In a recent interview with The Grand Rapids Press of Michigan, recently retired boxer, Floyd Mayweather Jr, considered by many the sport’s best pound for pound fighter, criticized HBO’s boxing announcers of never praising black fighters; although he went on to say the network “is great”
"They talk about Kelly Pavlik, a white fighter, like he's the second coming. Or they go crazy over Manny Pacquiao. But I'm a black fighter.”
“Is it racial? Absolutely. They praise white fighters, they praise Hispanic fighters, whatever. But black fighters, they never praise.”
"I've noticed it for a long time but I couldn't say anything because I had to do business with them. I'll still do business with them, but I'm done holding my tongue."
Ross Greenburg, President of HBO Sports issued in a statement that the network that has broadcasted many of Mayweather’s fights was disappointed to hear about Mayweather’s remarks and had denied his claims. He also said:
"Floyd is a tremendous athlete who gave his all to the sport. We have nothing but admiration for what he accomplished in the ring, His remarks regarding HBO broadcasters and executives are unfortunate and we could not disagree more."
The interview occurred in downtown Grand Rapids on the first day of a three-day retirement celebration.
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