Floyd Mayweather Credits God for Superior Boxing Skills
Floyd Mayweather, championship-winning boxer who is preparing to fight Miguel Cotto for the junior middleweight title on Saturday, said the fact that he is gifted by God sets him a part from other fighters.
"The difference between me and any other fighter is they're talented, I'm God-gifted. There's a difference. God gives certain individuals gifts and boxing is one of my gifts," Mayweather told Michael Eric Dyson in a recent interview for HBO Boxing's "Speaking Out."
Despite the public perception of Mayweather being a loud-mouthed flashy fighter, the boxer explained that his tough life has made him feel he can accomplish anything. Mayweather described experiences like watching his father sell drugs to his mother, and losing his best friend.
"I beat all odds. My dad went to prison and my best friend, we talked about getting into the drug game," said Mayweather, describing a memory. "We went to this guys house, I was say 16, then something told me no. He said forget it I'm gonna do it. He did it. He's dead now."
The boxer admitted that there were a few obstacles in his way, outside of the fight that will take place on May 5. On June 1, the undefeated fighter will serve a 90-day jail sentence after taking a plea deal to avoid a felony charge for reportedly assaulting his former girlfriend and threatening his two children in a 2010 incident.
Melissa Saragosa, the judge presiding over the case, also ordered the boxer to undergo 100 hours of community service and pay a $2,500 fine. However, Mayweather said he is remaining positive throughout the ordeal.
"Am I guilty? Absolutely not, I took a plea," Mayweather said. "I never want to drag my family through the mud. I didn't want to bring my children to court. The only thing I can do is try to be positive."
One way Mayweather does that is by giving back to the less fortunate.
"But of course for Floyd Mayweather it's more than just nice automobiles, more than just mansions, millions of dollars. It's about giving back," Mayweather told Dyson. "I love giving back to the less fortunate. I give back to the public schools because that's what I come from, a hard rough life."