Unveiling the Lesser-Known Facts About 50 Cent’s Passion for Boxing
Unveiling the Lesser-Known Facts About 50 Cent’s Passion for Boxing
Rapper 50 Cent’s interest in boxing goes far beyond just watching matches. He has a deep involvement in the sport, encompassing various aspects from being an avid fan to promoting boxing events. Here are some lesser-known facts about 50 Cent’s passion for boxing:
Boxing enthusiast since youth
50 Cent has been a huge boxing fan since his teenage years. He grew up watching legendary boxers like Mike Tyson, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Roberto Duran. In several interviews, 50 Cent has spoken about how boxing shaped his personality and work ethic at a young age. He admired the discipline, toughness, and perseverance of boxers which he tried to emulate in his own life and career.
Cameo in “Rocky Balboa”
50 Cent had a cameo appearance in the 2006 boxing film “Rocky Balboa,” the sixth installment of the Rocky franchise. He played a rapper who performs at the final pre-fight press conference where Rocky Balboa faces off against Mason “The Line” Dixon. 50 Cent’s love for boxing and the Rocky movies made it a dream role for him.
Obtained boxing promoter license in 2012
In 2012, 50 Cent obtained a boxing promoter license from the New York State Athletic Commission. The same year, he established his own boxing promotional company called SMS Promotions. The company’s name stands for “Street Money Services,” a reference to 50 Cent’s early street hustling days.
Promoted notable boxing events
SMS Promotions has promoted several notable boxing events featuring top boxers. In 2012, the company promoted the comeback fight of former two-division champion Yuriorkis Gamboa. In 2013 and 2014, SMS Promotions organized fights for former light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal. The company also promoted fights for heavyweight contender Malik Scott. However, SMS Promotions has been relatively inactive in recent years.
Invested in boxing reality TV show
In 2014, 50 Cent invested in a boxing reality TV show called “Black on Black Crime.” The show aimed to give opportunities to up-and-coming boxers from underprivileged communities. 50 Cent served as an executive producer for the show’s first season which aired on the Revolt TV network. However, the show was not renewed for a second season.
Owns shares in International Boxing Federation
50 Cent reportedly owns a minority stake in the International Boxing Federation (IBF), one of the four major boxing organizations. However, the exact details of his involvement with the IBF have not been publicly disclosed.
In summary, 50 Cent’s deep passion for boxing goes beyond just being a fan. He has been actively involved in the sport as a boxing promoter, reality TV producer, and investor, leveraging his fame and resources to support boxers and the sport of boxing. His love for the “sweet science” runs deep and goes back to his formative years.
