WASHINGTON (AP) — The prospect of Saturday’s bout pitting Floyd Mayweather against Manny Pacquiao had a retired, self-described minor league boxer fondly recalling his role and love of the sport.
Senate Minority Leader Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV), D-Nev., spoke with bemusement on the Senate floor Thursday about the big-time fight in Las Vegas, reminiscing about his work as a boxing judge and describing his collection of photographs of past boxing greats such as Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson and Jack Dempsey.
“There’s nothing like a championship fight. There’s nothing like a marquee bout that has all this attention,” said Reid, a former middleweight boxer.
Reid said he wasn’t picking a favorite and wished both men the best of luck. However, he conceded that he had a special affection for Pacquiao, who campaigned for him during a tough Senate race.
“He has stood in my corner in the past, and he will always have my support,” Reid said.
The five-term senator, who announced a few weeks ago that he wouldn’t seek re-election, said the biggest winner will be his home state’s economy, thanks to millions of dollars in revenue from the fight. The money is significant, Reid said, as the state suffered during the 2008 economic downturn.
Reid said he pre-purchased the fight on pay-per-view on Wednesday night.
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So who will get the last tweet in the social media showdown between freshman Republican Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif?
The Iranian official, in an appearance at New York University on Wednesday, called out Cotton by name, suggesting that the fierce opponent of an emerging nuclear deal involving Iran, the United States and other world powers could do little to change the outcome. Cotton wrote a letter along with 46 other Republican senators to Iranian leaders informing them that even if they reach a deal with President Barack Obama, Congress and future presidents could scuttle the pact.
Cotton responded in a series of tweets, suggesting Zarif come to Washington and debate the Constitution. “Here’s offer: meet in DC, @JZarif, time of your choosing to debate Iran’s record of tyranny, treachery, & terror. 2/4”
In another, the senator said, “I understand if you decline @JZarif after all, in your 20s, you hid in US during Iran-Iraq war while peasants & kids were marched to die 3/4”
Another tweet called him a coward.
Hours later, Zarif responded that “Serious diplomacy, not macho personal smear, is what we need. Congrats on Ur new born. May U and Ur family enjoy him in peace.”
Cotton and his wife, Anna, welcomed the birth of their son, Gabriel, earlier this week.
An occasional look at what Capitol Hill is talking about
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