The showdown between WBC Welterweight Champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Big Show at WrestleMania XXIV is more than a clash of titans. It’s more than your classic “David vs. Goliath” battle. It’s a showdown between the greatest fighter in the world and one of the largest athletes on Earth. It’s a high-stakes battle for pride that neither man can afford to lose – and that only The Grandest Stage of Them All could contain. Video Preview

The seeds of the Mayweather-Show rivalry were planted at No Way Out, when the 7-foot, 400-pound Superstar taunted the six-time boxing champion, and was left bloodied with a broken nose. Mayweather, a longtime WWE fan and friend of Rey Mysterio, was in attendance trying to enjoy the show, but couldn’t stand by and watch Big Show bully Mysterio and try to “punk him out” with a challenge. No Way Out Photos

Big Show, who was returning to WWE after a 14-month absence, was attempting to make a statement, but in the end, he may have gotten more than he bargained for. His melee with Mayweather may have sparked headlines around the world, but it also left him embarrassed. That’s why Show laid down the gauntlet. And Mayweather, who admits he “loves publicity,” couldn’t help but emphatically accept – as a fighter, a showman and a man. A Challenge Accepted: Video

Risk Versus Reward

Yet could Mayweather regret embracing the Big Show’s big challenge? Some of his managers are very concerned about this matchup. Show outweighs him by approximately 250 pounds and has more than a foot height advantage. The former WWE and ECW Champion argues that “Money” was only able to bloody him because he gave him a “free shot.”

However, at WrestleMania, there will be no more free shots. Show has been seething since Mayweather broke his nose. He is meaner and nastier than ever. He demolished Rey Mysterio on SmackDown just to prove a point. Show wants to prove an emphatic point on The Grandest Stage of Them All – and that worries some of “Money’s” confidantes. They are concerned that Mayweather is risking his career and millions in potential future earnings by taking on a pissed off, motivated giant in front of thousands upon thousands in Orlando's Citrus Bowl.

They Love Publicity

Mayweather’s skeptics should remember that he can never be underestimated. He loves the bright lights and worldwide publicity that only WrestleMania can bring. “Money” is money in the ring. He is 39-0 and has battled – and defeated – the best in the world.

"This used to be Big Show's house, but this is my house now," Mayweather said at the WrestleMania pres conference. "This used to be WWE. But now I'm going to turn this upside down and make this 'Money Mayweather Entertainment.'"

As shown at No Way Out, his fists can do major damage, even to a monolith like Big Show. And Mayweather has tons of heart and pride – he won’t allow Show to embarrass him in the ring. Still, Big Show, while he is a veteran of several WrestleManias, wants to have a special "WrestleMania Moment" – and Mayweather could give it to him.

"The only way you could hurt me was when I was on my knees," Big Show told Mayweather at the press conference. "At WrestleMania, I'm gong to show you that wrestling can hurt. ... Look at the size of my fist. It's the size of your head. Once you get a load of this, it's 'BOOM!' You're out."

What will happen when the greatest fighter in the world battles the biggest Show in WWE at the world’s greatest extravaganza? Will Floyd Mayweather bust up Big Show, or will Show cash in at “Money’s” expense? The only way to find out is to catch Mayweather vs. Big Show at WrestleMania XXIV, live on pay-per-view from Orlando, Fla. on March 30.

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