(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Floyd Mayweather Jr. is currently enjoying a promotional tour throughout the UK. During a stop in Birmingham, one of the cars belonging to the retired undefeated boxer was set on fire.
Mayweather made an appearance at the Birmingham ICC on Saturday, where he participated in a Q&A and watched Tony Bellew’s upset victory of David Haye. While there, he expressed his admiration for British boxing fans. As Mayweather spoke to the crowd, his carrier (branded with The Money Team logo) was torched outside for reasons unknown.
A West Midlands Police statement read:
“Police are investigating an arson attack on a vehicle parked at Birmingham hotel. No one was injured following the fire at 0330hrs this morning [Sunday, March 5] at the Park Regis Hotel in Broad Street. Offenders smashed the window of the vehicle, a people carrier, before pouring accelerant inside and setting it alight. Inquiries into the fire, which caused extensive damage to the vehicle belonging to a guest, are currently on-going and police are examining CCTV from the area. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101.”
Mayweather, who is set to appear in London on Monday night, praised his UK fans and expressed regret about never fighting in Britain earlier that night.
“I represented the U.S. in the Olympics, I love my country. But the U.S. fans will love you on Monday, if you lose they’ll hate you on Tuesday, if you win it will be back to loving you on Wednesday,” he said.
“The thing about these UK fans is if they are with you, they’re with you. I’ve got calls from Africa, all around the world, to do a tour, but I said the UK fans first, always.
“These fans have been loyal and paid hard-earned money to come out there and support me.”
Rumors have been swirling for months about a potential mega-fight between Mayweather and UFC lightweight superstar Conor McGregor. During the event, Mayweather hinted that he was ready to accept the bout.
“If Conor McGregor really wants to fight me, we can make it happen,” he said. “But if he is blowing smoke up everybody’s ass?”
Mayweather said, “In one fight I made more than Conor McGregor has made in his whole career. The difference between me and him is this: He has to fight.”
“If I was him and I was smart, before I lose again in the UFC, I’d let Floyd Mayweather kick my ass for a lot of money. It makes business sense.”
