Over the years HBO has been criticized heavily for their selection of fights but very few can question that the network has consistently produced some of the finest documentaries and boxing related preview shows. HBO’s ‘Countdown’ and ‘24/7’ series, both of which focus around an upcoming Pay Per View main event, have been well laid out and full of insight and behind the scenes coverage.
More of that coverage has been on display during the recent edition of Mayweather/Marquez 24/7. The most recent episode served as a telling illustration of just how stark the contrast in personalities is between the two combatants. In Mayweather we have a man who is completely sure of himself and who is willing to do anything to let the world know it without any hint of shame. Marquez’ confidence is also very evident, but his demeanor is more humble and his modest attitude is polar opposite of Lil’ Floyd’s.
After episode 3 more revelations rose to the surface and each man’s family relationships, training camp, and more were on display. Here is a quick recap below of some of the highlights and lowlights of the most recent edition of Mayweather/Marquez 24/7.
Another Sunday night at the Mayweathers
The episode started out with another crowded house at the home of Deborah Sinclair, the mother of Floyd Jr. While Floyd was talking loudly and playing cards with his family it was very evident that he seemed relaxed and at ease. Later in the night the attention of the household would turn to the television set, where the second episode of Mayweather/Marquez 24/7 was being aired. After getting one glimpse of Juan Manuel Marquez drinking his own urine to benefit his training techniques, Floyd and the entire household erupted in laughter and bewilderment.
Later Floyd would be seen running at 1:05 in the morning, talking to himself and claiming “If you can shut me up then go ahead. Until then I am still the king.”
Nacho Beristain driving with style to Marquez’ last sparring sessions
During his daily commute to the Romanza Boxing Gym, famed trainer Nacho Beristain would be seen driving his 1965 Shelby Mustang. It was mentioned during the episode that the classic car is almost like a parallel to Beristain’s prized pupil Marquez in that both entities are battle tested yet still pristine.
As Beristain arrived at the gym Marquez was getting ready for another day of sparring, one of his last before the fight. As the Mexico City native went to work he seemed very fit and strong. Beristain himself stated that Marquez was getting faster as the fight drew near and that his punches were much more fluid.
Marquez and the family connection
Later on Marquez would be seen visiting his family. Just from seeing the champion interact with his loved ones it because very clear that family is a huge part of Marquez’ life. “It’s important to me,” Marquez reaffirmed. “[Being around them] gives me confidence and moral strength.”
On a side note, later in the evening Marquez’ father gave his thoughts on his son and revealed that before Juan Manuel was born, five of his own daughters preceded him. “I had five daughters at first. Then I had Juan Manuel and I said ‘here we go’”.
In the Blood
As the attention shifted back to Las Vegas we again took an intimate look inside the camp of Money Mayweather. As Floyd went to work hitting the pads inside of the ring there was a mesmerized spectator at ringside, Roger Mayweather’s son Lehkei. Moments later Lehkei would be seen emulating Floyd’s style as he shadowboxed. When asked if his son was destined to be a fighter, Roger gave a fitting response. “I don’t know but he loves boxing. I can’t give you the answer on that but it’s in his blood.”
During a later moment in the camp, famous comedian Eddie Murphy made an appearance to show his support to Floyd. Murphy made a point to wish Floyd good luck and was later quizzed by Roger on his boxing history.
The media comes to town
The media would later come to town for both fighters, with Marquez being featured first. On hand during the day was Marquez’ promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, who seemed genuinely impressed at how his fighter was looking. Marquez later made mention that a victory over Floyd would be a great triumph, not just for him, but also for his fans and family.
While the media was in Floyd’s gym, more trash talk and bravado again rose to the surface. The Mayweather camp was beyond adamant about not having to come up with a strategy for Marquez, and that they would deal with any situations when they presented themselves in the ring. “I don’t watch or study tapes because I don’t have to,” Floyd boasted. “When I get in the ring I can adjust to any fighter.”
Marquez’ passion for the game
As the episode turned back to the Marquez camp, Nacho Beristain watched with a close eye. He made sure to tell Marquez not to get too confident during the second half of the fight, as he has done in the past. When asked of his role come fight time Beristain was quick to point out that he would be there for his charge in whatever way possible. “When that moment comes, in the corner I will be there for him 100%.”
Later in the day Marquez would take a break to take in a soccer game between Mexico and Honduras. Surrounded by his charged countrymen, Marquez felt completely at ease. “The fans have a passion that gets to you. I think a lot of Mexicans are going to be there (Las Vegas) and I will be happy for their support September 19th.”
Mexican Fortitude and American Swagger
As the episode closed out, intense flashes of both men in training camp was illustrated. It is strikingly evident that each man is taking the contest very serious and training with a steadfast determination. While there are similarities of their focus and confidence for the upcoming fight, the narrative that closed out mentioned the contrast that exists in regards to both men’s upbringing, outlook in life, and overall demeanor. Coming from different walks in life, together Mayweather and Marquez will cross paths in what is destined to be one of the year’s more memorable showdowns.
Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-22973-Miami-Boxing-Examiner~y2009m9d13-Highlights-of-MayweatherMarquez-247-Episode-3-Mexican-Fortitude-Confronts-American-Swagger?cid=examiner-email
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