Taking place at the MGM Grand’s KA Theatre, the press conference was begun by Leonard Ellerbe , who welcomed everyone as he did during the first press conference and later Bob Arum, head of Top Rank Promotions took the stage and introduced representatives and speakers from Tecate, the World Boxing Council, and HBO. 7-time trainer of the year, Freddie Roach spoke as well, but he lacked the trash talkthat he exhibited in the first press conference.
Along with these formalities, a surprise speaker was introduced, Ilocos Governor Chavit Singson. Gov. Singson spoke shortly and diplomatically thanked many parties that were involved in this enormous event.
Finally, after 45 minutes of build up, the main components of the event on May 2nd had their chance to speak. First Manny addressed the crowd with many statements praising God and his hope that the fight “will give the fans enjoyment.” Along with this, Manny assuredly stated “There’s a lot of question in your minds that only God can answer us on Saturday.”
After Manny had his turn, Floyd came to the podium and gave perhaps the most surprising speech of the conference.
A very reserved Mayweather made no large claims, talked no trash, and was generally very un-Mayweather like. This was a large difference from the brash, loud, and boorish Floyd that people are used to seeing. From dancing the cha-cha at the Mayweather-De La Hoya press conference to the shoving matches at numerous other press conferences, this was a different Floyd Mayweather Jr.
He was much more subdued but for what reason? Perhaps Floyd feels there is no need to sell the fight anymore, or perhaps he was humbled knowing that the man who may be his equal was sitting only a few feet away.
The difference has many speculating as to whether Manny has humbled Floyd or if there any other reasons for the change in attitude. Brash attitude or not, the fight on Saturday will not be decided by words and trash talk, but will be decided by actions and each fighter’s will to win.
