Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Live Blog: Floyd Mayweather - Juan Manuel Marquez conference call

Here we go. Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez are having a conference call today to hype their fight on September 19.

At 4:05 p.m., EST -- Richard Schaefer says Floyd Mayweather Jr. is healthy and they expect the fight to sell out. By the way, prices range from $100 to $1,000.

4:09 -- Floyd is introduced by Leonard Ellerbee as the biggest star in the sport.

4:11 -- Floyd said he is waking up at 4:00 a.m. for training. "I know all these young fighters are trying to gun for me. I'm an old cat in the sport of boxing ... Only the strong can survive."

4:12 -- "I didn't want to go into this fight like I have gone into other fights in the past," meaning he didn't want to fight at less than 100 percent.

4:13 -- "I feel Manny Pacquiao is a good fighter, he does his job to the best of his ability. Many people forget that Manny Pacquiao got beat by Erik Morales. I am still at the top of my game and I have never been beat. He hasn't done anything that I haven't done."

4:14 -- Blessings to the Gatti family, he was one helluva a warrior, that was a true champion who will be truly missed.

4:15 -- Floyd does a nice tap dance around Dan Rafael's question regarding his injury. He calls it a freak accident.

4:16 -- Now he clarifies that he had a rib injury but despite Dan's best efforts, he won't say how it happened.

4:20 -- Floyd says he began training last week. He also says he has taken his kids to he NBA summer league games at Thomas and Mack.

4:24 -- Of his Dad, Floyd says that he is coming around and getting to know his grandchildren. And Floyd suggests that's more important than he and his father working together. He also says that his children are the future of the "Mayweather brand."

4:27 -- He says if he fought Oscar at 147, it would have ended in a knockout, with Oscar on his face or his back.
4:30 -- Floyd, talking about his retirement, said he never had a break. He had his first fight in 1987 and needed a break, a vacation. He assures that this comeback has to do with his love of boxing and it's not because he needs the money. He reminds us that he is doing the interview from his 22,000 square foot home.

4:33 -- Floyd says right now he weighs 149, 150.

4:34 -- He rates Marquez over Manny. He also believes Marquez won both fights against Pacquiao. We all know Bob Arum has a trick up his sleeve. Marquez is a Mexican warrior.

My apologies to Floyd, JMM and the rest of the parties... and to you the fans.. breaking news beckons. I must bail on the conference call. I will get back to all of this later in the day. -- CASSIDY

....source