Mayweather vs Cotto: Feud with Larry Merchant Perfect Subplot for Big-Time Bout

Floyd Mayweather is a mastermind when it comes to getting fans hyped for his next fight, and he’s up to his old tricks once again.

HBO’s 24/7 Series leading up to his fight with Miguel Cotto premiered over the weekend, and while he didn’t talk too much trash about his opponent, that didn’t mean Money May was silent.

He chose to throw his verbal jabs in the direction of an 81-year-old. HBO ringside interviewer Larry Merchant called out Money May after his controversial win last September against Victor Ortiz, uttering these infamous words: "I wish I was 50 years younger and I'd kick your ass." 

Mayweather hasn’t forgotten, and reminded HBO viewers (via USA Today):

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Mayweather, in the series the network uses as a sort of infomercial for bouts, says there's no way he'll talk to HBO boxing analyst Merchant, adding, "You can put 10 Larry Merchants in the ring with Floyd Mayweather, and they could all be 21 (years old), and they're all going to come up short."

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Guess who HBO has already assigned for ringside reporting duties? Ding, ding, let Round 2 begin.

What’s going to be the most interesting aspect about Mayweather-Merchant II is the “what’s next” questions that will surely follow. If Mayweather wins, then all of the attention turns to his 87-day jail sentence that begins on June 1. There is no question Merchant has some sort of question regarding it and you know that’s the last thing Mayweather wants to talk about.

If Money May were to lose for the first time in his professional career, Merchant won’t have to do anything to enrage Mayweather.

Is this bout lacking a bit of luster? Yes. Does Mayweather need to manufacture a beef with an old man to drum up the interest a bit? Yes.

Did he do a good job with it? Yes.

Mayweather is a mastermind when it comes to soaking every last $60 PPV buys out of boxing fans, and this is one of the best ways to do it.

Can’t wait to see how he reacts after the fight, but we already know Merchant isn’t going to back down. Let the speculation begin for the fight after the fight.  

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