Mayweather has virtual meeting with U.S. troops in Afghanistan

Unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr. broke training on Friday to Skype with troops the Khowst Province of Afghanistan, thanking the soldiers for "fighting for this country," among other things.

"God bless you, thank you for fighting for this country... he red white and blue," said the 34-year-old Mayweather during his virtual visit from his Las Vegas home.

"There's nothing better than this country, America. You guys are great. Thank you so much...from the bottom of my heart."
Mayweather (41-0, 25 knockouts) is challenging WBC welterweight beltholder Victor Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KOs) in an HBO Pay Per View televised event from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Sept. 17.

"When the troops asked me to Skype with them, I was honored to say yes," said Mayweather.

"They are over there sacrificing everything for me, my family and our country's freedom. I know I am training hard for my fight against Victor Ortiz, but their all."

Lem Satterfield can be reached at lem.satterfield@gmail.com