Justin Bieber was grace itself when a paparazzo asked him, “Are you going to be [Floyd] Mayweather’s sidekick for the fight?” as he left the Laugh Factory comedy club on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood on Wednesday night.
Although clearly intended to get a rise out of Bieber and provoke a reaction, the “sidekick” jibe was no doubt prompted by the superstar’s hours earlier appearance by Floyd’s side at the Los Angeles press conference announcing the Mayweather-Pacquiao megafight .
Bieber, who is a friend of Mayweather’s, was not on stage during the speeches. However, the all-black clad singer stepped up for group photos at the end of the presser. The fight is set to take place on May 2 at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena.
As yet, there’s no word on whether or not Bieber will walk Money out to the ring, as he has three times previously, but it seems highly likely.
Back to last night.
“Um, I don’t know about sidekick, but I’m definitely going to…” Bieber replied to the TMZ lensman, while also trying to attend to pose for pics with female fans on a sidewalk. The Canadian’s response isn’t clear on video posted by the website, but the gist was that he intended to support Floyd during the fight run-up.
The photographer then told the hitmaker “You’re his [Mayweather’s] lucky rabbit…” before claiming Money can’t win a fight without the singer’s help. It’s typically low-level, invasive doorstepping. And it’s another example of why celebrities of Bieber’s wattage walk around with bodyguards.
Replying to the “lucky rabbit” remark, the Biebs said, “Again, I don’t know about rabbit…” before turning his attention back to the fans gathered around him.
Earlier that night, the “Where Are Ü Now” singer watched Dane Cook and other comics at the Laugh Factory. Cook later tweeted a post thanking Bieber for his visit.
“@justinbizx: (via @shots ): Comedy club watching @DaneCook with @john pic.twitter.com/cILUBGu8bw ” — great time with JB and his crew.
— Dane Cook (@DaneCook) March 12, 2015
He also had advice for the Biebs regarding his upcoming Comedy Central roast.
Last night my brother in hats @JustinBieber came down to the Laugh Factory, where I’m working on my… https://t.co/5RZZ78DGLf
— Dane Cook (@DaneCook) March 12, 2015
The insanely anticipated Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 knockouts) and Mayweather (47-0, 26 KOs) bout is being widely billed as the biggest fight in boxing history so far, and one that will set new financial records. In addition to pay-per-view, ticket prices range from $1,500-$7,500. The 36-year-old Filipino has won titles in eight divisions, while Floyd, 38, has won titles in five.
A point which Mayweather mentioned at the presser.
“One thing I do know about any sport: When you lose, it’s in your mind,” he declared.
“If you lost once, it’s in your mind. If you lost twice, it’s in your mind. From day one, I was always taught to be a winner no matter what.”
Meanwhile, Pacquiao kept his focus heavenwards. “The most important thing is the name of the Lord will be glorified,” the Filipino said at the conference.
However, both men did look suitably intimidatory during the traditional staredown .
Justin Bieber at the press conference on Wednesday, March 11.
[Images via Lucy Nicholson/Getty Images]