Now that Floyd Mayweather Jr. has joined Showtime, the network has big plans for its newest superstar. Mayweather recently signed a six-fight, 30-month deal with Showtime after spending his entire boxing career with HBO. The TV deal is reportedly worth at least $200 million and could pay Mayweather as much as $300 million.
Mayweather’s first fight on Showtime will be against Robert Guerrero on May 4. The network is expected to promote the fight through its CBS affiliate during March Madness and programs like “60 Minutes,” much in the same way it has done with Manny Pacquiao. They also will have “All Access” shows that follow Mayweather and Guerrero leading up to the fight.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Steve Carp spoke with executive vice president and general manager of Showtime Sports Stephen Espinoza about how the network signed Mayweather. In his story, it is suggested that Mayweather, who frequently boasts about his sports betting exploits, could host a gambling segment on “Inside the NFL.” Espinoza told Carp that the NFL would likely frown upon a gambling segment on the show.
Mayweather has become known for posting winning tickets on Twitter of his massive sports bets, and he even posted a slip from a losing bet several months ago — something he has rarely done. Given Mayweather’s interest in the NFL, it could make sense for him to have some role on the show.
Even if an appearance on “Inside the NFL” isn’t in the cards, there are clearly a number of ways Showtime can consider using Mayweather to boost ratings outside of the boxing ring.
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story attributed the idea of Mayweather hosting a gambling segment on “Inside the NFL” to Espinoza, but the idea came from Carp.
