The Mayhem Before “Mayhem”?

The Mayhem Before “Mayhem”?

The stage is very nearly set for “Mayhem,” the rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Marcos Maidana, scheduled for September 13 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

During their first meeting, Maidana seemed to throw everything he had (and then some) at Mayweather, who uncharacteristically absorbed punishment before making Maidana fight his fight. Some have ho-hummed the rematch but many are curious to see if Maidana has indeed cracked Mayweather’s self-touted “Mayvinci Code” and will hand him his first defeat. Even with varied response, the build-up is getting crazy.

In seeking to get under Floyd’s skin, Maidana has allegedly composed a Beacher’s Madhouse sort of ring entourage including 50 Cent (who has taken jabs at his former BFF’s literacy), Mayweather’s ex-fiancee, Ms. Chantel Jackson, Tiny (Tameka Cottle, wife of rapper TI) and rapper Nelly. In return, Floyd has something a little more subtle in store for Maidana. No “Wizard of Oz” flying monkeys, midgets or bearded clowns as of yet. Just (seemingly) the addition of Alex Ariza as his strength-and-conditioning coach. Ariza is always good for copy AND no stranger to the Maidana team, which could only serve to create apprehension in the opposing ranks. Floyd is never out of condition and knowing a few of Maidana’s trade secrets is far more meaningful in a fight than having 50 Cent standing next to TI’s “lady,” Tiny, to make fun of you.

After the ring walk, Mayweather and Maidana will approach each other for a second time, leaving the pomp, circumstance and sideshow behind them. Verbal jabs will no longer serve any purpose. Maidana will have the chance to again try to crack the “Mayvinci Code” and Floyd will again render a performance that should, still, leave the code intact.

Amy Green

Contributor, Behind The Gloves

Follow Amy on Twitter @amygreenPR