On the day of the richest fight in boxing history, two women stole the headlines for most of the day.
ESPN's Michelle Beadle and CNN's Rachel Nichols announced they would not attend the Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao fight after their credentials were revoked. The common feeling was the female reporters were banned from the bout because they both were openly critical of Mayweather's checkered past involving domestic violence.
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Despite having their credentials reinstated, neither Beadle or Nichols attended the fight. On Wednesday, Beadle elaborated on why she was planning on attending the fight, despite her opposition to Mayweather's lifestyle.
’So why go at all,’ I’ve been asked. 'You should have not even gone to Vegas,’ has been thrown around a few times. I’ll tell you why I went. I went because it’s my job. That’s the obvious reason. But more importantly, I went because I have a voice. You may not like my voice. You may find me grating and annoying, and in need of a timeout several times a week. But my voice is all I have.
While some fans were willing to cheer for Mayweather regardless of his violent past outside the ring, Beadle is certain many people are tired of great athletes who aren't held to a higher standard. "People are fed up. A lot, not all, but a lot of fans are tired of rooting for horrible human beings, who are allowed to continue to be horrible, so long as they’re winning. My voice is what I have, and I will continue to use it as best I can," she wrote.
She also mentioned her disappointment with WWE star Triple H for his public support of Mayweather, even though the wrestling star is an executive vice president at the organization.
"He’s one of the faces of a company that depends on a healthy public image," Beadle wrote. "I realize he doesn’t speak for everyone, but does he realize that when he shows support to a convicted batterer, friend or not, it can effectively damage so much goodwill that the company is admittedly doing?"
You can read the whole statement here.