Floyd Mayweather Jr. to Wave
Green Flag at Indy 500.
4-25-08
Star boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr., who recently made a feature appearance at a record-setting WWE event, is continuing his crossover activities by serving as the honorary starter of the 92nd Indianapolis 500 on May 25.
The world welterweight champion will wave the green flag to start the race, which is one of the most prestigious in the auto racing world. The annual event takes place at the Indianapolis Moter Speedway (IMS) and, with approximately 400,000 people expected to attend, is the best attended sporting event in the world, according to AllHipHop.
Floyd Joy Mayweather, Jr. (born Floyd Joy Sinclair on February 24, 1977), is a professional American boxer who has a record of 39-0 (25 KOs or TKOs). He is the son of Floyd Mayweather Sr., a former welterweight boxing contender. Outside the ring Mayweather flaunts his wealth and lavish lifestyle, often referring to his $1.2 million collection of jewellery. He is known in and around boxing as the greatest boxer of his generation.
Since July 18, 2005, he has been rated by The Ring magazine as the number-one pound for pound boxer in the world. Mayweather has won six world boxing championships in five different weight classes; he is the current WBC welterweight champion. He was named Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year in 1998 and 2007. In his last bout, he defeated Ricky Hatton at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas in a highly anticipated match on December 8, 2007, by way of a 10th round TKO. Mayweather is currently working on a rematch with Oscar De La Hoya to take place September 20, 2008.
“To be asked to wave the green flag at the Indianapolis 500 is an incredible honor,” Mayweather said in a statement to AllHipHop. “I’m extremely excited to be a part of this event and to see the best drivers in the world perform on the biggest stage in all of sports.”
IMS President and COO Joie Chitwood says Mayweather is perfect for the Indy 500.
“We’re happy to welcome Floyd Mayweather to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to serve as the honorary starter of the 92nd Indianapolis 500,” Chitwood said. “The speed, power and charisma that he has shown in the ring are a perfect match for the excitement of ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’”
The Indianapolis 500 will be broadcast live at 1 p.m. ET, May 25 on ABC. Listen in on the radio via IMS Radio Network or XM Satellite Radio.
Mayweather was also well known for competing on the fifth season of Dancing with the Stars where he was the fourth celebrity eliminated from the competition. He recently performed for World Wrestling Entertainment, competing in a match against Big Show at WrestleMania XXIV.
E-mail: comments@aaim1.com.com
