New Year’s resolutions eyed for Mayweather

The new year begins tomorrow and while it may be wishful thinking, here’s what we hope Floyd Mayweather puts in his list of 10 resolutions.

• To be humble. Mayweather could go down in history as the most arrogant fighter ever, boastful, brash and utterly classless. Muhammad Ali was loquacious and had the louder mouth but he came across as a showman whom fans loved. Sure, Ali taunted his opponents, calling Sonny Liston the bear and George Chuvalo the washerwoman. Sure, Ali predicted the rounds when his opponents would fall. But he was a media darling. Ali put on a show wherever he went, wherever he fought. He did it for the fans and for the sport. Mayweather, in contrast, does things for himself. He couldn’t care less about the fans and is only concerned about taking their money.

• To be courageous. Now that he’s getting on in years, Mayweather is becoming more and more cautious. He’s handpicking victims. Marcos Maidana is a vivid example of a patsy whom Mayweather dolled out to create a “competitive” atmosphere for a rematch. If Mayweather is really The Greatest Ever, then he should back up his talk with his fists. He’s got two more fights left in his Showtime contract. Mayweather is threatening to retire after his last bout in September next year. If he’s half the fighter he insists he is, then he should fight Manny Pacquiao, nobody else.

• To be a role model. This may be an impossibility but why not go for it anyway? Vice is written all over Mayweather’s face. He loves being the anti-hero, the villain of all villains. But is that how he wants to be remembered? He’s surrounded by relatives and sycophants who do drugs, booze and things that merit a jail sentence. How can anyone be so devoid of morals and still claim to be The Greatest Ever? Is there any ounce of decency in his body?   

• To fight like a man. So let’s presume for a moment, Mayweather decides to take on Pacquiao after all. Whether it’s for money or legacy, that’s up to Mayweather. For the fans, the fight is what’s important not why Mayweather will do it. Once the bell rings, let’s hope Mayweather stands up and fights Pacquiao like a man, like someone who wants to be known as The Greatest Ever. He can do his shoulder roll, he can shuffle his feet but fans want a test. Mayweather should exchange and engage. If he’s the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, then show it. Can he take Pacquiao’s power? Can he dish as much as he takes? The true measure of a fighter is not the power of his punches but the size of his heart.

• To be charitable. This doesn’t mean sharing his wealth just with his girl toys and entourage. Mayweather should donate to worthy causes, for the poor, for abused women and children, for the welfare of retired and destitute fighters, for the livelihood of depressed communities, for the less fortunate who need shelter, food and health care. Black Enterprise writer Alan Hughes said Mayweather has netted more than $350 Million in his career. In 2013, his company Mayweather Promotions generated $110 Million in revenues. For his fight against Saul Alvarez, his guaranteed purse was $41.5 Million. There’s a limit to what a man can buy to satisfy his ego. Mayweather has luxury cars, jet and mansions but is there peace in his soul? He should realize that wealth isn’t what makes a man, it’s how a man makes of his wealth.

• To become an ambassador of boxing and goodwill. There’s no doubt Mayweather is a skilful fighter, his record speaks for itself. When he finally retires from the ring, Mayweather could go around the world as an ambassador of the sport. He could conduct clinics for kids, explain the good things about boxing, share tips on self-defense and give insights on how to stay in shape. Mayweather has always been known to be a workhorse in training camp, uncompromising when it comes to getting ready for a fight. His work ethic is remarkable. He should tell the world of the importance of discipline.

• To show compassion. Mayweather is known to be self-centered, so focused on what he wants to do, what he wants to achieve. It’s time to open the doors of his heart to others and show some empathy. Surely, Mayweather is aware that once upon a time, he wasn’t as well-off as he is now. His father Floyd, Sr. turned pro in 1974 and never won a world title. Mayweather is in a position to touch the lives of millions of people with his millions of dollars. It’s not just about sharing the wealth, it’s about showing compassion, the goodness of one’s heart.

• To be remorseful. Let’s face it, Mayweather has rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. He’s been insulting, disrespectful and downright outrageous. He thinks of himself as a demi-god who controls the lives of minions. Mayweather should come down to earth and reach out to those whom he’s hurt. He should turn a new leaf in the new year and prove to the world that he’s not just all about money.

• To be God-fearing. Does Mayweather ever read the Bible? He lives an un-Christian life. Mayweather doesn’t seem to believe in God. He wraps himself up in a world of material possessions. What does morality mean to someone who doesn’t believe in God? Mayweather should listen to Pacquiao when he preaches. He can do a lot of good if his mind could be turned on to God.

• To be sensitive to others. Mayweather should appreciate that in this world, you don’t live by yourself. It’s not just about yourself, it’s more about putting yourself in a position where you can influence the lives of others in a positive and sincere way. The lives of people around you impact on how you live your life and how you can make those lives better. Mayweather has been blessed with good fortune and talent. But what good is all of that if you live only for today with no regard for others? Your heart will be empty when in the end, you evaluate how you’ve lived your life.

In the coming year, let’s make our own resolutions to be better and pray for God’s guidance to do it. Happy New Year to one and all!