Los Angeles, CA — Manny Pacquaio will show solidarity with Hip-Hop culture by having Miami emcee Rick Ross walk him to the ring for his May 7 showdown with Shane Mosley.
Ross confirmed the news yesterday via his Twitter account. Both men became acquainted with each other after participating in Nike’s 2010 “Boom” commercial campaign. Last week, Pacquiao’s lifelong friend and assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez endorsed Ross’ Maybach Music brand via a Youtube video.
Ross has engaged in public feuds with both Floyd Mayweather, Pacquiao’s main rival, and Mayweather’s close friend 50 Cent over perceived slights in Ross’ “Mafia Music.” 50 has publicly supported Mayweather in several fights, most notably accompanying him to the ring for his record-breaking 2007 showdown with Oscar De La Hoya.
High-profile boxers have sought out rap figures to enhance their ring walks since the mid 90’s, including Naseem Hamed (Diddy), Roy Jones Jr (Method Man and Redman), Cory Spinks (Nelly) and Mike Tyson (Tupac Shakur).
May 7 will mark the first time Pacquiao has done a ring walk with a rapper. At press time, neither Pacquiao nor Ross have disclosed what music will be used.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 