Monday, July 14, 2014, Floyd Mayweather and Marcos “Chino” Maidana hosted a kick-off press conference at Times Square in New York City.
. @FloydMayweather – “I believe in my skills so much, I’ll bet @ChinoMaidana however much he’s making for the fight.” #Mayhem
— SHOWTIME SPORTS (@SHOsports) July 14, 2014
. @ChinoMaidana – “I deserve this rematch. Without a doubt we will prove who won the first fight with this rematch.” #Mayhem
— SHOWTIME SPORTS (@SHOsports) July 14, 2014
After a spirited round of quotes from Mayweather and Maidana—including an offer from Mayweather to bet Maidana on the fight—the plan was for the fighters to head down to Washington, DC for a second press conference at DAR Constitution Hall, which was supposed to start at around 6:30 pm, EST.
Unfortunately, Mother Nature had different plans.
By 8:30 pm, EST, when I decided enough was enough and left Constitution Hall, neither Mayweather nor Maidana had even left New York.
That—needless to say—was a problem.
Before I made my exit, Maidana did at least join an impromptu conference call to answer a few questions from the media.
We were given some insight on how Chino feels going into the rematch with Mayweather and what he may do differently.
Dan Rafael of ESPN asked the Argentine slugger regarding “glove gate” and how the major issue from the first fight would be handled. Maidana had the following to say:
We still haven’t spoken about the gloves. It hasn’t been finalized. I’m sure he won’t allow me to wear my gloves again… But I think the gloves don’t matter. You don’t win with gloves and if I’m going to beat it’s no matter what. -Marcos Maidana
Maidana also spoke on his strategy going into the rematch.
No, I’m not going to change my style. It’s the way that I fight and I’m not going to change. I do have to adjust a few things, but I feel confident that Robert will come up with a good game plan. -Marcos Maidana
Maidana is once again embracing the role of the underdog and says that he not only wants to win for his country, but also for himself.
Come September 13, he’ll get the rare opportunity to get a second crack at the pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather, which he will be ready to take advantage of.
All photos by Marilyn Paulino/Round By Round Boxing
