The following press release was sent out by Floyd Mayweather
Mayweather supports 2012 Golden Gloves Nationals Tournament of Champions Scheduled Through this Saturday, May 5 in Mesquite, Nev.
MESQUITE (April 30, 2012) — The 2012 Golden Gloves Nationals Tournament of Champions which begins tonight, Monday April 30 and runs through this Saturday, May 5 at the CasaBlanca Event Center received a huge boost when it was announced that undefeated professional boxer Floyd Mayweather has signed on as the title sponsor of the prestigious event.
Mayweather, 42-0 (26 KO’s), has a busy week considering that he is also preparing to face champion Miguel Cotto for the WBA Super Welterweight World title this Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Even with his hectic schedule, Mayweather was quick to give back to the Golden Gloves.
Tournament Director Dawn Sanchez said the 35 year-old Mayweather, himself a former Golden Gloves champion, jumped at the opportunity to help the event that will draw more than 300 standout boxers from all over the nation.
“The Golden Gloves is where I got my start in boxing,” said Mayweather. “It is so important to me to support amateur boxing because I want to give young fighters the opportunity to showcase their skills and make their own way in the sport that has given me so much. Without these opportunities, boxing cannot continue to grow and I feel like it is my responsibility to do what I can to help it continue.”
“Floyd is extremely dedicated to supporting amateur boxing programs,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “He is giving these kids an opportunity to follow in his footsteps and gain the experience they need to further their careers. Mayweather Promotions is thrilled to be a part of this endeavor and we look forward to continuing to support these youth boxing programs.”
“We needed help covering the expenses and Floyd didn’t flinch about jumping in to assist the event,” Sanchez said. “We went to him and within a week he had committed to assisting the tournament. We are so appreciative for his efforts and dedication in giving back to where he started his career.
“When we have someone of the stature of Floyd Mayweather giving back to the sport of Golden Gloves boxing, that tells you about the man himself.”
The announcement also included a six-figure commitment on the part of Mayweather for various other elements related to youth boxing events. This is not the first time he has given back to the amateur boxing community as he sponsored the 2008 National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions in his hometown of Grand Rapids, Mich.
Mayweather, who had an 84-6 record in the amateurs, was a multiple National Golden Gloves champion.
Ironically, Sanchez’s husband, Augie, fought Mayweather and beat him once before losing twice to him twice in the Olympic Box-Offs for the 1996 Olympic Games.
Mayweather also won the Featherweight Bronze Medal for the United States at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
About 300 boxers ages 17-34 from states all over the country will converge on Mesquite located about 80 miles north of Las Vegas. Action will begin each evening at 6 p.m. starting Monday through Friday before the finals are presented Saturday beginning at 2 p.m.
Tickets start at $12 and may be purchased at www.2012nationalgoldengloves.com; www.startickets.com or by calling 800-585-3737.