Pro Boxing’s Biggest Fight in History is Just One Short Week Away
By John D’Onofrio
Lockport Union-Sun & Journal
There’s only one other place on the planet that boxing’s historic Mayweather family has ever put on a clinic outside of their esteemed Las Vegas Mayweather Boxing Club — and that’s Western New York.
In fact, some people might be surprised to know the extent at which Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s family has visited and influenced boxing and kickboxing in Lockport and North Buffalo.
The undefeated, five-division world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. is, of course, busy preparing for what’s expected to be the highest grossing boxing match in history this Saturday night against eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. On the line in the event billed as, “The Fight of the Century” is the unified WBA (Super), WBC, WBO and The Ring welterweight titles.
Earlier this year, Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., visited Lockport as guests of Lock City native and the WKA’s No. 2 ranked Cruiserweight kickboxer in the world, Amer Abdallah. Three Mayweathers were in attendance, Floyd Sr., along with brothers Roger and Jeff.
“If there’s one thing my close friends know about me, its my devout creed of loyalty,” said Abdallah, who’ll be at Saturday night’s fight in Las Vegas. “When thinking about where I wanted the first event outside of Las Vegas to be held, I thought of my community who have supported my throughout my career. It was only right to do the first one here at home.”
Abdallah, a former longtime Lockport gym owner and promoter, said getting these world renowned trainers out of Las Vegas and into Western New York in the middle of winter was no small feat, but they agreed — in large part due to Abdallah’s relationship with his trainer, Jeff Mayweather.
“Jeff and I have had a great friendship for several years through my cousin, who is a close friend of Jeff’s,” Abdallah said. “In 2013, I asked Jeff if he’d be interested in working with me professionally as a trainer. He looked at me and without hesitation said, ‘Let’s go win a world title’.”
Abdallah and Jeff Mayweather have paired together for three fights so far and are planning their fourth late this year. Their last victory, the biggest of Abdallah’s career, was last June at Lockport’s sold out Kenan Center Arena against European Champion James Wallis for the WKA Inter-Continental Title.
Through their training camps at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas, Abdallah became acquainted with Floyd Mayweather Sr and Roger Mayweather. When Abdallah sold the Lockport Athletic Club on South Transit Road in November of 2013, he began planning a move out west shortly afterwards and in December of last year, he made that move and opened a Lace Up Promotions office in the heart of Las Vegas.
“They were all so happy to make the trip to Western New York, but I felt an inner sense of guilt. Bringing them from the mild winter of Las Vegas to our infamous Western New York winters in the middle of January had me worried,” Abdallah said.
The Mayweathers held a two-hour training session and one-hour question and answer session before a packed room inside the Western New York MMA Gym run by Lockport native and Abdallah’s former student-turned-trainer Corey Webster.
Abdallah reached out to local boys and girls’ clubs, community centers and the Buffalo Police Athletic League boxing program, personally sponsoring 75 local youths to attend the seminars. One lucky young man that received a personal invite from Abdallah was Duane Price of Lockport.
“This wasn’t a business move based on making a profit. It was about giving back to my community that always supported me,” Abdallah said. “Duane’s had some challenges growing up, but has always, showed tremendous strength in his academics, sports and helping his mom around the house. Duane had a private chat with Floyd Mayweather Sr. about school and sports that meant a lot to him.”
Abdallah took the Mayweathers on a tour of Western New York, where they visited Niagara Falls, and through Lockport to see the historic Lockport Locks.
“I truly enjoyed my last visit to Lockport with my dear friend Amer,” Jeff Mayweather said. “We had an amazing time seeing the city and had a great seminar. We’re looking forward to coming back out to Western New York.”
Shortly after returning back to Las Vegas from Western New York, Floyd Mayweather Sr. signed Abdallah as his business agent to handle all of his affairs.
“He takes care of business inside and outside of the ring. Amer is qualified, electrified and bonafide. That’s exactly what I’m looking for,” Mayweather Sr. said.
Added Abdallah, “I’m honored to be the first person that he has ever entrusted with his career and am proud to say that a Lockport resident represents Floyd Mayweather Sr.”
