JEFF MAYWEATHER: “IN TWO YEARS, TMT PROMOTIONS WILL BE THE STRONGEST PROMOTERS IN BOXING”

“I think it is the best thing to ever happen to boxing, and TMT Promotions is about to shake up the boxing world and everyone wants to be a part of it; fighters, writers, photographers, and even other small-time promoters all want to be a part or join forces. I have got countless calls from so many people wanting to find a way in. 50 Cent is a brilliant businessman and it is the best thing to happen in joining forces with Floyd. I think within two years, TMT Promotions will be the strongest promoters in boxing,” stated world-class trainer Jeff Mayweather, who shared his thoughts on TMT Promotions, his work on The Ultimate Fighter, and much more. Check it out!

SS: How are things going with the UFC show [The Ultimate Fighter]? Is there anything you can talk about regarding it?

JM: Things are going great, but to be honest, I can’t really share anything that is going on with the. I had to sign a confidentiality agreement because what’s being filmed will not air until September.

SS: We’ll look forward to it in September. Have you had a chance to watch much of the Olympics up to now? Is there anybody you are expecting to do big things in London?

JM: I have only had a chance to watch three fights, and at this point, no one really stands out enough to say this guy will win gold. I was very impressed with the Super Heavyweight fight between Savon and the kid from Great Britain. Although I thought Savon won, it was a very tough, hard-fought fight and both guys showed great potential.

SS: I echo those comments about Savon vs. Joshua. I though Savon nicked it. Olympics aside, the story on everybody’s lips in boxing as of late is the TMT Promotions developments. Personally, I think it could be great for boxing. What are your thoughts on the development?

JM: I think it is the best thing to ever happen to boxing, and TMT Promotions is about to shake up the boxing world and everyone wants to be a part of it; fighters, writers, photographers, and even other small-time promoters all want to be a part or join forces. I have got countless calls from so many people wanting to find a way in. 50 Cent is a brilliant businessman and it is the best thing to happen in joining forces with Floyd. I think within two years, TMT Promotions will be the strongest promoters in boxing.

SS: It does sound very intriguing. The signing that has intrigued me most is the Andre Berto one. Obviously Andre has had a tough time lately. Do you think Berto could prove to be a catalyst for success in TMT promotions? He has tremendous ability and was widely tipped to join the elite fighters in contention for Floyd and Manny. If TMT can rebuild his career and get him to that level, that could make a huge statement of TMT’s intentions.

JM: Berto is still a very talented, young fighter. He’s a little flawed and a little tainted because of what happened outside the ring more so than what happened inside. It was no shame in losing to Ortiz. He fought like a true warrior and gave the fans his heart and soul, so it’s time for redemption with him and signing with TMT has just made his stock rise without even having a fight at all. Great move for him.

SS: I recently wrote an article that maybe Berto could be a possible opponent for Floyd in the near after his allegiance with TMT. It could be good business for TMT in catapulting Berto to the top. What are your thoughts on that?

JM: I’m not 100% sure if that is the plan with signing Berto, but it will raise his stock and create a much bigger following for him and make him a more viable opponent in the eyes of the boxing public.

SS: TMT could really prove to be an exciting prospect for boxing. With 50′s role in music, do you think we could see a unique way in which boxing events are presented with the possibility of extra entertainment before, during, and after the show?

JM: I’m sure that will happen. 50 Cent has so many great ideas, but I can’t reveal any of them because it will cause so much chaos in the boxing world.

SS: Sounds like we all have a lot to look forward to then. LOL. Obviously it is a good time for the Mayweather family, with Floyd about to be released shortly. Clearly family comes first and he will not rush back in to the ring, but are the signs positive for a return this year or dp you anticipate Floyd to return in 2013?

JM: That can’t really be answered by me. Only Floyd can answer that one. He may be extremely hungry about getting back in the ring, or he might just want to bask in the mere fact of being a free man and appreciate the little things that we all generally take for granted.

SS: Questions will instantly turn to who is next in line for Floyd. I won’t waste your time talking about Manny Pacquiao. LOL. In Floyd’s position, the importance to do good numbers is just as high as the right opponent. Can you just want to get your thoughts on a few guys that have been touted as possible opponents: Robert Guerrero, Migel Cotto in a rematch, Saul Alvarez, Sergio Martinez, and Amir Khan?

JM: At this point, only one guy on that list means anything and could help the pay-per-view revenue and that is Alvarez. Guerrero brings nothing to the table. Cotto doesn’t really make sense because the boxing world would only hate on Floyd for making that fight again. Khan makes no sense; it would be like taking candy from a baby and Floyd once again would be ridiculed for fighting Khan. Floyd is really only a welterweight, so fighting Martinez also makes no sense.

SS: Definitely would agree there. They are the names on the lips of many boxing scribes and fans across the networks. We briefly touched on Amir Khan, who was hotly tipped by Golden Boy promotions before the Garcia fight. We have seen recently Amir remaining diplomatic on the situation with Freddie Roach. Being a coach yourself, you know every coach has a style and weaknesses too. Do you feel that Freddie Roach has took Amir as far as he could?

JM: Well, Freddie obviously doesn’t know how to teach defense. Not only has it shown with Khan, it has shown pretty much with all of his fighters. Manny is just an exceptional offensive fighter, but his defense has countless holes in it. Amir Khan’s defense never existed. Linares got ruined.

SS: To the naked eye, it appears that the problem is the defense of Amir, which has obviously led to suggestions that the Mayweather training camp would be a great option for him. Do you think problems lie deeper than just his defense?

JM: Amir Khan would never train with a Mayweather for the mere fact of still hoping to fight Floyd, but it’s more than just defense. He has horrible balance and doesn’t know how to fight inside. He has great hand speed and also very fast feet. His original plan, when he first came to America, he sought out Floyd Mayweather Sr. to be his trainer, but for some reason, it never happened. Now, with his pure obsession with Floyd Jr., he would never be trained by a Mayweather.

SS: It has been widely reported that there is some substance in the rumors of a Ricky Hatton comeback. With big Floyd being in the Hatton camp towards the end of his career, what are your thoughts on this possibility?

JM: I have no idea about that, nor have I heard any such thing. There is a lot of talk going around; some of it true, some of it just gossip, and I would think that this is more along the lines of gossip. I talked with Floyd Sr. and he never mentioned training Hatton again, nor Amir Khan, which also has been put out there.

SS: We have seen Celestino sign with TMT Promotions. Just for fans’ awareness, what have you got lined up for your fighters in the near future?

JM: Well, the most important thing with Celestino was finding a promoter who has his back, and he feels good about being a part of the team. His career may span maybe another two years at the most, so it’s great for him to be a part of what I believe will be the strongest and most powerful promotional team in boxing, and he will be one of the pioneers by being one of the original fighters to launch TMT Promotions. I have a comeback fight coming up with Derrick Smoke Gainer, a comeback fight with Michael Grant, and also an upcoming fight with Heavyweight Contender Kevin Kingpin Johnson. Celestino, well, we will see soon what TMT has in store for him.

Fight fans, remember to check out the UFC show, The Ultimate Fighter, in September. Keep an eye out for more details

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