Mayweather’s Free Boxing Camp in Vegas
In yet another extension of his princely kingdom, no. 1 rated boxer of the world Floyd Mayweather is reportedly excited about teaching youths the fundamentals of boxing, as well as other life lessons in his summer camp in Las Vegas, Nevada. His 2010 summer camp opened on July 5th, and will be finished up for the year on August 9th.
In a statement, Mayweather said: “Without boxing, I would not be where I am today. To be able to give these kids a chance to learn about this sport is exciting for me. This camp is just another step for the Foundation to continue to make an impact on youth locally and nationally.”
Some 150 American kids, boys and girls, were selected to join the camp under the following age groups: 5-7, 8-10, 11-13, 14-16 and 17-18. Perhaps in years to come the world will see a world champion from the camp.
Participants were selected based on a number of tests, such as whether they were able to show ‘good conduct’ in a cooperative setting, a positive attitude towards taking instruction, competence with respect to physical activity, and good grades.
Mayweather stated: “Giving back to this community and providing opportunities for youth to stay active and gain new skills is very important to me.”
The comments were in line with recent ones indicating that he would be taking time off of boxing to pursue other activities and charitable work.
The camp has three sessions: July 5 to 12, July 19 to 26 and August 2 to 9. It is being held at Mayweather’s personal boxing club along Sciff Drive. While the camp is free of charge (provided membership is granted), transportation is not.
Several companies, such as Reebok and Everlast, will be sponsoring the camp. Everlast will provide equipment such as gloves, headgear and boxing trunks.
The summer camp comes as the most recent project in Mayweather’s own charity operation, the Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation. According to the official website, the foundation’s mission is “to empower and encourage community alliances, impact youth leadership and strengthen family foundations through community development, entrepreneurial-ism and education resulting in a healthier community.”
It is relatively unknown what Mayweather will do professionally in the ring in the next coming months, though there is speculation about the finalizing of an anticipated match with Manny Pacquiao. Negotiations have meandered for months, with Floyd first specifying that he will only fight with a larger purse, and that fighters should be subject to random drug tests during training period.
There are also reports that Mayweather will not fight until the end of his uncle Roger Mayweather’s trial, who stands for assault. Mayweather has past assault charges. He is one of Floyd’s corner-men.
Mayweather has won nine different boxing championships in five different weight classes. He is the former WBC welterweight champion, a title he vacated upon his retirement. For his achievements he was named Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year in 1998 and 2007, Best Fighter ESPY Award 2007 and 2008, BWAA Fighter of the Year 2007 by Boxing Writers Association of America, ESPN.com Fighter of the year 2007, The Ring Magazine event of the year 2007, 2008, and currently The Ring Magazine comeback of the year 2009.
Alike with these achievements, he is one of two boxers ever in Compubox history to go an entire round without being hit, and is widely regarded as one of the best boxers of all time. Mayweather has wins over such celebrated opponents as Genaro Hernandez, Jose Luis Castillo (twice), Diego Corrales, Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Marquez and Shane Mosley.
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