Hollywood talent firm the William Morris Agency has signed undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. for representation in marketing, licensing and entertainment.
“He is the best boxer out there, pound for pound,” said William Morris agent Lon Rosen. “He definitely has broad appeal. He is a good-looking guy and he is a good communicator.”
Rosen and William Morris agent Marc Guss will lead a team of agents who will represent Mayweather. Mayweather, whose nickname is “Pretty Boy,” has a professional record of 35-0, with 24 knockouts. His next fight, in Las Vegas versus Zab Judah, is set to be aired on HBO pay-per-view April 8.
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Floyd Mayweather (right) is intrigued by potential
opportunities in the entertainment industry. |
Mayweather signed with William Morris after meeting with several agencies, Rosen said. “He is intrigued by the entertainment industry, and we will see if there are any opportunities out there.”
Rosen said it was too soon to say what entertainment projects William Morris may pursue for Mayweather. Rosen also said they are just beginning to form Mayweather’s marketing plan.
Rosen may be best known as agent to Earvin “Magic” Johnson, whom he has represented since 1987. Rosen joined William Morris in September 2005.
LEINART, BUSH WORKOUTS: Not only the New York Jets but also the Tennessee Titans have requested a private workout with top NFL draft prospect and former USC quarterback Matt Leinart, according to a source.
Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow, formerly USC’s offensive coordinator, watched Leinart throw two days last week, this source said. Titans spokesman Robbie Bohren said in an e-mail the team will schedule an official workout “where a number of members of the organization will be on hand.”
The Titans have the No. 3 pick in the draft, while the Jets have the No. 4 pick. Leinart is expected to work out for the teams in April, after his pro day at USC, which is April 2, this source said. The Houston Texans have the No. 1 pick, but there has been speculation that the Texans could trade that slot to another team.
Teams are also contacting Leinart’s old teammate, Reggie Bush, about workouts, said Joel Segal, Bush’s agent. Bush also will work out April 2 at USC. Segal said they would discuss private workouts after that.
He would not name the teams or comment further.
MORE FOR SEGAL: In addition to representing projected No. 1 pick Bush, Segal has enough other prospects to potentially give him the most first-round picks of any agent.
Segal also represents Ohio State wide receiver Santonio Holmes, who is projected at the No. 17 pick by Web site NFLDraftBlitz.com and No. 19 by ESPN draft predictor Mel Kiper Jr., and Holmes’ former Buckeyes teammate, Ashton Youboty, who is slotted at No. 24 by NFLDraftBlitz.com and No. 21 by Kiper.
In addition, Segal represents LSU defensive tackle Claude Wroten, who is ranked No. 77 by NFLDraftBlitz.com. Kiper has him listed among the best defensive linemen in the draft.
CINDRICH SIGNEES: Veteran agent Ralph Cindrich has signed a list of prospects for representation in this year’s NFL draft that includes University of Minnesota center Greg Eslinger.
Cindrich also signed University of Pittsburgh tight end Erik Gill, Toledo quarterback Bruce Gradowski, Syracuse defensive end/linebacker Ryan LaCasse, University of Michigan guard Matt Lentz, University of Oregon defensive end Devan Long, Michigan State center Chris Morris, Wisconsin wide receiver Jonathan Orr, University of Virginia linebacker Kai Parham, North Carolina State tight end John Ritcher and Louisville guard Jason Spitz.
Contact Liz Mullen at lmullen@sportsbusinessjournal.com.
