"He's scared. It's okay though. I'ma sign autographs for all of you," stated undefeated pound-for-pound champion Floyd Mayweather when he was informed that WBA jr. middleweight champion Miguel Cotto didn't bother signing autographs for any of his fans in attendance during yesterday's grand arrivals of the fighters. Prior to Cotto and Mayweather showing up, both WBC jr. middleweight champion Saul Alvarez and three-division world champion Shane Mosley were more than happy to sign autographs and take pictures with fans as they made their way to the stage inside the main lobby. Cotto, however, chose not to, opting instead for just an ocassional wave as he walked briskly past fans clamoring for his attention.
Some were extremely upset with the fact that Cotto barely acknowledged them, particularly one Puerto Rican couple who were right in front holding up bright Puerto Rican gloves that were virtually impossible to miss. Others viewed it as a sign that Cotto is simply focused and just ready for the fight to begin. Either way, it was still somewhat of a surprise to see how quickly he made his way through the crowd, seemingly eager to get the affair over with.
In contrast, Floyd Mayweather took his time as he made his way through the crowd, joking with fans while he signed a number of different memorabilia, including pictures, posters, paintings, phone cases, and even someone's iPad. Although the MGM staff were hoping to expedite matters, Mayweather was clearly in no hurry as he spent nearly 20 minutes trying to satisfy the requests of the many fans that were shouting for his attention. After taking the stage, answering a few question, and conducting some television interviews, it was nearly another 20 minutes before Mayweather made his way to a private sit-down with select members of the media, again taking his time to satisfy the requests of fans.
Was Cotto's unwillingness to sign autographs or take pictures a sign of nervous anxiousness, or was he simply neglecting those fans who were hoping for just a little bit more than a drive-by wave? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
[ Follow Ben Thompson on Twitter @fighthype ]