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Saturday was a big day in the world of Sports! First, we had the Kentucky Derby “the most exciting two minutes in sports”. Then late Saturday Night, we had the highly anticipated Mayweather-Pacquiao fight. Each of these events were great opportunities for companies to advertise and market their products and get their brands in front of a large audiences. What we witnessed was everything from traditional advertising to bizarre and possibly risky business…or, was it pure genius marketing?

The interesting event we are referring to occurred during the coverage of the “Fight of the Century.” Floyd Mayweather Jr, has always had always been over the top with his fight entrances. He has done everything from entering the fight in full costume as gladiator on the throne to having the rapper 50 Cent walk alongside of him rapping over the loud speakers. On Saturday, Mayweather entered the fight with a corporate companion. Burger King’s official mascot the “Burger King” clad in his trademark robe, crown and large head walked alongside Mayweather as part of his entourage.

Mayweather would go on to win the fight, but not without some issues in image department. He has twice been convicted of domestic abuse. The media was buzzing leading up to this marquee event as they researched Mayweather’s past. There were even movements to boycott the event. Sports Illustrated called Mayweather “the most hated athlete in professional sports”. So why would Burger King choose to “get in the ring” with such a controversial athlete? Mayweather was booed during his entrance, so in turn “The King” was booed as well. That appeared to be the only negative outcome for “The King” and the Burger King Brand.

In the two minutes that Burger King’s Mascot appeared with Mayweather. Social media exploded with people talking about the bizarre appearance of “The King”. These two minutes reportedly cost Burger King 1 million dollars. Was this stunt worth the money? “Burger King” and “The King” were trending on Twitter for several hours after the fight was complete. I think we can easily say that Mayweather won the fight, but Burger King was the biggest winner of the night.

Is this going to be a new trend? Are we going to see “The King” showing up in odd places? Will he be riding in a NASCAR race? Do you think we will see him on the sidelines of a football game? Where will Burger King’s “The King” show up next? In our opinion, this was both Risky Business AND Pure Genius Marketing!