By John F. McKenna (McJack): Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr (41-0, 25 KO’s) who faces World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Victor “Vicious” Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KO’s) on September 17 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas claims that the obnoxious behavior he has displayed over the past several months is just an act.

In documents obtained by TMZ Mayweather claims that his behavior which includes passing out bottles of booze, partying at nightclubs and setting money on fire is designed to appeal to his fan base and maintain his public presence.

Floyd has been involved in an ongoing defamation lawsuit brought against him by pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao and had been ordered by the Court to give deposition related to the suit. Mayweather did not appear on the first scheduled deposition on June 17. Since that time Pacquiao’a attorneys have offered him twenty four dates to attend the deposition. Mayweather has claimed that his training schedule for his upcoming bout with Victor Ortiz would not permit him to attend the deposition on any of those dates.

In response to that Pacquiao attorneys submitted to the Court that Mayweather had been seen partying at nightclubs on dates that he said he would not be able to give the deposition. Further Pacquiao attorneys have asked the Court to issue a default judgment in Pacquiao’s favor. The default judgment would entitle Manny to an unspecified amount of money as well as require Mayweather to pay his legal fees.

Mayweather acknowledges that many people hate him but he does not necessarily look upon that as a bad thing. Floyd feels that he is still ahead of the game if the people who hate him pay money to see him fight.

To further add weight to Mayweather’s claims that his behavior is an act he asserts that he does not smoke, drink or take drugs. It must be remembered that Muhammad Ali also cultivated an image that was not totally him in an effort to raise his public awareness.

Floyd Mayweather is such a complex individual that it is difficult to ascertain who the real “Money” Mayweather is. He is a master not only in the ring, but also at media manipulation. Reporters hang on to every word he utters and fans will put their money down to watch him put on a show on September 17.