. Depending on the man or woman, the results can be positive or negative.
I never disliked Mayweather. Though I didn't always agree with the way he has expressed himself, I've always been a fan.
Within reason, I've always been able to separate the image from the talent in athletes. Mayweather is certainly an example of the type of athlete to which you must employ that thought process.
In this his first interview since being released, Mayweather seems much more selfless and aware of the power in his words. He's even grown his hair; not that that is a character of defining change, but it's a change nonetheless.
I understand boxing is a sport that requires self-promotion. Without that as a skill, the ceiling of earnings and popularity will never be as high as a fighter like Mayweather.
I've never held his boastful comments against him since it's just business. Judging by his disposition in the interview, I'm not sure we'll ever see the old Floyd again.
That could be a good or a bad thing, depending on how you look at it. While this demeanor may be more pleasing to the fans that want a humble champion, it could cause Floyd his competitive edge.
That is something that is essential in the sport of boxing.
Mayweather is the rare athlete that excels in a room where everyone hates him. He rises to the occasion when faced with haters that want to see him finally take his medicine. That's one of the things I've always admired about him.
That quality is as rare a quality as you'll find in professional sports.
But what happens if Mayweather loses that defiance? He's 35, and the amazing reflexes and speed that has helped him become the best fighter of this generation may start to erode.
When the physical gifts begin to slip, what else would he have left?
Mayweather fans should be happy to see Money mature and be seemingly at peace. But you should keep your fingers crossed about his performance in the ring.
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