Behind the Lens: Filming Floyd Mayweather for Michael Jordan and Brand Jordan

In November 2005, an unexpected opportunity arose to document Floyd Mayweather Jr. during a critical phase of his boxing career. Nike’s Brand Jordan division hired me to capture Floyd for Michael Jordan to assess his marketability. Armed with my Panasonic DVX100 and Glidecam 4000, I followed Floyd through his fight preparations, revealing layers of his persona I had not anticipated.

First Impressions

When Floyd stepped off the plane at Portland airport, he exuded confidence, declaring, “I don’t do limos anymore — now we do vans.” Initially, I found this off-putting. However, as I spent time with him, that impression quickly faded.

His confidence was undeniable. Floyd’s presence was magnetic, drawing in the attention of fans and onlookers alike. During our time together, I learned that his swagger was rooted in hard work and determination.

Training at Nike

Nike went all out for this shoot, constructing a full boxing ring for Floyd's training. Watching him work was nothing short of astonishing. He ran through endless sit-ups and drills, all while holding conversations without breaking a sweat. “Hard work is easy work,” Floyd declared, his eyes locked onto the camera as he landed punches with startling accuracy.

The gym buzzed with energy, the sounds of gloves striking pads mixing with the rapid-fire thud of his feet on the canvas. I vividly recall him demonstrating “the Inactor,” a body shot he claimed could incapacitate his opponents. This move would become iconic, as it was the precise technique he would later use to secure victory that night.

The Businessman Behind the Persona

While interviewing him, my producer Dallas Barbra posed questions that allowed Floyd to lower his guard. He revealed his astute business savvy when he mentioned his security arrangements. Rather than hiring bodyguards, Floyd explained, “I bought the entire security company.”

This revelation shifted my perspective completely. What I once viewed as arrogance transformed into strategic confidence. Floyd was not merely a fighter; he was a calculated thinker, always planning several moves ahead.

Fight Night

On November 19, 2005, the Rose Garden was electric as Floyd prepared to make his welterweight debut. The atmosphere crackled with tension, especially with Michael Jordan himself present. I felt the buzz of excitement in the air.

In round six, at the 2:06 mark, Floyd unleashed the exact body shot he had practiced in training. Sharmba Mitchell dropped to his knees, unable to recover—“the Inactor” in action. Witnessing that moment after filming the rehearsal gave me chills. It underscored the depth of Floyd’s training and his relentless commitment to excellence.

Before 24/7

Just two years before HBO debuted its 24/7 series, I had an unmatched front-row seat to the life of a champion. The access I gained was remarkable and allowed me to capture raw moments that would ultimately shape Floyd’s legacy.

This experience was not only about filming a boxer; it was about documenting a compelling journey. I recorded the sweat, grit, and unyielding passion that defined Floyd’s quest for greatness.

The Legacy

This Brand Jordan project was more than documentation. It was a character study captured for Michael Jordan to evaluate, and for me, an inside look at genius in motion.

To this day, filming Floyd Mayweather at this turning point — with footage bound for Michael Jordan’s eyes — remains one of the defining privileges of my career.

Final Thoughts

Filming Floyd Mayweather for Brand Jordan was eye-opening and transformative. It reshaped my understanding of what it takes to be a true champion. From his intense training routine to his sharp business insights, Floyd represented the embodiment of a dedicated athlete.

Reflecting on that time, I feel incredibly fortunate to have witnessed the rise of a legend. The lessons from Floyd's life extend beyond boxing; they touch every facet of existence. Hard work, confidence, and strategic thinking are cornerstones of success, and Floyd Mayweather exemplified all these qualities.

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