Where do I begin?  I’m writing this story to anyone and everyone who will listen, but more importantly, to the legendary Mayweather family. The spotlight has never shined so brightly on any one family in the boxing community, and I am disheartened to see and hear of the distance created between Floyd Sr., Floyd Jr., Roger and Jeff Mayweather.   

Floyd Sr., is a former fighter, now trainer of one of the biggest attractions in boxing, Oscar de la Hoya.  Roger, 'The Black Mamba' as he was known, is a former champion, now trainer and uncle of the biggest superstar in boxing, Floyd Jr.  Younger brother Jeff, also a former fighter and now recognized trainer and writer.  The history of the Mayweathers speaks for itself.  As a person who frequents many Las Vegas fights, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting them and somehow feel a special bond towards them.  Each time we’ve met, they’ve been as cordial to me as stepping into a Las Vegas Buffet.  You get all you can handle.  So here’s my plea, MAKE UP, KISS and HUG, SHAKE each other's HAND.  Open up your eyes and look at the big picture.  Take a good look at yourselves now, compared to let's  say, 20 years ago.  I bet you never imagined the family being as successful as it is today. All of you are on top of the world, yet you bicker over what?  Do you even remember why you’re bickering, and if so, is it worth dividing your great family?  I don’t know if I believe in the cliché, blood is thicker than water, but it damn sure pours the same.

You’ve forged an empire of pugilistic greatness that only you can break down, and you’re letting stubbornness be your on worst enemy.  I don’t care how much either one of you say you still love each other on TV, deep down inside you have to feel some sort of emptiness in your lives.  I have two older brothers, and I would love for them to be a part of my every day life, but they can’t stay out of trouble, they can’t stop thinking about themselves. Your family, on the other hand, has the national spotlight shining on them more brightly than ever before.  Take advantage of it. 

I hear boxers all the time say, first and foremost, I’d like to thank God for giving me this opportunity.  Well, thank him for blessing your family with enough talent to have the world in the palm of your hands.  How often does an entire family of African-Americans become so successful?  The percentages must  be pretty low. 

Picture Floyd Jr., winning the Welterweight Championship of the world, which he will, and all of you there to witness it, in the ring to relish in his glory, the Mayweather family's glory! I don’t know about you, but I’d love to have a big beautiful picture of that scenario on my living room wall.

Sincerely,

Alton L. Hall

P.S. Can you teach my son the Mayweather shoulder roll?

7-28-20005

 

Brought to you by Saratogamist copyright 2001-2005