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The people closest to Floyd Mayweather say they've never seen him angrier than when Jake Paul snatched his hat

Jun 1, 2021, 16:22 IST
Insider
Floyd Mayweather.AP Photo/Marta Lavandier
  • People close to Floyd Mayweather say Jake Paul pissed him off more than actual fighters ever have.
  • Stephen Espinoza has worked with Mayweather since 2013 and said he's never seen him so angry.
  • Xavier Martinez, a boxer Mayweather represents, said Jake Paul has been disrespectful.
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Some of the people who are closest to the retired boxer Floyd Mayweather say they've never seen him angrier than when he threatened to "kill" internet sensation Jake Paul.

Mayweather, 44, is taking part in a boxing exhibition with Jake's older brother and fellow creator Logan Paul at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday, June 6.

Earlier this month, Mayweather and the Pauls were on stage at the same venue for a media event designed to generate interest in the show.

As Mayweather spoke to a huddle of reporters after the event, YouTuber Jake snatched his hat from his head and tried to run away, sparking chaos.

Mayweather threw punches at Paul and one of the young prankster's handlers had to shove him into a locked bathroom for his own safe-keeping as the fighter stormed up and down the hallways shouting: "I'll kill that mother f---er."

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Jake eventually left the arena with a black eye.

Though Mayweather is renowned for his boxing prowess, nous in the ring, and ability to hype a fight, it is uncommon to see him that pissed off.

That's according to Showtime Sports President Stephen Espinoza, who has broadcast Mayweather's bouts since 2013, and Xavier Martinez, an up-and-coming super featherweight boxer in the Mayweather Promotions stable.

"I have not [seen Mayweather that angry]," Espinoza told Insider in late May.

Espinoza worked with Mayweather for the final seven fights of the former five-weight champion's career, including his wins over Robert Guerrero, Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez, Marcos Maidana (twice), Manny Pacquiao, Andre Berto, and Conor McGregor.

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On the McGregor press tour, the former two-weight UFC champion tried to annoy Mayweather by rubbing the American's head, pretending to slap him on the ass, and encouraging crowds to chant: "F--- the Mayweathers!"

But despite the Irishman's antics, Mayweather, for the most part, was unfazed.

When Jake Paul snatched his hat, though. Things were different.

"He was angrier than I've ever seen him, and that includes on the infamous McGregor press tour," Espinoza told us.

'It's disrespectful'

Mayweather and Jake Paul.Photo by Eva Marie Uzcategui / AFP

"I never saw him get that heated. So, that was one piece of it that was interesting. And … it certainly wasn't the most aggressive act, so I don't know if he was taken by surprise, or maybe because it was from a relatively young guy and he took it as a form of disrespect."

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Martinez said similar when he spoke to Insider ahead of his 17th career victory over Juan Carlos Burgos last month.

"I can't say I've seen Floyd that riled up, honestly," he said.

"I've heard him talk s---, obviously. But never like that. I can see why he got mad, though. It's because of the way Jake did it. He was trying to build something. You don't do it in that manner. It's disrespectful at that point."

Mayweather and Logan Paul will box their unofficial bout on Showtime pay-per-view.

The event, which also showcases top tier prospects from the Mayweather Promotions roster, costs $49.99.

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