The enigma of Mayweather visit

Ever since Floyd Mayweather's trip here was announced by the South African Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula I have been wondering about the purpose of the controversial boxing champion Floyd Mayweather's visit. Well, I am not in the dark anymore because "Money" has said it himself: "I don't know why I'm here but it's good to be in Africa."

Of course it's good to be in Africa, despite all the troubles the continent experiences and you got to love Mayweather for his honesty in this instance. Mbalula has brought to the sport minsitry, which for a long time had been stagnanted by his predecessors. However, the trouble with "Fiks" are two main distractions to his mission: his love of the party and obsession of for US celebrities.

If Mayweather is here to inspire somebody - youth or boxers - then he does not come fully equipped for that task. This was seen by his late arrival at the Dube Boxing Club in Soweto today. He visibly thrilled by the vociferous welcome he got from the excited youngsters who had packed the little venue. He reciprocated with a stale address, but then motivational talk is not his game.

He is billed to conduct motivational talks in different parts of the country during his week-long tour. Perhaps he will get the catch of the game for such events because back home Mayweather is known more for self-promotion than community projects. In 2011 he was senteneced to 40 days of community service for delaying giving a sworn evidence in court under false pretences. He said he needed more time to recover from injuries, only to be captured partying on the scheduled day for the deposition.

So far he is lucky no one has asked him about his 2012 conviction for battery, after he beat up his ex-girlfriend in front of their children. In a country like South Africa where abuse of women and children is rampant, visiting personalities with such reputations should be viewed with some level of reservation.

Mayweather has done well for himself to be where he is as an international sport icon. Only hard work and dedication can keep an athlete at the top of his game for so long. This means therefore the man does have admirable qualities that should inspire masses without him even uttering a word.

Welcome to motherland indeed, Floyd. Here's hoping this visit will help reconstruct your perspective towards life, as much as you wish to help reshape the lives of the youngsters you are supposed to inspire with your visit here.

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