The press conference for the Floyd Mayweather vs. Ricky Hatton fight was held in a tabloid format. The fight, titled ‘Undefeated,’ showcased two unbeaten boxers in their prime. Many believed that Hatton would be the one to hand Mayweather his first loss. As a result, numerous fans traveled to the United Kingdom to attend the pre-fight press conference and show their support for their national hero.
Upon Mayweather’s arrival, the crowd erupted in boos and chanted, “Who are ya.” Initially dressed in a black T-shirt and jacket, Mayweather quickly changed into a Manchester United jersey. This strategic move aimed to provoke Hatton, as Manchester City’s rival is Manchester United. The two football teams have a fierce rivalry, often referred to as the Manchester derby. The crowd strongly disapproved of Mayweather’s choice of attire and booed him relentlessly.
Following the press conference, Adam Smith from Sky Sports conducted an interview with Mayweather. Smith welcomed Mayweather to the lion’s den, to which Mayweather responded by asserting himself as the lion. He proclaimed himself as the king of the jungle and coined the term “Manchester Mayweather.”
The highly anticipated fight took place at the sold-out MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. However, it is primarily remembered for Mayweather’s mind games and his ability to handle a hostile audience.
Mayweather’s decision to wear a Manchester United jersey during the press conference was a calculated move. Hatton, a lifelong Manchester City fan, held a deep grudge against the Red Devils. Mayweather strategically used this attire to grab Hatton’s attention and play mind games with him.
This move garnered attention from both the press and fans, sparking a debate about Mayweather’s strategy and the matchup. Fans reminisced about Mayweather’s aura, stating that no boxer has possessed such charisma since his retirement.
In 2007, Floyd Mayweather Jr. defeated Ricky Hatton by TKO in the 10th round, successfully retaining the WBC, Ring, and Lineal welterweight titles.
Fans delved into Mayweather’s psychological tactics outside the ring and how they contributed to his eventual victory. Despite not being fans of Mayweather, many admitted that this move was both hilarious and iconic.
According to the Source firstsportz.com