Four years after he went professional, Floyd Mayweather Jr.‘s uncle, Roger Mayweather, took charge of his nephew’s training requirements. And he remained at the helm till 2012 and discharged his duties, which took Mayweather Jr. to unscalable heights in boxing. Finally, however, medical issues forced him to take a step back. Sadly, on March 17, 2020, he passed away. In the meantime, Mayweather Jr. retired from active boxing in 2017 and launched himself into the burgeoning exhibition boxing on December 31, 2018.

His new trainer, Gerald Tucker, was probably not someone he barely knew of. Back in 2000, at Detroit’s Cobo Hall, Floyd Mayweather Jr. faced one of his most formidable opponents, Emanuel Augustus, on October 31. And one of the undercard bouts was between Gerald Tucker and Fred Hawkins. Tucker participated in six fights for the next year, winning all but one, which went for a draw. He might have continued, but a family emergency forced him to return home.

For the next fifteen years, he remained out of boxing except for a fleeting opportunity in 2013 to train a greenhorn who had been suggested to him by rapper and boxing promoter 50 Cent. Finally, Tucker returned to the ring in 2016 and participated in two fights in a span of two months, winning both unanimously. Subsequently, he retired and assumed the responsibilities as Mayweather Jr.’s trainer.

Floyd Mayweather’s trainer shares an update from the world of basketball

The Cincinnati-born Gerald Tucker, who in the past had trained Gervonta Davis, Adrien Broner, Jamel Herring, and James Kirkland, among others, is quite popular and active on social media platforms like Instagram, where nearly eighty thousand users follow him. On his part, he frequently shares news and updates from his life and the world of sports. Take, for instance, last week; he shared a post on the menace of doping with fans and followers.

Today, he shared pics of basketball notables Kyrie Irving and Ja Morant. It carried a post that read, “Ja, Morant flash a gun to show the youth he tuff Nike stood up for it Kyrie Irving speaks out for blacks he is no longer with Nike!!! It’s y’all choice, but pay attention (Goat emoji).”

Tucker expresses his disappointment with Nike

Tucker’s disappointment stems from what seems to him diametrically opposite stances taken by the renowned sports brand involving Irving and Morant. The Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant went live on his Instagram account on March 4, holding a gun aloft. He apologized later for his conduct and deactivated his Twitter and Instagram accounts.

However, the damage had been done with NBA deciding to investigate the incident thoroughly. On the other hand, his team suspended him from two games. But amidst the goings-on, Nike, who sponsors Morant, confirmed to continue the relationship.

As reported by Shams Charania, Nike’s statement read, “We appreciate Ja’s accountability and that he is taking the time to get the help he needs. We support his prioritization of his well-being.”

But on the other hand, Nike decided to terminate its contract with Brooklyn Nets’ Kyrie Irving. Nike’s spokesperson said, “Kyrie is no longer a Nike athlete.” Irving, whose deal with the global sports brand otherwise gets over by October 1 this year, reportedly courted controversy over his comments on social media.

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As per ESPN, Nike’s co-founder Phil Knight said, “Kyrie stepped over the line. It’s kind of that simple. He made some statements that we just can’t abide by, and that’s why we ended the relationship. I was fine with that.” On the post, Tucker messaged, “You see what the soul of the company is like by its actions or the lack of? Nike ain’t made one dollar off me since the Kyrie shit.“

While the justifications behind the sports brand’s decision could not be corroborated, Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s trainer is definitely irked. What is your take on Tucker’s comments? Do share your views and opinions with us in the comments below.

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