By Luis Sandoval
After last week’s episode of Mayweather-Ortiz 24/7, one had to wonder how they would follow up such a shocking ending. While we didn’t see anything as memorable as the fight between Floyd Mayweather and his father, Floyd Sr., we still got a good episode with plenty to talk about.
We are first given a recap on what transpired in last week’s episode and then are immediately taken into The Palms Casino Hardwood Suite where rapper 50 Cent is filming a music video for charity. The star studded affair includes such names as Mike Tyson and of course, Floyd "Money" Mayweather.
After not making any appearances in the first episode, Floyd’s stacks of money make their debut in the new series as Floyd rejoices in the winnings that he acquired after an NFL preseason bet. The stacks also serve a different purpose as he and 50 cent carry on an imaginary phone conversation using the stacks of cash as phones.
Through this conversation however, we get some more insight on Floyd’s feelings regarding last week's fight with his father.
“Yeah I seen my daddy on 24/7. Yeah, he was hating” says Floyd to his mother in the imaginary conversation. If anyone thought the fight with Floyd Mayweather Sr. would affect Floyd in any way, they were wrong.
It was revealed that he hasn’t spoken to his father since the incident and on Floyd’s part, he could care less.
“I don’t gotta speak to him again in life. I don’t care. You know, I’m fine, with or without him in my life.”
The feud between them appeared to be a distant memory, as he now focuses on returning to the ring stronger than ever.
At the Ortiz camp, Victor and his team prepare to appear on CNN’s Pierce Morgan show. He won’t be alone, as promoter and friend, Oscar De La Hoya, will be by his side.
“Oscar De La Hoya, he impressed me a lot as a kid. He was like a god” says Victor of his boyhood hero.
Oscar lends his words and advice to his young pupil before the show and then again during one of Ortiz’s workouts. He manages to write off all of Floyd’s recent victories including the one Floyd had over Oscar himself.
Hatton?
“A little guy, an easy fight for Floyd”.
His thoughts on Marquez?
“Come on, Marquez? Another little guy”.
On the Golden boy himself?
“Come on, I was done!”.
He also placed Shane Mosley in the old category and told Ortiz he would be the one to get the job done against Floyd because of his youth, size, and strength. While that’s definitely a possibility, it’s still an all too familiar tale from Oscar as we’ve seen him also promise victories over Floyd from those same individuals he dismissed.
If anything can be said about Victor is that he is beaming with confidence going into this fight. Vowing to destroy Mayweather, a playful jump rope match with his trainer Danny Garcia soon turns into a display of his physical conditioning. A strong flurry on the ropes quickly reminds everyone of the task at hand and what’s at stake.
Back at camp Mayweather, an interesting discovery is made as we find out that former world champion Cornelius Boza Edwards, who’s shared the ring with the likes of Bobby Chacon and Alexis Arguello, is actually responsible for taking care of not only the Mayweather Gym, but also Roger Mayweather.
Much like Floyd commenting on his recent legal battles last week, Roger Mayweather addressed his own. A 2009 battery charge involving one his former female boxers was dropped but only in exchange for Roger attending anger management classes. While cameras weren’t allowed inside the 90 minute anger management session, Roger gives us a recap of what transpired.
“Same ole sh*t”.
Back the Mayweather gym, it is midnight as his staff waits patiently for the boxer to make his appearance. He called for a late training session but Floyd shows up on his own time. Money finally arrives at 1:00am to conduct what is his third training session of the day. Mayweather is known for training at odd hours but to find out he’s doing three-a-days is a thing to marvel at. He works out for an hour and a half before calling it a day at 2:30am.
While his day is ending, only a few hours separate the workd day beginning for Victor Ortiz, as he trains on the beaches in Ventura. And if you ever wondered why Victor covered up the “Ortiz” that once branded his back, he gave us a clear explanation.
A reunion with his father, who abandoned Victor and his brother, was the root of it all. His father rudely told him that HE was the reason Victor was where he was and that Victor having his name,“Ortiz” tattooed on his back, made him proud. That’s all Victor needed to know as he asked a friend to cover the tattoo up with a design of his own. His way of getting rid of old memories and to take away something his father was proud of.
The show wouldn’t be complete with both fighters talking about each other. Victor vows that despite being 10 years younger, he’s been through a lot more than Floyd and that Floyd would not be able to endure his peronsal adversity. He also criticizes the fact that Floyd has money to burn; literally.
Floyd on the other hand promises to beat Ortiz and “son” his younger foe. During a nightly jog, Floyd boasts about his skills but also reminds us his daddy is hating, Oscar having his drug issues and referring to Victor as a Victoria Secret model. The war of words is on.
While the show was nothing like last week’s episode, it was still interesting. You had to expect a letdown as not every show can be as intense and drama filled. One thing is for sure, both men are training hard and I expect the trash talk to resume next week.
Grade: 3/5