Floyd Mayweather Jr.

At 47 years old, Floyd Mayweather Jr. has this physical status:

Amateur boxing career

Mayweather also won national Golden Gloves championships in 1993 (at 104 lb) and 1996 (at 125 lb). He was dubbed "Pretty Boy" by his amateur teammates because he had few scars as a result of the defensive methods that his father and uncle (Roger Mayweather) had taught him. Mayweather's traditional defensive position often uses the shoulder roll, an old-school boxing technique in which the right hand is usually held (or marginally higher than average), the left hand is usually down around the midsection, and the lead shoulder is notably raised on the cheek to conceal the chin and block punches. As it always is: to prevent punches from coming from the other side, such as left hooks, the right hand (as in the conventional sense) is used. Mayweather blocks, slips, and deflects the majority of his opponents' punches (even when cornered) by twisting left and right to the rhythm of their punches.

Mayweather won a bronze medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta by progressing to the semi-finals of the featherweight (57-kg) division.

Mayweather led 10–1 on points over Bakhtiyar Tileganov of Kazakhstan before winning after the combat was suspended. Mayweather defeated Artur Gevorgyan of Armenia 16–3. The 19-year-old Mayweather barely defeated Lorenzo Aragon of Cuba in an all-action match, winning 12–11, making the first US boxer to defeat a Cuban in 20 years. This was the last time this was held in the United States Olympic boxing team won five gold medals, including Sugar Ray Leonard. Mayweather lost by a tumultuous decision (similar to Roy Jones Jr.'s highly tense decision loss to Park Si-hun at the 1988 Summer Olympics). Referee Hamad Hafaz Shouman of Egypt mistakenly raised Mayweather's hand (thinking he had won), although the call was announced granting the match to the Bulgarian.

The Mayweather team triggered a demonstration in the 125-pound semifinal match by insisting that the judges were compelled by Bulgaria's Emil Jetchev (head of the boxing authorities) to favour the Bulgarian Todorov by a 10–9 vote. In gold medal competitions, three of Jetchev's countrymen were competing. After Mayweather's ruling, which was booed loudly by the crowd at the Alexander Memorial Coliseum, judge Bill Waeckerle (one of the four American judges overseeing the International Amateur Boxing Federation) resigned as Olympic Games and federation judge. In his letter of resignation to Federation President Anwar Chowdhry, Waeckerle wrote, "I do not wish to be part of an organization that continues to practice its officiating in this manner."

Mayweather landed punches that were not counted in the official protest, according to Todorov, who was given points for not landing a punch. Waeckerle said, "The decision was completely incompetent." After being warned five times by the referee for slapping, the judges refused to give Todorov a mandatory two-point deduction. "Everybody knows Floyd Mayweather is the gold-medal favourite at 57 kilograms," Mayweather said afterward. "It's known as 125 pounds in the United States." I know I wasn't getting hit, but I'm not sure why. He is described as the world champion by the people. Now you know who the true world champion is."

Featherweight Olympic qualification

Olympic results

Professional boxing career

Mayweather defeated Roberto Apodaca in Round 2 in his first competitive match on October 11, 1996. Roger Mayweather, Mayweather's uncle, was in jail for illegal drug trafficking in 1993, but his father was also jailed after his arrest for unlawful drug trafficking in 1993. After Mayweather Jr.'s 14th fight (a second-round knockout of Sam Girard), the former took over as his son's trainer when he was released from jail. Mayweather won the majority of his fights by knockout or TKO from 1996 to 1998.

Mayweather's early in his pro career, he received accolades from all sides of the boxing world, and was dubbed a pugilistic prodigy. "Emmanuel Steward was quoted as saying there have been very few who have been more gifted than this kid during his match with Tony Duran." He is likely to win two or three world championships; I expect him to be the best ever. "I thought Floyd Mayweather was the best pro prospect in the entire Olympic games," IBHOF trainer and analyst Gil Clancy said before Mayweather's ninth professional match (against Jesus Chavez).

Mayweather claimed his first world title (the WBC super featherweight (130 lb) championship) in 1998, only two years of being in amateur boxing, with an eighth-round technical knockout of World No. 1 (2013 lb) champion Genaro Hernández after his opponent's cornerman called the match off. It was Hernández's first loss in the weight class; he said after the fight, "He defeated me, he is quick, clever, and I had no idea he had the speed." I treat him with esteem. He is a natural performer."

Genaro Hernández had previously defeated Azumah Nelson in the super-featherweight division, prompting boxing journals to award him the vacant lineal championship, following Mayweather's triumph. In the 1990s, the Ring stopped awarding belts to world champions, but it revived in 2002. Nelson gained his lineal status in the 1990s, so The Ring's vacant title was not given to him, Hernández, nor Mayweather (although Mayweather was The Ring's top-ranked super featherweight).

Mayweather was the first American Olympian to win a world championship in 1996. "We know that Floyd Mayweather is the successor in a line that begins with Ray Robinson, to Muhammad Ali, and finally Sugar Ray Leonard," Mayweather's promoter Bob Arum said. Mayweather defended it against a TKO in round two, giving Manfredy his first defeat in four years.

Mayweather was ranked #8-ranked best boxer in the world by the end of 1998, and she became one of the youngest recipients of The Ring's Fighter of the Year award (21, the same age Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali were winning their first awards). Mayweather maintained his super featherweight division in 1999 by winning his title three more times. He defeated the Argentine Carlos Rios in his second defense of his title, which he won in a unanimous decision. Mayweather won the judges' scoring 120–109, 119–108, and 120–109, beating him in the eighth round for the third time in his career.

Mayweather's third title defense was against Justin Juuko, who won via knockout in the ninth round. Juuko could not beat Referee Mitch Halpern's count by ten, and the match came in Mayweather's favor 80 seconds into the ninth round. Mayweather won in a seventh-round referee technical decision, his final title defense in 1999 was against Carlos Gerena. (RTD). "I want to tell the world that I'm the best fighter in the world," Mayweather said after the war. This dominance did not go unnoticed in the boxing industry; by the year's end, the 22-year-old Mayweather was ranked as the world's best boxer (behind Roy Jones Jr.).

Mayweather fired his father as his boss and replaced him with James Prince in early 2000, his fifth successful defense of his championship against former WBC Featherweight Champion Gregorio Vargas. When Mayweather fired the elder Mayweather as his boss a few months after the war, the father and son's rift widened. Although Mayweather loves his father, he had a great rapport with Roger because his father had put too much pressure on him to be perfect, according to him in a 2004 interview. Mayweather, who was in his fifth title defense, defeated "Goyo" Vargas in Las Vegas in a near-shutout. For the second time in the series, Mayweather surpassed HBO announcer Jim Lampley, who said that the champ had switched to a southpaw position for the second time in the tournament, he leaned ringside and said, "It was the third time." Mayweather was also elusive after a six-month layoff. Mayweather dropped Vargas with a hook to the ribs and cruised to a unanimous decision in the sixth round.

Roger Mayweather returned to his role as his nephew's mentor for his next bout; a non-title lightweight tournament against Emanuel Augustus (then known as Emanuel Burton), which Mayweather defeated by a ninth-round technical knockout. Mayweather said in an interview in 2012 that his fight against Augustus would be the hardest of his career, and that "I'm going to rate Emanuel Augustus first out of every guy I've encountered" compared to all the guys I've encountered."

Mayweather defeated Diego Corrales, the hard-hitting, former IBF super-featherweight champion, 33–0, with 27 KOs) in one of his career's most memorable and memorable fights. Mayweather and Corrales were undefeated going into the match, and no one had touched the canvas. Mayweather was The Ring's #2-ranked super featherweight in the world (and #7 pound-for-pound), while Corrales was the world's highest-rated super featherweight and #5 pound-for-pound, while Corrales was the world's top-ranked super featherweight and #5 pound-for-pound. Mayweather had said before the fight, he wanted to fight Corrales, who was facing prison time for reportedly beating his pregnant mother. "I want Diego because I'm doing it for all the battered women across America," Mayweather said. "I'm going to beat him just like he beat him."

Although both fighters were similar in age (23), Corrales had many physical advantages over Mayweather: two inches in height, an inch in reach, and (despite both arriving at the official weight-in at the 130-lb super-featherweight limit): 146 pounds to 136 1/2 pounds, relative to Mayweather's 1361/2 lbs. Mayweather won every round and knocked down Corrales five times in round 7 and twice in round 10). Corrales' cornermen mounted onto the apron and brought the fight to a halt, establishing Mayweather as the king of boxing's mythical pound-for-pound champion. Mayweather was ahead on the scorecards at the time of the interruption, winning by 89–79, 90–79, and 90–78. HBO analysts analyzed Mayweather throughout the war. "Mayweather fights in a tradition of boxing and quick handedness that goes back to Michigan, all the way to Sugar Ray Robinson."

Harold Lederman remarked,

Corrales scored 60 of 205 punches and got no more than nine punches in a single round. Mayweather landed 220 of 414 punches out of a total of 414. Corrales was unable to land any clear shots as he stalked Mayweather through the early rounds. According to CompuBox results, he delivered an average of six punches per round, the first time a fighter has registered single digits in 20 years CompuBox has been tracking punch data.

Mayweather mused, "I want to fight Prince Naseem (Hamed), and if we can reach 128 (lbs) or 130 (lbs), we may have a match or I will defeat Casamayor" after the battle. "I really want to kill Prince Naseem," Mayweather said, "but I think I'll meet the Casamayor winner (vs. Freitas). Although neither fight materialized, Mayweather's challenger Diego Corrales (the winner of the Casamayor vs. Freitas fight) would win his first professional defeat and defeat Casamayor in a tense decision in a rematch of their first match. Bob Arum was ecstatic about his new role. "Better than Sugar Ray Leonard," he said. "And did you see him at those press conferences?" says the narrator.

The fight was greeted with acclaim in the boxing world and sports in general. "Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s speed was dazzling," CBS said. "His talent was unexpected," the BBC announced on "a near flawless job." "Floyd Mayweather Jr., displaying blazing speed and punishing fire," the New York Daily News announced, "a fistic masterpiece."

Eddie Futch, a boxing instructor, died on October 10, 2001, at the age of 90. In an interview, Tim Smith of the New York Daily News recalled an interaction with the trainer.

Mayweather, a former IBF super featherweight champion who was battling in Grand Rapids, lost his WBC superfeatherweight title by a 12-round unanimous decision on May 26, 2001. The 130-pound champion called it "one of his career's toughest nights" to rise his record to 26-0. "He is a very tough fighter," Mayweather said of the challenger, whose record fell to 33–3–1. "I'm dissatisfied with my results." Mayweather was knocked down by a left hook in round six, causing him sore that he dropped his injured left hand to the ground. He wasn't struck, but the referee gave him a standing eight-count.

Jess Chávez, the future super featherweight and lightweight champion, was Mayweather's last fight in the superweight division. Chávez was the WBC's top-ranked contender and came into the fight with a 31-bout winning streak. This was Mayweather's eighth defense of the WBC superfeatherweight title, which he had held for more than three years. He won after Chávez's corner called the match after round nine. Mayweather had such a difficult time losing weight during the weigh-in that he didn't eat for four days before the weigh-in. "He's [Mayweather] the champion," Chávez said after the fight. Now that I am his number one fan, I'm officially his number one fan."

"I know that it will take some time to make the match, but I want to face Kostya Tszyu," Mayweather said after the match. By then, Tszyu, an Australian-based Russian, had established himself as the world's best light welterweight. Mayweather did not have a chance to face Tszyu but moved on to face Ricky Hatton (who defeated Tszyu and became the Ring light welterweight champion). Mayweather was still ranked as the Ring #1 super featherweight and top pound-for-pound boxer in the world by the end of 2001.

Mayweather took on World Boxing Council (WBC) champion and The Ring #1-ranked lightweight José Luis Castillo in his first fight as a lightweight. Despite both fighters reaching the 135-lb lightweight maximum, Mayweather took to the ring weighing in at 1381/2 pounds to Castillo's 1471/2. Castillo defeated him in the WBC and Vacant The Ring and Lineal lightweight titles with a 12-round unanimous decision at the MGM Grand Garden Arena before a crowd of 6,920. With Mayweather's victory, he became the first lineal lightweight champion since Pernell Whitaker. Judge Jerry Roth and John Keane scored it 115–111, and judge Anek Hongtongkam scored it 116–111, a decision that was vociferously booed by the pro-Castillo crowd. Mayweather won the Associated Press by 115-111; the New York Daily News scorecard had Mayweather winning by 116–112.

Castillo (45–5–1, 41 KOs) did not get a chance to meet Mayweather in the first round, with Castillo throwing 27 punches and landing only three. "Mayweather made a remark in the corner about his left shoulder," Larry Merchant pointed out. We'll see if there's something wrong with it, but he seems to be revolving it to keep it loose." George Foreman responded a similar way, saying, "Massage my left shoulder" is the final indication, not a good sign."

Castillo was shot by Mayweather in the first minute of the second round and was declared a slip by the referee. "I think Floyd did throw a left hook and this guy [Castillo] went down at the end of the hook, but what you'll do isn't going to do, it's a decision call by the referee," Drakulich said later in the game, but it doesn't go down as a 10-8 round." Castillo's punches landed a good number of his punches landing. George Foreman approved the decision ("That's what you want a referee to do"), but Larry Merchant had a different take on it: "I think this referee has been entirely involved in the conflict." "Too officious." In the ninth round, Drakulich struck again, this time taking a point away from Mayweather for using his elbows. Mayweather won the war by effectively using his jab and staying away from Castillo for a large part of the battle. Having strained his left shoulder on the last day of training, he shifted to a southpaw stance on several occasions to deliver more right-handed punches.

Castillo defeated Castillo 115–111 at the end of the game. I'm not denying Lederman's scoring in his boxing column: "Harold Lederman, the (HBO) unofficial ringside television judge, gave Castillo the third round, which I think shows that Mayweather suffers from the same scoring disorder that afflicted Pernell Whitaker." Mayweather is so rarely struck clean in his face that it doesn't matter in the observer's mind. During the same time, the three straight shots Mayweather just delivered against his opponent do not make the same sense."

Castillo's overall punches and significantly more power shots were reported over the course of the war, according to CompuBox statistics. Mayweather beat Castillo in jabs thrown and landed. Lederman's results in this match may have been seen as inconsistent; in both Bernard Hopkins and Jermain Taylor's fights, Taylor wins 115–113, despite Hopkins' stronger overall punches and much more power shots in both fights. Taylor threw and landed more jabs, but the landed more jabs.

"I hurt my rotator cuff in my left shoulder on my last training day," Mayweather said in the post-fight interview, so I couldn't use my jab the way I like to." My left wasn't as strong as I expected it to be, but I didn't want to have no excuses, you know, and if they were hurt, they don't even turn up to the fight. "I get hurt, and I keep fighting, you know, I want to bring the fans a win."

Mayweather rematch with José Luis Castillo, which took place on December 7, 2002, because of the nearness of their first match. Mayweather reiterated that he had to cuff two days before the first fight and that he could not throw a jab or a left hook. Following the uproar over Castillo's decision, he underwent surgery, and he said his shoulder had completely recovered.

On the night of the fight, Mayweather was once more outweighed by Castillo; Castillo weighed 147 lbs, to Mayweather's 138. Mayweather won a second unanimous decision in a rematch between his footwork, mixtures, and jab. There were no knockdowns or big trades in the match; the verdict was close, with Mayweather winning 115–113 on two scorecards and 116–113 on a third. Mayweather led the Associated Press to win 116–112; HBO unofficial scorer Harold Lederman and fellow analyst Larry Merchant tied it 115–113 for Mayweather.

In a unanimous decision over Dominican Victoriano Sosa, Mayweather defended his WBC lightweight champion. Mayweather (30–0) fought a technically sound 12-round match against an obnoxious Sosa (35–3–2). He was ranked No. 1 in his hometown of Grand Rapids against WBC #1-ranked contender Phillip N'dou, who had a record of 31–1 with 30 KOs. Nelson Mandela welcomed N'dou to his office for a pep talk before his departure for the United States, advising him to "keep Mayweather on the outside with the jab." In a note, South African President Thabo Mbeki said he had "absolute confidence" that N'dou would put on a show that would make all South Africans proud and return home with the WBC belt. When told of his opponent's high-level support, Mayweather responded, "Nelson Mandela is a great guy, he's a celebrity in the United States, but Mandela can't get involved and fight for him."

Mayweather performed a series of straight rights and lefts in the fifth round, and when N'dou would not come down, Mayweather gave him a smile and continued the raging. In the seventh round, he dominated his opponents before erecting him with a sequence of rights. At 1:50, N'dou came up on shaky legs, resulting in a halt. Mayweather (in black trunks outlined with fur) appeared to be toy with N'dou at times during the war. Mayweather was still The Ring's lightweight champion and the world's highest pound-for-pound boxer by the end of 2003.

Mayweather, 26, made his 140-pound debut by defeating former titlist DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley, knocking him down twice in rounds eight and ten, and then a unanimous decision of 119–108, 119–108, and 118–108. The fight was billed as a WBC elimination match, with the champion winning a shot at 140-pound champion Arturo Gatti. "Mayweather will knock out a fight," Corcor's trainer Don Turner said. "He's like magic." "You're going to punch the guy." Mayweather will debut on the USA Today pound-for-pound charts shortly after this match, with middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins at number two.

Mayweather defeated Henry Bruseles in another WBC elimination match on January 22, 2005, outclassing Bruseles in the first seven rounds. Mayweather knocked Bruseles down twice in round eight, causing the match to be called off twice. Mayweather's victory made him the mandatory challenger for the WBC light welterweight championship in Gatti.

Mayweather and The Ring #1-ranked contender Arturo Gatti clash took place in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where fans are heavily supporting the Gatti. Mayweather was upbeat before the fight, describing Gatti as "a C+ fighter" and "a blown-up club fighter" and "a blown-up club fighter." To the song "Another One Bites the Dust," Mayweather led the ring on a chariot. The pyrotechnics of Gatti exploded within the rings, accompanied by the song "Thunderstruck" and was momentarily frightened by the explosion. Mayweather pushed Gatti's head down in close; Gatti broke, leaving him wounded; while Mayweather continued landing punches. Gatti ordered the referee to scream; Mayweather ruled, sending Gatti to the ground with more shots for what was a knockdown. The faster Mayweather landed nearly every shot against Gatti, who had no weapon on which to return fire in the first five rounds. After round six, Gatti's corner pulled Mayweather's name out of the competition, earning him his third world title.

Mayweather lauded Gatti in a post-fight interview, saying that his pre-fight remarks "weren't just to sell tickets." Mayweather's reign as one of the world's top pound-for-pound fighters firmly established his position as one of the world's top pound-for-pound fighters. Mayweather beat Gatti 168–41, with Gatti getting only 10 power punches (anything other than a jab). Mayweather's match with Gatti will be his last in the light-welterweight division; he will finish as the top-ranked contender, with Ricky Hatton as the light-welterweight champion.

Mayweather fought Gatti in the welterweight division, advancing to the welterweight division. Mayweather defeated Sharmba Mitchell, 147 lb (67 kg), on November 19, 2005, in a non-title match. Mayweather knocked Mitchell down with a straight right hand to the head in round three. Mitchell's body was dropped in round six in a straight right hand, this one to Mitchell's body—putting the game to a close end.

Mayweather defeated Zab Judah for the IBF welterweight title in a unanimous decision on April 8, 2006. After Judah lost the WBA, WBC, and The Ring Welterweight titles to Carlos Baldomir on January 7, 2006, Mayweather's and Judah's camps reworked the deal, ensuring that the fight would continue. During Judah's tense early rounds, Mayweather remained calm. In round five, he began to rule Judah, and the latter bled out. Judah smacked Mayweather in the left hand that was clearly under the belt, triggering a right-handed rabbit punch. With five seconds remaining in the round, referee Richard Steele called time out. Roger Mayweather stormed Judah, but Steele banned him; Judah's father (and mentor), Yoel Judah, appeared in the ring as well; Judah's father (and trainer), Yoel Judah, joined the contest as well; While the Judahs scuffled with Roger (and others who had entered the ring), Mayweather remained in the neutral position until police and security restored order. Roger was ejected, and the match continued for the scheduled 12 rounds. Official scores: Mayweather ruled unanimously that 116–112, 117–111, and 119–109 were among the Mayweather's unanimous decisions. According to CompuBox results, he had 188 punches to Judah's 82.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) refused to reverse the decision of the match five days after the fact was announced; however, Roger Mayweather was fined $200,000 and suspended for one year. Roger could prepare Mayweather in the gym, but could not do the corner during fights, as the suspension was limited. The IBF ordered a rematch between Mayweather and Judah on April 17, 2006; however, the NSAC suspended Judah for one year on May 8, and Mayweather vacated the IBF crown on June 20.

Mayweather turned down an $8 million bid to fight Antonio Margarito after his fight with Judah, citing his rivalry with promoter Bob Arum as the reason. Oscar De la Hoya postponed his decision until 2007, allowing Mayweather to find Mayweather Promotions and select his next opponent. Mayweather considered lifting weight to face light middleweight champion Cory Spinks, but Spinks decided against WBC and The Ring welterweight champion Carlos Baldomir on November 4, 2006 in Las Vegas, despite poor publicity and Spinks' imminent mandatory defense of his title.

Baldomir, who hadn't lost in over eight years, was an underdog in the war. In a unanimous decision, Mayweather defeated him for both titles. Mayweather landed 199 of 458 punches in total, while Baldomir landed 79 of 670. Mayweather received $8 million for the fight, while Baldomir was paid $1.6 million per year for each fighter at the time.

Baldomir fired Mayweather, unable to land any meaningful shots but wanting to be the busier killer; Mayweather's sharp jabs and hooks cut Baldomir in the first round, cutting him off from his left eye. The pattern continued throughout the fight; Mayweather's defense-minded Mayweather carried out what many witnesses (and Mayweather himself) called a "boxing clinic" to take Baldomir's WBC, The Ring, and lineal welterweight titles in a lopsided 12-round vote by scores of 120–108, 120–110. Mayweather suggested a match with Oscar De La Hoya after the brawl.

With Mayweather's victory, he became the first fighter since Roberto Durán to win The Ring in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions. He also won his third lineal championship in various weight classes (super featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight), following Henry Armstrong and Sugar Ray Leonard's footsteps.

Mayweather's next match was the long-anticipated confrontation against six-division champion and WBC light-middleweight champion Oscar De La Hoya on May 5, 2007. De La Hoya's belt was on the line, requiring Mayweather to lift her weight from 147 pounds to 154. Mayweather was outweighed by more than ten pounds the night of the fight, clocking in at just 150 pounds. Despite De La Hoya's insistence that money was not a factor, the Mayweather-De La Hoya war set the record for the most PPV buys for a boxing match with 2.4 million households, beating Evander Holyfield-Mike Tyson II's previous record of 1.95 million. The PPV had generated $120 million in sales, another record. Incluing percentages, De La Hoya raised $58 million for the fight, the highest purse for a fighter ever; Tyson and Holyfield held the previous record at $35 million. Mayweather made more than $100,000 for the fight than he did.

Floyd Mayweather Sr. had negotiated to prepare Oscar De La Hoya and be in his corner during the war, but De La Hoya decided to train with Freddie Roach. Mayweather won the championship by a split decision in 12 rounds, securing the WBC crown. However, several analysts and ringside observers disagreed that Mayweather should have received a unanimous decision. De La Hoya had some success cutting off the rings in the early rounds, aiming to pound Mayweather on the inside. Despite his insider's work, many of De La Hoya's punches were ineffective and landed on Mayweather's arms or shoulders. It had been even fought by the announcers in the middle of the fight. Mayweather fought the tide in the middle and late rounds, with some people hitting De La Hoya at will. Official scorecards read 116–112 (Mayweather), 115–113 (Mayweather), and 115–113 (De La Hoya). With greater accuracy throughout the fight, CompuBox had Mayweather out-landing De La Hoya 207–122 in total punches and 134–82 in power punches, resulting in greater accuracy throughout the fight. Mayweather considered retirement after the confrontation, but said he had nothing left to prove in the boxing industry.

Mayweather decided to renounce his WBC light-middleweight title after his bout with De La Hoya, while still holding his welterweight crown. Mayweather announced on July 28, 2007, that he would come out of his brief retirement to face Ricky Hatton, the Ring light welterweight champion; De La Hoya's promotion firm (Golden Boy Promotions) and Mayweather's Mayweather Promotions announced the bout. The combat was branded "Undefeated"; it took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 8, 2007, the biggest welterweight showdown since De La Hoya met Félix Trinidad in 1999. During the run-up to their fight, Mayweather claimed to be the best boxer ever: "I respect what Robinson and Ali did for the sport." I am the best in the world, but now is my time."

Mayweather ruled the match from the start, knocking Hatton out in the 10th round to keep the welterweight championship. Hatton was shot in the right eye in round three, and his speed and movement slowed from that point. Hatton lost a point for striking the back of Mayweather's head as he was draped over the ropes in round six. Hatton was trapped by a checked left hook thrown from Mayweather's hip; he collapsed headfirst into the turnbuckle before falling headfirst into the ground. Hatton made it to his feet, but the zed was in shock. Hatton was knocked down again by two more lefts in quick succession, and referee Cortez called the match to a halt at 1:35 of round ten. Official scorecards showed 88–82, 89–81, and 89–81 at the time of suspension, with Mayweather in favour of Mayweather.

Hatton was one of his most tenacious opponents after the match, according to Mayweather. Mayweather announced his retirement from boxing to focusing on his promotion firm, saying Hatton would be his first client.

Mayweather was confirmed on May 2, 2009 that he would be out of a 21-month contract to face Juan Manuel Márquez, the MGM Grand champion and #2 pound-for-pound, at a catch weight of 144 lb. Mayweather's fight was postponed due to a rib injury suffered during preparation. For August 29, HBO's sports series 24/7 was also postponed. The war took place on September 19 in honor of Mexican Independence Day, which was traditionally a big boxing weekend. Mayweather failed to meet the weight limit at 144 lb during a formal weigh-in for their 144 lb match and was fined as a result. However, it was later revealed that the deal had been amended so that Mayweather could shed weight within 140-147 lb as long as Marquez received a large guarantee. Mayweather earned a unanimous verdict after 12 rounds in a lopsided contest; scorecards read 120–107, 119–108, and 118–109. Marquez delivered 12 percent of his total 583 punches, while Mayweather had 59 percent of his 490 total punches. This was the fifth time in boxing history that a non-heavyweight match sold more than 1 million pay-per-view households, with HBO earning more than $52 million. Oscar De La Hoya appeared in four of the other fights, making this fight one of two cases in which a non-heavyweight match sold over 1 million PPVs without Oscar De La Hoya. Manny Pacquiao versus Miguel Cotto, which brought 1.25 million PPVs, was the other contest.

After Andre Berto pulled out of his scheduled unification match with Mosley due to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, negotiations for a match between Mayweather and The Ring #3 pound-for-pound began right away. Both teams eventually agreed to fight for Mosley's WBA super-welterweight crown on May 1, 2010. Mayweather refused to pay the WBA's sanctioning fees, according to a later report, "all belts do is collect dust." The belt was only on the line for Mosley to protect against Mayweather, but not so much. Both Mayweather and Mosley have agreed to Olympic-style testing for this match.

Mosley got off to a good start in round two, where Mayweather's knees buckled. Mayweather recovered quickly and moved on to dominate the remainder of the fight, out-boxing Mosley and showing more aggression than in his previous matches. Mayweather eventually secured a unanimous decision, with the judges judging the contest 119–109, 119–109, and 118–110. CompuBox found Mosley firing seven power punches without landing any, making Mayweather the second boxer (after Roy Jones Jr.) to complete the round without being struck by a power punch. Oscar De La Hoya, the president of Golden Boy Promotions, said that Mayweather was the best in the game after the match.

With 1.4 million purchases, the fight became the second-best non-heavyweight pay-per-view contest in boxing history. The war, according to HBO, earned $78.3 million in profits. Mayweather showed an interest in gaining a world title in six different weight divisions and a new champion middleweight champion Sergio Martez.

Manny Pacquiao, the eight-division world champion, signed a deal to face Mayweather on December 5, 2009. Pacquiao denied ever signing a deal to beat Mayweather, according to FanHouse, "There are still some things that must be negotiated."

According to Yahoo!

Sports, an eight-page contract was released by Golden Boy Promotions on behalf of Mayweather in December 11, 2009, which advocated Pacquiao, which meant a 50-50 financial split between the two teams for a fight that will take place on March 13, 2010.

The eight-page contract was so extensive that it revealed which of the two fighters would step onto the scale first at the weigh-in (Pacquiao), who would walk to the first rank (Pacquiao) and who had first choice of the locker room (Mayweather). The fight would have been on HBO Pay-Per-View for $59.95, according to the author. The bill was supposed to be "Mayweather vs. Pacquiao," according to Top Rank, Golden Boy Promotions, Mayweather Promotions, and M-P Promotions in association with [approved sponsors and the website." Both fighters were also required to submit to Olympic-style drug testing, according to the agreement.

At that time, a Mayweather-Pacquiao contest was supposed to be the most lucrative battle in history, with total revenues expected to reach $300 million. Experts said the fight would sell between 2.5 million and 3 million pay-per-views in the United States.

Pacquiao's manager, Freddie Roach, gave the first hint at Mayweather's call for Olympic-style drug testing in a video posted on YouTube on December 11, 2009. Schaefer and his family are unsatisfied with something. They want drug testing like Olympic ones. 'Yes, no problem,' I said.' "Whatever you want," I said. Now they're running scared again after we've accepted that."

Mayweather's request for Olympic-style drug testing was a laughing matter, and the Pacquiao's advisor, Michael Koncz, said there were no questions whatsoever about it.

"Our reaction is, 'So what?'

Manny does not use illegal drugs or anything. None of this is getting under Manny's skin, or something. I'm here with Manny, and it's like a prank, to him. Koncz said, "It's a joking matter."

Following rumors that both sides had agreed to all terms, Golden Boy Promotions revealed on December 22, 2009, saying that Pacquiao was unable to comply with Team Mayweather's Olympic-style drug testing. Bob Arum, the founder and CEO of Top Rank, declared the war was over, and Pacquiao will face a new foe: Pacquiao will face a new opponent the following day.

The Grand Rapids Press' David Mayo was consulted by Arum. Arum had a change of heart and offered Mayweather a 24-hour take-it-or-leave-it deadline to comply with Team Pacquiao's terms for drug testing not long after announcing that the war was over, and not long after announcing that it was over, and said it was off. Top Rank released a press release announcing their position on Mayweather's request for random Olympic-style drug testing. Pacquiao would have been able to perform as many random urine tests as desired, but in terms of random blood tests, he was only able to perform three tests: one in January, one 30 days after the war, and one immediately after the bout: Arum said in it that Pacquiao was prepared to perform them immediately after the fight.

On December 22, Freddie Roach told Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times that he would like for Pacquiao to get his final blood sample a week before the match but not later than 72 hours.

Pacquiao gave blood in the weeks leading up to his match with Ricky Hatton on December 28, 2009, a video from HBO's Pacquiao-Hatton: 24/7 surfaced on the internet on December 28, 2009. The video was released on April 8, 2009, 24 days before the war and before Pacquiao's request for a Mayweather clash was set on a 30-day clock.

Both sides agreed to mediation on January 7, 2010, with the intention of arriving at a compromise on the blood testing issue. Daniel Weinstein, a former federal judge who successfully ended a previous dispute involving Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions, will now serve as mediator. Arum declared that the war had officially ended two days after hours of negotiating during mediation, after Mayweather refused to commit to a 24-day deadline. Mayweather announced that he had a 14-day cut-off date for Team Pacquiao, but that it had been turned down.

Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe announced on January 18, 2010 that random blood and urine testing would be conducted in all of Mayweather's future matches, regardless of the opponent. "I gave him [Pacquitao] a chance," Mayweather said in an exclusive interview with David Mayo of The Grand Rapids Press on February 13, 2010. However, my latest terms are still the same as the war. They can come and get us whenever, as a result of the fight and a random drug test. That's what it is."

Both fighters moved forward to face new opponents after the failed talks. Pacquiao beat Joshua Clottey by unanimous vote on March 13, 2010, and Mayweather beat Shane Mosley by a unanimous decision on May 1, 2010.

"As long as they're not getting a lot of blood, I'm willing to give out blood as close as two weeks before the fight," Pacquiao said on May 20, 2010. Mayweather revealed on the same day that he would not be able to cover the majority of 2010 and possibly 2011.

Oscar De La Hoya said that talks for a Mayweather-Pacquiao war were close to being finalized on June 10, 2010. De La Hoya briefly discussed the current state of talks and revealed that the two sides were close to making the biggest fight in boxing a reality, with a grin on his face. "These talks have been really difficult for a variety of reasons," he said, "but we're really close to completing the deals even though they've been complicated." "Today, I can't really talk about the talks, but we're really close." Richard Schaefer, the CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, debunk De La Hoya's remarks a week later. "I saw those quotes as well, but I had no idea what Oscar was talking about." "I called him up and asked him about them, and he said he was misquoted," Schaefer told Lem Satterfield of FanHouse.

On June 30, 2010, Arum declared that there are no longer any problems and that the decision was up to Mayweather. Arum replied to Yahoo's Kevin Iole, "That's all settled." Sports are focusing on random blood and urine drug testing. "There are no longer any problems," Arum will tell the Las Vegas Review-Journal, "There are no longer any questions." "Mayweather is still eager to fight this year." He would repeat the nascent comment to the Manila Bulletin, adding, "It's now up to Mayweather if he wants to fight."

Arum's deadline for Mayweather was set on July 13, 2010. "Mayweather has until the end of the week." He could have waited until the last minute. "We have a deal" if it's Friday [July 16] and it's 11 p.m., and Arum says we have a deal," Arum tells ESPN's Dan Rafael. Top Rank's website revealed a new countdown to the deadline of "Money" time on July 15, 2010. Mayweather's Decline

Arum called Mayweather as soon as the deadline for his reply expired. Arum revealed to the media that the talks he was referring to consisted of a sequence of talks with HBO Sports President Ross Greenburg. He also revealed that there was no direct contact between Team Mayweather or Golden Boy Promotions:

Arum continued during his opening address, "We have never talked to anyone on the Mayweather side, and all discussions on our part were through Ross Greenburg, who reported on all Al Haymon's conversations."

Ellerbe denied that talks took place on July 19, 2010 and that no agreement was ever reached.

Ellerbe stated:

Schaefer backed Ellerbe's assertion that negotiations never took place three days later.

Greenburg will reply to Ellerbe's denial that talks ever took place, by e-mail: "As always we have no comment."

De La Hoya said on July 26, 2010 that he made a remark he made suggesting that the mega-fighters were almost done.

Greenburg also said on July 26 that he had been discussing with a representative from both camps since May 2, 2010. "I had been negotiating with a representative from both countries since May 2nd, frantically trying to bring the conflict together." This fight is likely to take place someday, but it is likely that one day this will happen. In a prepared statement sent out to select members of the media, Greenburg said that sports fans are entitled to it."

Schaefer reiterated his support for Ellerbe's denial of talks, and asked for lie detector testing at Greenburg and Arum. Ross' words were "I think it's unfortunate." I utterly support the argument that I made. Schaefer told ESPN, "I haven't negotiated with Ross, and I am unaware of any talks that have taken place."

Pacquiao was willing to participate in random drug testing, but not by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). "We have agreed in the Pacquiao camp to continuous random testing carried out by a responsible, neutral group," Arum told Yahoo.

Pacquiao's top strategist, Michael Koncz, said the Pacquiao had never agreed to testing before war day, but Pacquiao's top strategist, Michael Koncz, said the following day. "Will we give blood five days and seven days before the war?" "I know, I have to worry about Manny, but we have nothing to hide," Koncz said.

Mayweather called Pacquiao on the phone and spoke directly with him in the Philippines, according to ESPN. "He inquired about a 50/50 split, and I told him no that can't happen, but if you fight me more money than you've made in your career," Mayweather said. Mayweather promised to pay him a flat fee of $40 million for a fought but would not allow him to share in the profits. "I talked to Floyd...and he gave me an amount," Pacquiao said. "He didn't discuss the pay-per-views here, and that's about it." I can't comply with that. "I told him that I agree with 55 and 45 (split).

Pacquiao appeared on ESPN's First Take on September 20, 2012, and said he had no problem with the drug testing issue. Pacquiao said, "No problem." "Whatever he wants to do." And on the night of the fight, Pacquiao said he was ready to be tested. He said, "No problem." "Even on the night of the fight." "No problem" says the author.

Mayweather said Pacquiao's relationship with promoter Bob Arum is the reason why the match will not take place, according to The Daily Telegraph on December 20, 2013. "We all know the Pacquiao fight, which will never come," Mayweather said. The reason why the fight will not happen is because I will never do business with Bob Arum again in life," Pacquiao said.

Mayweather revealed on Twitter on June 7, 2011 that he would face WBC welterweight champion and #102-ranked welterweight Victor Ortiz on September 17. Ortiz was Mayweather's first challenger in 16 months. The MGM Grand Garden Arena was the scene of the altercation. Mayweather used his speed, knowledge, and precise right hand to tag Ortiz repeatedly throughout round one. Mayweather seemed to be in control through the first three rounds, with judges' scores of 30–27, 31–27, and 29–28 for Mayweather. In the fourth round, Ortiz had some success, landing a few shots and stinging Mayweather before coercing him into the corner. Mayweather was rammed in the face with an intentional headbutt, opening a cut on the inside and outside of Mayweather's mouth. Referee Joe Cortez was immediately sacked and docked Ortiz a point for the blatant foul. Ortiz, who reportedly confessed to wrongdoing, hugged Mayweather in the corner and even appeared to kiss him.

The fighters returned to combat, but not in a neutral position, according to Cortez. Both fighters touched their gloves, and Ortiz gave Mayweather another hug. Cortez was not checking the fighters at that time, but it was not looking at them. Mayweather profited from Ortiz's inability by not having his hands up and unloaded a left hook that wobbled Ortiz. Ortiz looked at the referee, and Mayweather connected Ortiz's face with a flush right hand. Ortiz collapsed to the ground, and was unable to beat Cortez's number as the crowd of 14,687 booed Mayweather. Ortiz said he was simply following the referee's instructions after the fight, although Mayweather defended his position by saying that "In the ring, you must shield yourself at all times."

Mayweather vs. Ortiz was worth 1.25 million houses in pay-per-view terms, with $78,440,000 in pay-per-view earnings. These figures make the event the second-highest-grossing non-heavyweight pay-per-view event of all time. Mayweather has appeared in three major non-heavyweight pay-per-view tournaments in the sport's history: Mayweather vs. Oscar De La Hoya ($136,853,000), and Mayweather vs. Shane Mosley ($78,330,000).

Mayweather's advisor, Leonard Ellerbe, revealed on November 2, 2011 that Mayweather will return to the ring on May 5, 2012 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Mayweather would be lifting in weight against WBA super welterweight champion and Top Light Middleweight Miguel Cotto, after talks with Manny Pacquiao fell again on February 1, 2012. The WBC put their super welterweight diamond belt into play.

Mayweather defeated Cotto in 12 rounds by a unanimous vote on Saturday evening, extending his record to 43–0. Mayweather defeated Cotto in the first two rounds by using mobility and outboxed Cotto. Mayweather cut the ring off from Mayweather in rounds three and four, causing the latter to fight from the ropes. Mayweather managed to knock Cotto out of the ropes with his combos and by rolling with the bulk of Cotto's punches. Cotto had more success in the middle rounds, hitting his jab and body shots on Mayweather and effectively trapping him on the ropes. Mayweather, who boxed more in the center of the ring later in the game, ruled the later rounds. Mayweather's uppercut stunned Cotto in the 12th round, but Cotto was able to continue fighting until the end. The judges rated Mayweather's unanimous decision by scoring 118–110, 117–111, and 117–111. Mayweather said Cotto was the toughest fighter he had ever encountered after the match.

CompuBox had Mayweather outlanding and outworking Cotto in the war by a significant margin. Mayweather's total punches were 26% (179 out of 687), down from 21 percent (105 out of 56) for Cotto. Mayweather scored 128 of 382 (34 percent), down from 75% for Cotto, who received 75 of 329 (23 percent). According to contracts submitted by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, Mayweather established the highest guaranteed purse in boxing history ($32 million) when he defeated Cotto. The Mayweather-Cotto war raised $94 million in PPV revenue from 1.5 million purchases, making it the second-largest non-heavyweight match in history (after Mayweather's match with Oscar De La Hoya).

Mayweather appeared in the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas on June 1, 2012, to complete his jail term for domestic violence. He was released from jail on August 3, 2012, after two months of service.

Mayweather, a tour guide in Australia, was refused a visa on the basis of his criminal history and prison term.

Mayweather returned to the ring on May 4, 2013 at MGM Grand Garden Arena to face Ring No. 8, the WBC interim welterweight champion. Rob Guerrero, the WBC's most coveted challenger, and a welterweight, is ranked number 3 on the list of welterweights. This was Mayweather's first fight since being released from jail, and it was the first time Mayweather has clashed on Showtime PPV after a long relationship with HBO. Mayweather was promised $32 million for the fight.

The MGM Grand Garden Arena Arena erupted in front of 15,880 people. Guerrero had not lost in 8 years before the war. The first two rounds were fairly even, with Mayweather attempting to stop and time Guerrero, while Guerrero was attempting to pull Mayweather to the ground and make it a tense contest. Mayweather was in complete control after the first two rounds, almost winning Guerrero at will with right hand leads, counters, hooks, and basically timing Guerrero for the remainder of the game. Mayweather won the contest on all three scorecards, 117-111. Mayweather earned 195 punches to 113, which included a rare 60% connect on his power shots.

Even though no official figures have been reported, Showtime Sports executive Stephen Espinoza said the competition has surpassed 1 million dollars in PPV.

Mayweather announced on Twitter that a deal had been struck to face Ring No. Pound for pound, WBC and WBA Super welterweight champion Sal "Canelo" lvarez in a championship match on September 14, 2013 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, with a ten pound weight. For the fight, a 152 pounds catchweight was set. According to Leonard Ellerbe, Mayweather's confidant, Mayweather received a boxing record for the Alvarez battle. Mayweather defeated lvarez by majority twelve-round decision in front of a sold-out crowd of 16,746 at the MGM Garden. He outclassed younger lvarez in a contest that many believed would be Mayweather's toughest. Many observers at ringside believed Mayweather would have won all twelve rounds. The fight was 114–114, a draw, according to judge C. J. Ross. Judge Dave Moretti had it 116–112, while Craig Metcalfe had it 117–111. After this struggle, Judge Ross resigned. "I can't regulate what the judges do," Mayweather said of the tumultuous scorecard. Mayweather's dominance in the fight emerged, with 232 of 558 punches (46%) and 117 connected of 526 thrown (22%) for lvarez, who earned a base purse of $5 million.

Mayweather announced that he would face Marcos Maidana (35–31 KOs) in a unification bout at MGM Grand Garden Arena, despite an interest in a bout with Amir Khan. In December 2013, Maidana defeated WBA's Adrien Broner, Mayweather's cousin. The day after his 37th birthday, Mayweather announced the news on Twitter. The Barclays Center in Brooklyn had a petition to display the fight. Mayweather explains why he picked Maidana, "Marcos Maidana's last appearance immediately caught my attention." He's a natural combater who puts the fight in a knockout fashion. I think this is a great fight for me, and he owes it to him to see if he can do what 45 others have attempted to do before him – beat me. Maidana was a 12-to-1 underdog going into the fight.

Mayweather won the fight by majority vote, with scores of 114–114, 117–111, and 116–112. Maidana came out virulent and maintained their aggressive position throughout the war, prompting Mayweather to intervene. Mayweather was struck more times than any of his previous 38 matches that have been covered by them, according to CompuBox. Mayweather delivered 230 of his 426 punches (54%), while Maidana landed 221 of 858 (26%). Maidana fired at various points in the war, causing Mayweather to drag the ropes. Maidana's brash tactics prompted him to rethink his style of fighting, according to Mayweather in the post-fight interview.

Maidana was promised a $1.5 million purse, which would also include television sales from his native Argentina and PPV shares. Mayweather's income was minimum $32 million. There had been calls for an immediate match. "He put pressure on me, and that's when I decided to fight differently," Mayweather said. "I stood there and fought him." He's a good fighter, but I take nothing away from him. (...) Fans are dying to see this video. "I want to give fans a thrilling fight." I box and move about as often as possible. "I gave fans an exciting fight tonight," Trump said. Maidana believed he had won the battle, despite that Mayweather had the most difficult fight ever. "I certainly think I won," he said over a translator. Floyd had never been struck by a man before. On Friday, I had to change the gloves [after a last-minute failure with his original gloves], but I still gave him a great fight. He did dominate some rounds in certain rounds, but the majority of them, I dominated."

Around 900,000 PPV purchases were made during the tournament, but exact figures were not revealed until Showtime. The proceeds from the PPV auction amounted to $58 million.

Mayweather revealed on July 10, 2014, a rematch with Maidana (35–4, 31 KOs) was announced. The fight was set to take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on September 13, 2014, with Mayweather's WBA (Super), WBC, and The Ring welterweight titles in play, as well as Mayweather's WBC light middleweight title. The war was dubbed "Mayhem" by the time.

Mayweather defeated Maidana by unanimous vote in front of 16,144 at the MGM Grand Prix. Mayweather came out more prepared for Maidana's style than in the first round. The final judges' scores were 115–112, 116–111, and 116–111. At 119–108, ESPN rated Mayweather as the highest score for the sport. Maidana did not have any overhand right when Maidana was shot at 128 of 572 shots (22%). Mayweather had a 51% connect rate landing 166 of 326 of 326.

According to a survey, 925,000 households bought the war, earning $60 million. The live gate sold nearly $120,000, putting it at number 5 in the top 35 boxing gates.

Mayweather revealed on Instagram that he would protect the WBC, WBA (Super), and The Ring welterweight titles against Andre Berto, the WBA interim champion, on September 12, 2015. Berto's (3–3) record in his last 6 fights earned him some flak over the announcement. Many believed he was not a credible rival. Amir Khan, the welterweight champion, was said to be dissatisfied with the pick. Berto said Mayweather selected him as his final challenge due to personal reasons, which may have stemmed back to when he won the National Golden Gloves tournament. Stephen Espinoza explained that the reason why Mayweather never selected Amir Khan was because Khan would have been watching Ramadan before the game, so he would not be "at the top of his game." Brook's decision not to oppose then IBF champion Kell Brook was a corporate decision, not being recognized in the United States compared to Berto.

Mayweather is said to have earned over $300 million from the fight, while McGregor earned about $100 million.

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