Boxing News 2016: Trainer Teddy Atlas Rips Mayweather For Racism Claims, Says Pacquiao-Bradley 3 'Will Not Disappoint'
Veteran boxing coach and Mike Tyson's former trainer, Teddy Atlas, recently spoke about Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s accusation that racism still exists in the sport.
"Money May" made his initial statements in a December interview with Fight Hype, noting how he believes prejudice against African-American fighters still holds true today. He even went as far as questioning how people praised UFC fighter Conor McGregor for trash talking, but he (Mayweather) was branded as "cocky and arrogant" whenever he did it.
Mayweather has been taking flack for the said statements, in which McGregor had already repeatedly responded to.
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Recently, Atlas gave his own comments about the matter in an interview with Fight Hub TV. According to Atlas, Mayweather's comments are simply "absurd," considering that fighters share a "common bond of respect and understanding," especially after fighting and sharing a moment inside the ring.
Atlas was particular about how a fight between two high-level boxers "erases everything except commonality."
"They have genuine care for each other because of that voyage, that journey, so there's no racism that I've ever seen," Atlas said in the interview.
The 59-year old trainer and fight commentator also spoke about the upcoming rubber match between eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao and his fighter, WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley. The fight is scheduled to take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 9.
It will also be Pacquiao's 66th and final fight, before putting his sole focus on being a public servant in the Philippines.
In a report by Victor Salazar for Boxingscene, Atlas spoke about how both Pacquiao and Bradley are always game fighters who leave it all on the line whenever they step inside the ring. This is what he believes makes the said fight a must-see spectacle.
"They bring ability to win at the highest level," Atlas said, according to Boxingscene. "On April 9th, whatever side you flip your ballot for - both those sides will deliver."
