Las Vegas Weekly

June 12, 2009 · 3:03 PM

Photo Gallery: Floyd Mayweather Jr. salutes the flag as training accelerates

By Robin Leach

Floyd Mayweather Jr. training in Mayweather Boxing Gym.

Photo: Erik Kabik/Retna/www.erikkabikphoto.com

Six-time world champion boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather Jr. is celebrating his patriotism by wrapping his boxing gym in an American flag -- and also to honor Flag Day this Sunday. Floyd says the 16'2" x 8'2’’ flag also will be his inspiration as he prepares for his July 18 welterweight showdown against Juan Manuel Marquez.

Floyd ,who came out of a self-imposed retirement, says his gym wrap will be kept up through the night of the fight dubbed Mayweather vs. Marquez: Number One/Numero Uno. The 12-round welterweight bout will take place at MGM Grand Garden Arena and be broadcast live on pay-per-view. Floyd says he will wrap himself in the American flag as he enters the ring on fight night.

It will probably be one of boxing’s biggest battles of the year because if Floyd defeats Juan Manuel, that would set up the confrontation of champions, the ultimate showdown with Manny Pacquiao.

Floyd has begun his training right here in Las Vegas, and yesterday, with our contributing photographer Erik Kabik on hand for these first action gym photos, Floyd set up the American flag at his training gym.

Said Erik, “After the flag photo opportunity, he invited us into the gym. It was amazing to be able to create both editorial shots and artistic images for this gallery. It was a thrilling experience to photograph one of the greatest living champs. Floyd is amazing. He is in such great form. He tired me out just watching him work out!”

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter HERE.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter HERE.

Share This