Young, Black, Rich and Angry

Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is one of the most dominant athletes in the history of sports.

When he announced his "retirement" in June of last year, he was walking away from the ring undefeated, widely regarded as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

Today, nearly two years since his last fight, Mayweather is on his way back to the ring. But considering that we're less than 36 hours away from his return to boxing, wouldn't one expect this to the be the story right now?

Instead, the only news coming out of the Mayweather camp -- as far as the everyday sports fan can tell -- is negative.

"Money" Mayweather is struggling financially. He's also the focal point of an ongoing investigation concerning a shooting. And in recent days, he's made news by sharing his thoughts on why he's so underappreciated, namely because of the complexion of his skin.

"If Floyd Mayweather was white, I'd be the biggest athlete in America. The biggest, the biggest. I know that for a fact," said Mayweather, speaking in the third person Tuesday at a meeting with reporters.

I'm not sure what proof he has to back that up, but it is an interesting thought. On the surface, it does make you wonder why the guy isn't embraced in America: Pretty Boy Mayweather is talented, good-looking, and at the forefront of his sport.

In America that combination (a la Tiger Woods) typically leads to marketability, fame, and sustained wealth. But Mayweather has struggled in each of those respects.

Very few athletes have had as much success as the undefeated -- and now unretired -- former champion. But of those that have, none have had such a difficult time growing their fanbase.

In fact, many spectators -- from diehards to the casual fan -- root against the six-time world champion.

For scores of people, Mayweather's demise is part of the attraction. Oscar De La Hoya, one of boxing's legends in his own right, believes this to be true.

"Millions watch because they can't wait to see him lose," said De La Hoya, one of the promoters for Saturday's 144-pound bout between Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez.

Mayweather thinks this is because he's African-American. He's wrong.

It's not about race. It's about persona.

While race relations in America remain a global embarrassment for our nation, Floyd Mayweather is disliked, sometimes even hated, for other reasons.

The average middle-class American, those who financially support Mayweather's flashy lifestyle, are diametrically opposed to his ego-driven ways.




The 32-year old fighter flaunts rolls of $100 bills, drives around in pricey vehicles (one of which, a $500,000 Mercedes Maybach 57S, has been repossessed), and openly rips into both individuals and organizations at random.

Mayweather wants to be loved by his fellow Americans. I guess he didn't get the memo: people don't like angry, spoiled, ego-maniacs that never shut their mouths.

This isn't the only reason sports fans aren't in love with Mayweather, though.

Simply put, Americans don't love boxing anymore. From pay-per-view's monopolization of TV rights, to the lack of a compelling American heavyweight, boxing has lost its appeal across the United States.

Americans don't hate the player -- they hate the game.

Mayweather kept rambling on Tuesday: "Sometimes I'll sit back, I'll be in my theater sometimes, and I'll think: 'Imagine if I was the same fighter that I am, and I was the same person that I am, and I was from another country. Can you just imagine how big I'd be?'"

And in the next breath, as if he knew that every reporter before him was taken aback by his candid yet cocky reflection, he continued...

"But I wouldn't change my life for nothing in the world. There's nothing like being young, black and rich. But there are certain things you think about."

Yes, Floyd. There are certain things you think about.