Fight night

There are a few occasions each year when Sin City sees an influx of crowds, New Year’s Eve and Superbowl are expected, but fight nights - those are special. The rich and famous, and fans alike will flock to Vegas to witness the battle. There is a unique energy to the city when boxing takes center stage, and I have no doubt it’ll be present again when Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez enter the ring, this Saturday night.

Admittedly, I never had much interest in Boxing until HBO started airing “24/7” it is a brief documentary that follows the fighters during training for the weeks leading up to the fight. By watching you gain perspective, you learn about the fighters, their style, commitment and drive, you develop an emotional attachment. In turn, when the fight rolls around you have vested interest in the men in the ring. It’s one of the greatest marketing ploys I can recall. It sells Frank and I each time. We watch the “24/7” series and then purchase the fight on PPV. Mayweather vs. Marquez will be no different.

Undefeated Mayweather Jr. has a record of 39-0. Making Marquez a solid underdog, he’s proved himself back home in Mexico, but it’s doubtful he has what it takes to become the Welterweight Champion. This fight was scheduled originally for July, but it was postponed due to a rib injury Mayweather suffered during training. Perhaps, the delay will prove to be beneficial to Marquez? But that remains to be seen.

In “24/7” we are shown that both men are family oriented. They’re both strong fighters. Mayweather Jr. is arrogant, but with a 39-0 record I think he’s earned the right to be pompous. His speed is unreal, and frankly I believe his skills are unmatched. Marquez will need all the help he can get to win this fight. If that means drinking his own urine so be it. Yes, he really does. He believes it replenishes his body with vitamins and nutrients. Whatever it takes, I suppose.

Friday, HBO will re-air all previous episodes of “24/7” Mayweather vs. Marquez. Check it out, if you haven’t seen it. It’s wildly fascinating. Then, you can get suckered into watching the fight on PPV like us. Seriously, though, it should be a great match-up.