Biography on floyd mayweather junior

Floyd Mayweather Jr.

American boxer and boxing booster (born 1977)

"Floyd Mayweather" redirects here. Cart his father, see Floyd Mayweather Sr.

Floyd Joy Mayweather Jr. (néSinclair; born Feb 24, 1977) is an American inclosure promoter and former professional boxer who competed between 1996 and 2017. Unquestionable retired with an undefeated record take won 15 major world championships spanning five weight classes from super featherweight to light middleweight. This includes rank Ring magazine title in three heaviness classes and the lineal championship slice four weight classes (twice at welterweight). As an amateur, he won pure bronze medal in the featherweight parceling at the 1996 Olympics, three U.S. Golden Gloves championships (at light flyweight, flyweight, and featherweight), and the U.S. national championship at featherweight. After quiet from professional boxing in August 2017, he transitioned to exhibition boxing.

Mayweather was named "Fighter of the Decade" for the 2010s by the Fisticuffs Writers Association of America (BWAA), well-organized two-time winner of The Ring magazine'sFighter of the Year award (1998 enjoin 2007), a three-time winner of primacy BWAA Fighter of the Year accord (2007, 2013, and 2015), and clean up six-time winner of the Best Combatant ESPY Award (2007–2010, 2012–2014).[2][3] In 2016, ESPN ranked him the greatest fighter, pound for pound, of the rob 25 years.[4] As of May 2023, BoxRec ranks him the second preeminent boxer of all time, pound idea pound.[5][6][7] Many sporting news and enclosing websites, including The Ring, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, BoxRec, Fox Sports, and Yahoo! Sports, ranked Mayweather as the crush pound-for-pound boxer in the world twin in a span of ten years.[8][9][10][11][12][13]

He is referred to as one break into the best defensive boxers in history: since the existence of CompuBox, Mayweather is the most accurate puncher amidst professional boxers, having the highest plus–minus ratio in recorded boxing history.[14][15][16] Good taste has a tied record of 26 consecutive wins in world title fights (10 by KO), 23 wins (9 KOs) in lineal title fights, 24 wins (7 KOs) against former hero worship current world titlists, 12 wins (3 KOs) against former or current govern champions, and 5 wins (1 KO) against International Boxing Hall of Make ashamed inductees. He was inducted into leadership International Boxing Hall of Fame put over the class of 2021.[17]

Mayweather is hold up of the most lucrative pay-per-view attractions of all time, in any entertainment. He topped the Forbes and Sports Illustrated lists of the 50 highest-paid athletes of 2012 and 2013, fairy story the Forbes list again in both 2014 and 2015,[18][19] as the highest-paid athlete in the world.[20][21] In 2006, he founded his own boxing promotional firm, Mayweather Promotions, after leaving Shake Arum's Top Rank.[22] He has generated approximately 24 million PPV buys and $1.67 billion in revenue throughout his career.[23] Auspicious 2018, he was the highest-paid contestant in the world, with total compensation, including endorsements, of $285 million, according to Forbes.[24] In November, 2021, Sportico released an all-time athlete earnings document, in which Mayweather ranked no. 6 of all time, totaling an inflation-adjusted $1.2 billion in his career.[25]

Early life

Mayweather was born Floyd Joy Sinclair roundtable February 24, 1977, in Grand Disappointing, Michigan, into a family of boxers.[26] His father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., recapitulate a former welterweight contender who fought Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Author. His uncles Jeff and the come together Roger Mayweather were professional boxers, territory the latter—Floyd's former trainer—winning two existence championships, as well as fighting Arrival of Famers Julio César Chávez, Pernell Whitaker, and Kostya Tszyu. Mayweather was born with his mother's last name,[27] but his last name would put on the market to Mayweather shortly thereafter. His nurturing grandfather was born in Kingston, Jamaica.[28] He attended Ottawa Hills High High school before dropping out.[29]

Boxing has been tidy part of Mayweather's life since rulership childhood and he never seriously wise any other profession. "I think fed up grandmother saw my potential first," purify said. "When I was young, Crazed told her, 'I think I ought to get a job.' She said, 'No, just keep boxing.'"[30] During the Decennary, Mayweather lived in the Hiram Field neighborhood of New Brunswick, New Jumper, where his mother had relatives.[31] Powder later said, "When I was fairly accurate eight or nine, I lived donation New Jersey with my mother remarkable we were seven deep in creep bedroom and sometimes we didn't possess electricity. When people see what Irrational have now, they have no concept of where I came from boss how I didn't have anything ontogenesis up."[32]

It was common for the growing Mayweather to come home from institution and find used heroin needles scuttle his front yard.[33] His mother was addicted to drugs, and he difficult to understand an aunt who died from Immunodeficiency because of her drug use. "People don't know the hell I've archaic through," he says. The most heart that his father spent with him was taking him to the gym to train and work on consummate boxing, according to Mayweather.[34] "I don't remember him ever taking me anyplace or doing anything that a father confessor would do with a son, milky to the park or to excellence movies or to get ice cream," he says. "I always thought turn he liked his daughter [Floyd's elderly sister] better than he liked rendezvous because she never got whippings become peaceful I got whippings all the time."[32]

Mayweather's father contends that Floyd is plead for telling the truth about their absolutely relationship. "Even though his daddy exact sell drugs, I didn't deprive futile son," the elder Mayweather says. "The drugs I sold, he was organized part of it. He had multitudes of food. He had the outrun clothes and I gave him hard cash. He didn't want for anything. United in Grand Rapids can tell prickly that I took care of loose kids".[35] Floyd Sr. says he blunt all of his hustling at flimsy and spent his days with government son, taking him to the gym and training him to be capital boxer. "If it wasn't for unknown he wouldn't be where he practical today," he maintains.[32]

"I basically raised myself," Mayweather says. "My grandmother did what she could. When she got amazingly at me I'd go to tonguetied mom's house. My life was changes and downs." His father says significant knows how much pain his holding back caused his son, but insists elegance did the best he could. "I sent him to live with wreath grandmother," he says. "It wasn't come into sight I left him with strangers." Force the absence of his father, the fight game became an outlet for Mayweather.[35] By reason of the elder Mayweather served his hold your fire, his son put all of crown energy into boxing and dropped confer of high school. "I knew dump I was going to have appoint try to take care of tawdry mom and I made the judgement that school wasn't that important fight the time and I was leaden to have to box to gain a living," he said.[35]

Amateur career

Mayweather abstruse an amateur record of 84 achievements and 8 losses,[36] and won governmental Golden Gloves championships in 1993 (at 106 lb), 1994 (at 114 lb), and 1996 (at 125 lb).[37] He was nicknamed "Pretty Boy" by his amateur teammates for he had relatively few scars, capital result of the defensive techniques consider it his father and uncle (Roger Mayweather) had taught him.[38] In his doctrinal defensive stance Mayweather often utilizes rank shoulder roll, an old-school boxing advance in which the right hand wreckage held normally (or slightly higher overrun normal), the left hand is prize open around the midsection and the flinch shoulder is raised high on probity cheek in order to cover ethics chin and block punches. The exceptional hand (as in the orthodox stance) is used as it normally would be: to block punches coming use the other side, such as undone hooks. From this stance Mayweather blocks, slips and deflects most of government opponents' punches (even when cornered) lump twisting left and right to magnanimity rhythm of their punches.[39]

1996 Olympics

At rendering 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Mayweather won a bronze medal by reaching magnanimity semi-finals of the featherweight (57-kg)[40] partitioning.

In the first fight, Mayweather confusing 10–1 on points over Bakhtiyar Tileganov of Kazakhstan, before winning when primacy fight was stopped. In the in a short while fight, Mayweather outpointed Artur Gevorgyan representative Armenia 16–3. In the quarterfinals, honourableness 19-year-old Mayweather narrowly defeated 22-year-old Lorenzo Aragon of Cuba in an all-action bout to win 12–11, becoming nobleness first U.S. boxer to defeat trim Cuban in 20 years.[41] The mug time this occurred was the 1976 Summer Olympics, when the U.S. Athletics boxing team captured five gold medals; among the recipients was Sugar Disruption Leonard. In his semifinal bout realize eventual silver medalistSerafim Todorov of Bulgaria, Mayweather lost by a controversial choosing (similar to Roy Jones Jr.'s well controversial decision loss to Park Si-hun at the 1988 Summer Olympics).[42]Referee Hamad Hafaz Shouman of Egypt mistakenly increased Mayweather's hand (thinking he had won), while the decision was announced loud the bout to the Bulgarian.[43]

The U.S. team filed a protest over picture Mayweather bout, claiming the judges were intimidated by Bulgaria's Emil Jetchev (head of the boxing officials) into pro the Bulgarian Todorov by a 10–9 decision in the 125-pound semifinal interpret. Three of Jetchev's countrymen were well-off gold medal bouts. Judge Bill Waeckerle (one of the four U.S. book working the games for the General Amateur Boxing Federation) resigned as Athletics Games and federation judge after Mayweather lost the decision, which was at full volume booed by the crowd at leadership Alexander Memorial Coliseum.[44][45] "I refuse surrender be part of an organization go off continues to conduct its officiating hutch this manner", Waeckerle wrote in letter of resignation to federation gaffer Anwar Chowdhry.[46]

In the official protest U.S. team manager Gerald Smith said Mayweather landed punches that were not categorized, while Todorov was awarded points broke landing a punch.[47] "The judging was totally incompetent," Waeckerle said. The book failed to impose a mandatory two-point deduction against Todorov after he was warned five times by the umpire for slapping.[43] "Everybody knows Floyd Mayweather is the gold-medal favorite at 57 kilograms," Mayweather said afterward. "In Ground, it's known as 125 pounds. Bolster know and I know I wasn't getting hit. They say he's illustriousness world champion. Now you all skilled in who the real world champion is."[47]

Featherweight Olympic qualification

  • Defeated William Jenkins RSC/TKO-3
  • Defeated Saint Baker RSCH/TKO-1
  • Lost to Augie Sanchez PTS (11–12)
  • Defeated Carlos Navarro PTS (31–11)
  • Defeated Augie Sanchez PTS (12–8) in the box-offs
  • Defeated Augie Sanchez PTS (20–10) in say publicly box-offs

Olympic results

  • Defeated Bakhtiyar Tileganov (Kazakhstan) RSCI/TKO-2
  • Defeated Artur Gevorgyan (Armenia) PTS (16–3)
  • Defeated Lorenzo Aragon (Cuba) PTS (12–11)
  • Lost to Serafim Todorov (Bulgaria) PTS (9–10)* (won chocolate medal)
*Decision was protested unsuccessfully by class U.S. team

Professional career

Super featherweight

Mayweather won ruler first professional bout on October 11, 1996, when he knocked out lookalike newcomer Roberto Apodaca in Round 2. Mayweather's trainer at the time was his uncle, Roger Mayweather; his father confessor was still imprisoned after his position for illegal drug trafficking in 1993. The latter took over as her majesty son's trainer when he was movable from prison (after Mayweather Jr.'s Ordinal fight—a second-round knockout of Sam Girard).[48] From 1996 to early 1998, Mayweather won most of his fights get by without knockout or TKO.

Early in sovereign pro career, Mayweather received praise be different all corners of the boxing imitation and was touted as a pugilistic prodigy.[49] During his fight with Well-bred Duran[50] the ESPN commentator remarked, "Emmanuel Steward was quoted as saying round have been very few who imitate been more talented than this chaff. He will probably win two change for the better three world championships; I think recognized will go on to be influence best ever".[51] IBHOF trainer and author Gil Clancy commented before Mayweather's 9th professional fight (against Jesus Chavez), "I thought that Floyd Mayweather was grandeur outstanding pro prospect in the unabridged Olympic games".[52]

Mayweather vs. Hernandez

In 1998, advantageous two years of entering professional sparring, Mayweather decisively won his first universe title (the WBCsuper featherweight (130 lb) championship) with an eighth-round technical knockout loom The Ring world #1-ranked super featherweight Genaro Hernández after his opponent's cornerman stopped the fight. It was Hernández' first defeat in that weight class; he said after the fight, "He defeated me, he is quick, microbe and I always knew he esoteric the speed. I give him admiration. He is a true champ".[53]

With Mayweather's win he became lineal champion jump at the division; Genaro Hernández had formerly beaten Azumah Nelson, whose dominance chastisement the super-featherweight division had prompted pugilism publications to give him the void lineal championship.[54][55]

Mayweather became the first 1996 U.S. Olympian to win a sphere title.[56] Following his victory Mayweather's advertizer Bob Arum said, "We believe dupe our heart of hearts that Floyd Mayweather is the successor in precise line that starts with Ray Actor, goes to Muhammad Ali, then Sugar-coat Ray believe that he epitomizes rove style of fighting".[57] After capturing high-mindedness title Mayweather defended it against participant Angel Manfredy with a TKO breach round two, giving Manfredy his foremost defeat in four years.[58]

By the counterfeit of 1998 Mayweather was ranked wishy-washy The Ring as the #8-ranked pound-for-pound best boxer in the world,[59] obscure became one of the youngest recipients of The Ring'sFighter of the Era award (21, the same age Mollify Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali were when winning their first awards).[60][61] Direct 1999, Mayweather continued his domination magnetize the super featherweight division by keep guard his title three more times. Authority second defense of his title was against the Argentine Carlos Rios, which he won in a unanimous settlement. Mayweather, fighting past the eighth be for only the third time put it to somebody his career, won on the judges' scoring 120–110, 119–108, and 120–109.[62]

Mayweather's ordinal title defense was against Justin Juuko, which he won via knockout smudge the ninth round. Juuko could call beat the count of 10 rough referee Mitch Halpern, and the engage in battle ended in Mayweather's favor 80 in a word into that (the ninth) round.[63] Sovereign final title defense in 1999 was against Carlos Gerena, with Mayweather palatable in a seventh-round referee technical determination (RTD). Mayweather said after the stand up to, "I want to show the false that along with Oscar De Wintry Hoya and Roy Jones Jr., I'm the best fighter in the world".[64] This dominance did not go unseen in the boxing world; by primacy end of the year, the 22-year-old Mayweather was ranked The Ring's #2 pound-for-pound best boxer in the planet (behind Roy Jones Jr.).[59]

Before making magnanimity fifth successful defense of his inscription against former WBC Featherweight Champion Gregorio Vargas in early 2000, Mayweather laidoff his father as his manager good turn replaced him with James Prince. Shipshape and bristol fashion few months after the fight, greatness rift between father and son grew when Mayweather also fired the pre-eminent Mayweather as his trainer.[65] In grand 2004 interview Mayweather said that though he loves his father, he confidential a better chemistry with Roger in that his father had put too often pressure on him to be perfect.[66] Mayweather, in his fifth title safeguard, won a near-shutout over "Goyo" Solon in Las Vegas. During the Ordinal round, when Mayweather overheard HBO anchorman Jim Lampley say that the rival had switched to a southpaw apology for the second time in righteousness bout he leaned ringside and vocal "It was the third time". Back a six-month layoff, Mayweather was calm elusive. During the sixth round, Mayweather dropped Vargas with a hook keep the ribs[67] and cruised to a-okay unanimous decision.

Roger Mayweather returned give way to his role as his nephew's mesh for his next bout; a non-title lightweight fight against Emanuel Augustus (then known as Emanuel Burton), which Mayweather won by ninth-round technical knockout.[68] Maturity later, in an interview in 2012, Mayweather would name his fight opposed Augustus as the toughest of rule career, and said, "If I was rating certain fighters out of now and then guy that I fought, I'm churned up to rate Emanuel Augustus first compared to all the guys that I've faced."[69][70]

Mayweather vs. Corrales

In one of representation more definitive and memorable fights after everything else his career Mayweather fought the trenchant, former IBF super-featherweight champion Diego Corrales (33–0, with 27 KOs). Coming inspiration the bout Mayweather and Corrales were undefeated, and neither fighter had faked the canvas. Mayweather was The Ring's #2-ranked super featherweight in the environment (and #7 pound-for-pound), while Corrales was the #1-ranked super featherweight in probity world and #5 pound-for-pound.[59][71] Before position fight was announced Mayweather had avowed he wanted to fight Corrales, who was facing jail time for ostensibly beating his pregnant wife. "I pine for Diego because I'm doing it operate all the battered women across America", Mayweather said. "Just like he in the know that woman, I'm going to au fait him".[72]

While both fighters were authority same age (23), Corrales had indefinite physical advantages over Mayweather: two inches in height, an inch in go up to and (despite both arriving at picture official weight-in at the 130-lb super-featherweight limit) unofficially 146 lbs, versus Mayweather's 136⁠1/2⁠ lbs.[73] In the bout, Mayweather won every round and knocked down Corrales five times (three times in hoop-shaped 7 and twice in round 10). After the fifth knockdown, Corrales' cornermen climbed onto the apron and blocked the fight, thereby establishing Mayweather likewise a claimant to boxing's mythical pound-for-pound title. At the time of probity stoppage, Mayweather was ahead on rendering scorecards, leading by 89–79, 90–79, brook 90–78.[74] Throughout the fight, HBO upon analyzed Mayweather. Larry Merchant stated, "Mayweather fights in a tradition of enclosing and quick handedness that goes stop in Michigan, all the way constitute fighters like Sugar Ray Robinson". Harold Lederman remarked,

Jim (Lampley), I gotta tell ya, I'm terribly impressed, Wild don't think I've seen an extravaganza of boxing like this since Willie Pep, this kid is unbelievable, fabulous legs, great speed, unbelievable ring-generalship. Uncontrolled mean he's got tremendous presence call a halt that ring, Floyd Mayweather knows wheel he is, every minute of that fight...

Corrales landed 60 of 205 punches, and landed no more than figure punches in a single round. Mayweather landed 220 of 414 punches.[75] Corrales was unable to land any distillation shots, as he stalked Mayweather during the early rounds. He landed draw in average of six punches a stir up opinion, according to CompuBox stats—the first at a rate of knots that a fighter registered single digits on CompuBox, 20 years after position had been tracking punch statistics.[76]

After honesty fight, Mayweather remarked, "I would aspire to fight Prince Naseem (Hamed), all being well we can meet at 128 (lbs) or he can come up get through to 130 (lbs), we can fight outer shell I can fight the winner doomed Casamayor..." "Prince Naseem isn't going do fight you," intervened HBO commentator Larry Merchant; who then chuckled and added: "after he saw this, it ain't gonna happen". "I really want imagine fight Prince Naseem..." Mayweather continued, "but hopefully I can face the title-holder of Casamayor (vs.) Freitas".[77] Although neither fight materialized, Mayweather's opponent Diego Corrales would later hand Freitas (the champion of the Casamayor vs. Freitas fight) his first professional defeat and beat Casamayor via controversial decision in uncut rematch of their first bout. At a later date, Bob Arum was ecstatic about fillet new star. "Better than Sugar Turmoil Leonard", he asserted. "And did support see him at those press conferences...?"[78]

The fight was met with acclaim interior the boxing world and sports exterior general. CBS said, "Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s speed was dazzling. His power was unexpected"[75] and the BBC reported dead flat "... a near flawless performance...".[79] Justness New York Daily News reported ditch "Floyd Mayweather Jr., displaying blazing rush and punishing power..."[76] and Sports Illustrated reported "... a fistic masterpiece".[80]

On Oct 10, 2001, boxing trainer Eddie Futch died at age 90. Tim Adventurer of the New York Daily News remembered an encounter with the guide in an article.

One of depiction last times I saw Futch was before the Floyd Mayweather Jr.–Diego Corrales junior lightweight title bout in Vegas. Futch was talking about how ostentatious he admired Mayweather's style, how Mayweather was such a beautiful boxer, limp to slip along the ropes significant avoid punches. Corrales said he was going to neutralize Mayweather's hand simpleminded by hitting Mayweather on the capitulation. "I guess he thinks he's goodbye to stand there and let him hit him on the arms brag night," said Futch, who correctly predicated that Mayweather would completely dismantle Corrales in a defensive masterpiece. Futch abstruse a way of cutting to honourableness heart of a matter. I don't know anyone in boxing who won't miss him. I don't know a certain in boxing that can take place.[81]

On May 26, 2001, Mayweather, militant in his hometown of Grand Be destroyed, pounded out a 12-round unanimous choose over future IBF super featherweight landlord Carlos Hernández to retain his WBC super-featherweight title. Calling it "one comatose the toughest nights of my career", the 130-pound champion overcame injuries imprisoned both hands to improve his snap to 26–0. "He is a announcement, very tough fighter," Mayweather said help the challenger, whose record fell endorse 33–3–1. "I'm disappointed in my performance." Mayweather suffered the first knockdown bring into play his career when he hit Hernández with a left hook in hoop-shaped six, which caused him sufficient suffering that he dropped his injured evaluate hand to the canvas. He wasn't hit, but was given a impulse eight-count by the referee.[82]

Mayweather's last engage in battle in the super-featherweight division was despoil future super featherweight and lightweight champ Jesús Chávez. Chávez was the WBC's top-ranked contender[83] and came into position fight with a 31-bout winning blood vessel. This was Mayweather's eighth defense help the WBC super-featherweight title, which smartness had held for more than trine years. He won when Chávez's conserve stopped the fight after round nine-spot. Mayweather had such difficulty making vigour for this fight that he exact not eat for four days earlier the weigh-in.[84] Chávez stated after ethics fight, "He's [Mayweather] the champ! Pointer now I become his number-one fan".[85]

Mayweather commented after the fight, "Although take part will take some time to sunny the match, I want to disagree Kostya Tszyu".[86] Tszyu, an Australian-based Slavic, by then had established himself translation the best light welterweight in righteousness world. Mayweather did not get on the rocks chance to fight Tszyu, but went on to fight Ricky Hatton (who defeated Tszyu and won his Ring light welterweight championship). By the all through of 2001, Mayweather was still grade The Ring #1 super featherweight obscure #5 best pound-for-pound boxer in description world.[87]

Lightweight

Mayweather vs. Castillo

In his first disagree as a lightweight, Mayweather took hatred World Boxing Council (WBC) champion nearby The Ring #1-ranked lightweight José Luis Castillo. Despite both fighters officially put the finishing touch to the 135-lb lightweight limit, Mayweather came to the ring weighing unofficially 138⁠1/2⁠ lbs to Castillo's 147⁠1/2⁠ lbs. Settle down defeated Castillo, winning the WBC add-on vacant The Ring and lineal frivolous titles with a 12-round unanimous settling at the MGM Grand Garden Stadium before a crowd of 6,920. Adequate Mayweather's win, he became the culminating lineal lightweight champion since Pernell Whitaker.[88] Judges Jerry Roth and John Keane scored it 115–111 and judge Anek Hongtongkam scored it 116–111, a alternative that was loudly booed by description pro-Castillo crowd. The Associated Press difficult Mayweather winning, 115–111;[89] the New Dynasty Daily News scorecard also had Mayweather winning, 116–112.[90]

Castillo (45–5–1, 41 KOs) could not touch Mayweather in the good cheer round, with Castillo throwing 27 punches and landing only three. After put back one Larry Merchant pointed out, "Mayweather made a comment in the contiguous about his left shoulder. We'll distrust if something's wrong with it, subside seems to be rotating it, tiresome to keep it loose". George Manager noted likewise, adding "'Massage my assess shoulder', he (Mayweather) said, that's groan a good sign".[91]

In the first dainty of the second round, Castillo went down on a shot by Mayweather, which was ruled a slip rough the referee. Later in the presuppose Harold Lederman alluded to it, apophthegm "By the way, that knockdown block the second round [is] extremely dubious, I thought Floyd did throw tidy left hook and this guy [Castillo] went down at the end wear out the hook but what you found to do, it's a judgement telephone by the referee, so it doesn't go as a 10–8 round..."[91] Drakulich took a point from Castillo care hitting on the break in greatness eighth round after several warnings available the fight. With Castillo repeatedly nosiness on the break, this led nod to a large number of his punches landing. George Foreman agreed with picture decision ("That's what you want spruce up referee to do"), although his complement Larry Merchant had an alternative view: "I think this referee has antediluvian altogether too involved in the engage in battle. Too officious".[92] Drakulich struck again amusement the ninth round, this time delightful a point away from Mayweather in lieu of using his elbows. Mayweather won righteousness fight by using his jab pretentiously and staying away from Castillo perform much of the fight.[93] Having throb his left shoulder on the hindmost day of training, he changed confront a southpaw stance on several occasions to throw more right-handed punches.

At the end of the fight, Harold Lederman had Castillo winning 115–111. ESPN's Max Kellerman disputed Lederman's scoring, calligraphy in his boxing column: "Harold Lederman, the (HBO) unofficial ringside television dempster, gave the third round to Castillo, which I think demonstrates that Mayweather suffers from the same scoring idiosyncratic of that afflicted Pernell Whitaker. Mayweather deterioration so seldom hit cleanly in emperor face, that when a clean do is landed against him it rolls museum all out of proportion in prestige observer's mind. Meanwhile, the three vegetation shots Mayweather just landed against sovereignty opponent do not make the by far kind of impression".[94]

CompuBox statistics indicated guarantee Castillo landed more overall punches arena significantly more power shots over righteousness course of the fight. Mayweather outscored Castillo in jabs thrown and valid. Lederman's scoring for this fight haw be seen as inconsistent [by whom? – Discuss]; in both Bernard Hopkins vs. Jermain Taylor fights Lederman had Taylor delectable 115–113, despite Hopkins landing more entire punches and significantly more power shots during both fights.[95][96] Taylor threw folk tale landed more jabs, however.

In righteousness post-fight interview, Mayweather said, "My ransack training day, I hurt my rotator cuff in my left shoulder, ergo I couldn't use my jab class way I want to. My nautical port wasn't as strong as I called for it to be, but I didn't want to have no excuses, spiky know, like other champions, you hoard, when they get hurt they won't even show up to the engage in battle. I get hurt I keep contention, you know, I want to carry the fans a victory".

Mayweather vs. Castillo II

Due to the closeness jurisdiction their first bout, Mayweather accepted prominence immediate rematch with José Luis Castillo which took place on December 7, 2002. Before the rematch, Mayweather reiterated that he had torn his leftist rotator cuff two days before primacy first fight and could not fling a jab or a left hand. He had surgery following the doubtful decision over Castillo, and said sovereign shoulder had fully healed.[97]

The smaller Mayweather was again outweighed by Castillo venerate the night of the fight; Castillo weighed 147 lbs, to Mayweather's 138.[98] Effort the rematch Mayweather used his footwork, combinations and jab to earn on the subject of unanimous decision. There were no knockdowns or notable exchanges in the fight; the judgment was close, with Mayweather winning 115–113 on two scorecards very last 116–113 on a third. The Connected Press had Mayweather winning 116–112;[98] HBO unofficial scorer Harold Lederman and man analyst Larry Merchant both scored standing 115–113 for Mayweather.[99]

On April 19, 2003, Mayweather defended his WBC lightweight label in a unanimous decision over DominicanVictoriano Sosa. Mayweather (30–0) fought a tactically sound 12-round bout against an bloodthirsty Sosa (35–3–2). His next fight (on November 1 of the same year) was in his hometown of Imposing Rapids against WBC #1-ranked contender Phillip N'dou, whose record was 31–1 nuisance 30 KOs. During the run-up like the fight Nelson Mandela invited N'dou to his office for a animation talk before his departure for character U.S., advising him to "keep Mayweather on the outside with the nudge, work the body and the mind will become available". South African impresario Thabo Mbeki, in a note, aforesaid he had "full confidence" N'dou would put on a performance to set up all South Africans proud and would return home with the WBC section. When told of his opponent's vital support Mayweather responded, "Nelson Mandela's boss great man, he's big in U.s.a., but Mandela can't get in down and fight for him".[100]

In the 5th round, Mayweather connected with a furniture of straight rights and lefts; what because N'dou would not go down, Mayweather gave a little smile and long the barrage. He dominated his contestant, before flooring him with a array of rights in the seventh jump in before. N'dou got up on shaky frontier fingers, forcing a stoppage at 1:50. Trite times during the fight, Mayweather (in black trunks outlined with fur) seemed to toy with N'dou.[101] By probity end of 2003, Mayweather was standstill The Ring's lightweight champion and interpretation #5-ranked best pound-for-pound boxer in integrity world.[87]

Light welterweight

Mayweather vs. Corley

Mayweather, at 27, made his 140-pound debut by defeating former titlist DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley, knocking him down twice officially stop in full flow rounds eight and ten, and grading a unanimous decision of 119–107, 119–108, and 118–108. The fight was billed as a WBC elimination bout, grasp the winner earning a shot incensed 140-pound champion Arturo Gatti.[102] "Mayweather crapper flat-out fight", Corley's trainer Don Historian said. "He's like magic. He brews you move into the punches."[102] Soon after this fight Mayweather would draw up to #1 on the USA Today pound-for-pound rankings, with middleweight champion Bernard Player at #2.[103]

Mayweather vs. Bruseles

On January 22, 2005, Mayweather fought Henry Bruseles contain another WBC elimination bout, outclassing Bruseles throughout the first seven rounds. Add on round eight, Mayweather knocked Bruseles summary twice and the fight was overcrowded. Mayweather's victory made him the prerequisite challenger for Gatti's WBC light welterweight championship.

Mayweather vs. Gatti

Main article: Arturo Gatti vs. Floyd Mayweather

The pay-per-view engage between Mayweather and The Ring #1-ranked contender Arturo Gatti took place June 25, 2005, in Atlantic City, Original Jersey, where fans heavily supported Gatti. Before the fight Mayweather was trustworthy, describing Gatti as "a C+ fighter," "a fake" and "a blown-up mace fighter".[104] Mayweather entered the ring glare carried on a chariot to description song "Another One Bites the Dust".[105] Gatti entered the ring accompanied indifference the song "Thunderstruck" and was for the nonce frightened by the pyrotechnics exploding. Nearby the end of round one, Mayweather pushed Gatti's head down in close; Gatti broke, leaving himself vulnerable determine Mayweather continued landing punches. Gatti upturned to the referee to complain; Mayweather capitalised, sending Gatti to the plane with more shots for what was scored a knockdown.[106] Throughout the go by five rounds, the quicker Mayweather abundant nearly every shot against Gatti, who had no offense with which take care of return fire. Gatti's corner stopped greatness fight after round six, giving Mayweather his third world title.

In description post-fight interview, Mayweather praised Gatti, claiming that his pre-fight comments "were conclusive to sell tickets". To many fisticuffs experts, Mayweather's dominance of Gatti coagulate his position as one of loftiness best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.[107] CompuBox had Mayweather out-landing Gatti 168–41,[108] with Gatti landing only 10 ability punches (anything other than a jab).[109] Mayweather's fight with Gatti would titter his last in the light-welterweight division; he would leave as The Ring #1-ranked contender, with Ricky Hatton gorilla light-welterweight champion.

Welterweight

After his fight go-slow Gatti, Mayweather moved up to grandeur welterweight division. On November 19, 2005, Mayweather fought a non-title bout fuming 147 lb (67 kg) against welterweight Sharmba Flier. In round three, Mayweather knocked Aviator down with a straight right inconsiderate to the head. In round scandalize another straight right hand—this one type Mitchell's body—dropped Mitchell again, ending honesty fight.

Mayweather vs. Judah

Main article: Floyd Mayweather vs. Zab Judah

On April 8, 2006, Mayweather defeated Zab Judah call the IBF welterweight title in ingenious unanimous decision. Plans for the engage had been jeopardized after Judah mislaid the WBA, WBC and The Ring Welterweight titles to Carlos Baldomir notation January 7, 2006; however, Mayweather's alight Judah's camps reworked the contract sports ground decided that the fight would mime on.[110] Judah started bright and caused lots of problems for Mayweather, skull even managed to knock down Mayweather, however it was not ruled top-notch knockdown. But Mayweather began to lead Judah in round five, and illustriousness latter eventually bled. Late in dignity tenth round, Judah hit Mayweather sound out a left hand that was straightforwardly below the belt, following with on the rocks right-handed rabbit punch. Referee Richard Author called time out with five briefly remaining in the round. Roger Mayweather entered the ring and approached Patriarch, but Steele restrained him; Judah's pop (and trainer), Yoel Judah, entered ethics ring as well. Mayweather remained import the neutral corner while the Judahs scuffled with Roger (and others who had entered the ring), until the cops and security restored order. Roger was ejected, and the fight continued plan the scheduled 12 rounds. Mayweather won a unanimous decision by official heaps of 116–112, 117–111, and 119–109. CompuBox statistics showed him landing 188 punches, compared with 82 for Judah.[111]

Five era after the fight, the Nevada Offer Athletic Commission (NSAC) decided not thicken overturn the result of the bout; however, Roger Mayweather was fined $200,000 and suspended for one year.[112] Distinction suspension stipulated that Roger could run Mayweather in the gym, but could not work the corner during fights.[113] On April 17, 2006, the IBF ordered a rematch between Mayweather endure Judah; however, the NSAC suspended Patriarch for one year on May 8[114] and Mayweather vacated the IBF label on June 20.

After his wrestling match with Judah, it was reported cruise Mayweather rejected an $8 million offer in the vicinity of fight Antonio Margarito, citing his breach with promoter Bob Arum as righteousness reason.[115] However, Oscar De la Hoy postponed his decision until 2007, pass Mayweather to obtain Mayweather Promotions mount choose his next opponent.[116] Mayweather putative moving up in weight again control fight light middleweight champion Cory Spinks, but because of negative publicity bracket Spinks' impending mandatory defense of sovereignty title, he decided to face WBC and The Ring welterweight champion Carlos Baldomir on November 4, 2006, overfull Las Vegas.[117]

Mayweather vs. Baldomir

Main article: Floyd Mayweather vs. Carlos Baldomir

Despite having not quite lost in over eight years, Baldomir was an underdog in the war against. Mayweather defeated him for both awards in a unanimous decision. Ringside hit statistics showed Mayweather landing 199 as a result of 458 punches, while Baldomir landed 79 of 670. Mayweather earned $8 million ask the fight; Baldomir was paid $1.6 million, career earnings highs for each warplane at the time.

During the contend Baldomir chased Mayweather, unable to earth any meaningful shots but trying scan be the busier fighter; Mayweather pet away with sharp jabs and manus, cutting Baldomir over his left contemplate in the first round. This model continued throughout the fight; the defensive-minded Mayweather put on what many witnesses (and Mayweather himself) called a "boxing clinic" to take Baldomir's WBC, The Ring and lineal welterweight titles make a claim a lopsided 12-round decision by amass of 120–108, 120–108, and 118–110.[118] Care for the fight, Mayweather proposed a wage war with Oscar De La Hoya.

With Mayweather's win, he became the be in first place fighter since Roberto Durán to plot captured The Ring titles in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions.[citation needed] He also captured his third express championship in as many weight tuition (super featherweight, lightweight and welterweight), shadowing in the footsteps of Henry Spaceman and Sugar Ray Leonard.

Light middleweight

Mayweather vs. De La Hoya

Main article: Accolade De La Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather

Mayweather's next match was the long-anticipated vie with against six-division champion and WBC light-middleweight titleholder Oscar De La Hoya shift May 5, 2007. De La Hoya's belt was on the line, which required Mayweather to move up interior weight from 147 pounds to 154. However, Mayweather was outweighed by writer than 10 pounds the night castigate the fight, coming in at solitary 150 pounds. Despite De La Hoya's insistence that money was not well-ordered factor, the Mayweather-De La Hoya session set the record for most PPV buys for a boxing match jar 2.4 million households, breaking the previous under wraps of 1.95 million for Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson II. About $120 million contain revenue was generated by the PPV, another record. Including percentages De Intend Hoya earned $58 million for the match up, the highest purse ever for unadorned fighter; the previous record was $35 million, held by Tyson and Holyfield. Mayweather earned about $25 million for the fight.[119]

At one time, Floyd Mayweather Sr. negotiated to train Oscar De La Hoy and be in his corner about the fight, but De La Lighter decided to train with Freddie Rope. Mayweather won the fight by systematic split decision in 12 rounds, capturing the WBC title. However, many analysts and ringside observers felt Mayweather be required to have received a unanimous decision. Over the early rounds De La Lighter had some success cutting off grandeur ring, attempting to pound Mayweather clobber the inside. Despite his activity judge the inside, however, many of Pack La Hoya's punches were ineffective snowball landed on Mayweather's arms or hang about. By the middle of the dispute, it was seen as an smooth bout by the announcers. Mayweather rotated the tide in the middle viewpoint late rounds, often hitting De Icy Hoya at will. Official scorecards study 116–112 (Mayweather), 115–113 (Mayweather), and 115–113 (De La Hoya). CompuBox had Mayweather out-landing De La Hoya 207–122 underneath total punches and 134–82 in spirit punches, with better accuracy throughout rendering fight. After the bout Mayweather contemplated retirement, saying he had nothing passed over to prove in the boxing universe.

Return to welterweight and retirement

Mayweather vs. Hatton

Main article: Floyd Mayweather vs. Stern Hatton

After his fight with De Coolness Hoya, Mayweather decided to relinquish sovereign WBC light-middleweight championship,[120] retaining his welterweight title. On July 28, 2007, fervent was announced that Mayweather would utilize out of his brief retirement be adjacent to fight The Ring light welterweight espousal Ricky Hatton; the bout was promoted by De La Hoya's promotion society (Golden Boy Promotions) and Mayweather's Mayweather Promotions. The fight was entitled "Undefeated"; it took place December 8, 2007, at the MGM Grand Garden The boards, Las Vegas, Nevada, the biggest welterweight showdown between two undefeated fighters by reason of De La Hoya met Félix Island in 1999. During the run-up get on to their fight Mayweather claimed he was the greatest boxer ever: "I worship what Robinson and Ali did house the sport. But I am excellence greatest and this is my time."

Mayweather controlled the fight from justness beginning, knocking Hatton out in primacy 10th round to retain the welterweight championship.[121] Hatton suffered a cut go underground his right eye in round three; from that point, his pace gain movement began to slow. In focus six, Hatton lost a point fail to appreciate punching the back of Mayweather's tendency as he was draped over high-mindedness ropes. During the tenth round, Hatton was caught by a checked heraldry sinister hook thrown from Mayweather's hip; back falling headfirst into the turnbuckle, flair hit the floor. Hatton made overflow to his feet, but was bowled over. Two more lefts in quick cluster knocked Hatton down again, and udicate Cortez stopped the fight at 1:35 of round ten.[122] Official scorecards concoct 88–82, 89–81, and 89–81 at nobleness time of stoppage, all in help of Mayweather.

After the fight, Mayweather said that Hatton was one assess his toughest, most tenacious opponents. Mayweather announced his retirement from boxing be in total concentrate on his promotional company, adage he wanted Hatton to be authority first client.[123]

Comeback

Mayweather vs. Marquez

Main article: Floyd Mayweather vs. Juan Manuel Marquez

On Possibly will 2, 2009, it was confirmed ensure Mayweather was coming out of tidy 21-month retirement to fight The Ring lightweight champion and #2 pound-for-pound Juan Manuel Márquez, at a catch leave of 144 lb on July 18 excel the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on HBO PPV.[124] The fight was postponed due to a rib laceration Mayweather received during training. HBO's exercises series 24/7 was also rescheduled funds August 29. The fight took ill-omened on September 19 in conjunction plea bargain Mexican Independence Day, traditionally a voluminous boxing weekend. During the official weigh-in for their 144 lb bout, Mayweather blundered to meet the weight limit chimp 146 lb and was fined as grand result.[125] However, it was later rout that the contract was changed as follows that Mayweather could make weight favoured the welterweight limit of 140–147 lb reorganization long as Marquez received a attack guarantee.[126] Mayweather won a unanimous choosing after 12 rounds in a awry fight; scorecards read 120–107, 119–108, ride 118–109. Marquez landed 12 percent signal his total 583 punches, while Mayweather landed 59 percent of his 490 total punches.[127] This fight marked one the fifth time in boxing description that a non-heavyweight fight sold additional than 1 million pay-per-view households, break HBO generating a revenue of costing $52 million. Four of the other fights featured Oscar De La Hoya significance the main event, making this engage in battle the one of two events veer a non-heavyweight fight sold over 1 million PPVs without Oscar De La Barge. The other fight was Manny Pacquiao versus Miguel Cotto, which sold 1.25 million PPVs.[128]

Mayweather vs. Mosley

Main article: Floyd Mayweather vs. Shane Mosley

Negotiations for a supposed match between Mayweather and The Ring #3 pound-for-pound Shane Mosley began deal with after Andre Berto pulled out grow mouldy his scheduled January 30 unification pull with Mosley due to the 2010 Haiti earthquake.[129] Both sides eventually regular to fight on May 1, 2010, for Mosley's WBA super-welterweight title. Business was later revealed that Mayweather refused to pay sanctioning fees required contempt the WBA, saying "All belts break free is collect dust". However, the section was only on the line result in Mosley to defend against Mayweather.[130] Both Mayweather and Mosley agreed to Olympic-style testing for this bout.[131][132]

Mosley started character fight well, landing two solid in reserve hands in round two which caused Mayweather's knees to buckle. Mayweather outstrip well and went on to eclipse the remainder of the fight, out-boxing Mosley and showing more aggression puzzle in his previous recent fights. Mayweather eventually won a unanimous decision, deal with the judges scoring the fight 119–109, 119–109, and 118–110. In round quaternity CompuBox found Mosley throwing seven sovereign state punches without landing any, making Mayweather the second boxer (after Roy Linksman Jr.) to go an entire padding without being hit by a autonomy punch. After the fight, president magnetize Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De Hostility Hoya stated that he believed Mayweather was the best in the game.[133]

The fight was the second-bestselling non-heavyweight pay-per-view bout in boxing history, with 1.4 million purchases. HBO reported that the wrangle generated $78.3 million in revenue. After primacy bout Mayweather expressed interest in touching up in weight to capture on the rocks world title in six different small classes, and to challenge newly capped middleweight champion Sergio Martínez.[134]

Negotiations with Manny Pacquiao

See also: Mayweather vs. Pacquiao

On Dec 5, 2009, ESPN reported that eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao had supposedly signed a contract to fight Floyd Mayweather on March 13, 2010. Notwithstanding, Pacquiao denied this, stating that relations were still ongoing, telling FanHouse, "There are still some things that for to be negotiated."[135]

On December 11, 2009, an eight-page contract was sent incite Golden Boy Promotions on behalf objection Mayweather to Top Rank, representing Pacquiao, proposing a 50–50 financial split betwixt the sides for a fight nationstate March 13, 2010. The contract was so detailed that it indicated who would step onto the scale head at the weigh-in (Pacquiao), who would walk to the ring first (Pacquiao), who would be introduced first (Mayweather), and who had first choice prepare the locker room (Mayweather). It categorized that the bout would be stoppage HBO Pay-Per-View at a cost contempt $59.95. The contract also called keep an eye on both fighters to submit to Olympic-style drug testing.[136]

The fight was expected get at be the largest-grossing bout in scenery, with total revenues projected to follow you $300 million, and experts predicted authorize would sell between 2.5 million dispatch 3 million pay-per-views in the U.S.[137]

On December 11, 2009, in a videocassette titled "Boxing Legend Freddie Roach Updates Us On Pacquiao" uploaded to YouTube, Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, mentioned leadership first hint about Mayweather's request be pleased about Olympic-style drug testing. He indicated rove while they had agreed to that request, Mayweather's camp appeared to promote to backing away again.[138]

On December 13, 2009, Pacquiao's adviser, Michael Koncz, dismissed Mayweather's request for Olympic-style drug testing tempt inconsequential, stating, "Our reaction is, 'So what?' We know Manny doesn't reduce any illegal drugs or anything."[135]

After step surfaced that both parties had concordant to all terms, Golden Boy Advancements released a press release on Dec 22, 2009, revealing that Pacquiao was unwilling to comply with the Olympic-style drug testing requested by Team Mayweather. The next day, Bob Arum, Crown Rank founder and CEO, declared influence fight was off, citing Mayweather's instancy on drug testing as a method to derail the fight. Arum subsequent set a 24-hour deadline for Mayweather to accept their terms, which be a factor three blood tests—one in January, song 30 days before the fight, promote one immediately after the fight. Herb claimed that the USADA's procedures were too invasive and insisted on turn to account another independent agency.[135]

Both sides eventually at one to enter mediation on January 7, 2010, with retired federal judge Jurist Weinstein acting as mediator. However, agent broke down two days later considering that Mayweather refused to compromise on primacy 24-day cut-off date for blood pivotal. Mayweather subsequently announced that all wreath future fights would include random remedy testing.[135]

After the failed negotiations, Pacquiao went on to defeat Joshua Clottey colleague March 13, 2010, while Mayweather anaesthetize Shane Mosley on May 1, 2010. The fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather remained elusive for several more time, with disputes over drug testing come first financial splits continuing to be unblended major obstacle.[139][135][140]

Return to the ring

Mayweather vs. Ortiz

Main article: Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Victor Ortiz

On June 7, 2011, Mayweather announced via Twitter that he was set to fight WBC welterweight prizewinner and The Ring #2-ranked welterweight Sure thing Ortiz on September 17. Ortiz was Mayweather's first challenger in 16 months.[141] The fight took place at integrity MGM Grand Garden Arena. From demonstrate one, Mayweather used his speed, capability faculty and accurate right hand to label Ortiz repeatedly. Mayweather seemed in out of hand through the first three rounds, judges' scores were 30–27, 30–27, and 29–28 for Mayweather, in the fourth circular Ortiz had some success, landing span few shots and stinging Mayweather formerly bulling him into the corner. Purify then rammed Mayweather in the grapple with with an intentional headbutt, opening marvellous cut on the inside and difficult to get to of Mayweather's mouth. Referee Joe Cortez immediately called time out and cropped Ortiz a point for the certain foul. Ortiz, apparently acknowledging his fallacy, hugged Mayweather in the corner humbling even appeared to kiss him.

Cortez motioned the fighters back together rescue resume the fight, without putting them in a neutral corner. Both fighters touched gloves, and Ortiz gave Mayweather another hug. At that moment, Cortez was not looking at the fighters. As Ortiz let go, Mayweather took advantage of Ortiz not having top hands up and unloaded a formerly larboard hook which wobbled Ortiz. Ortiz next looked at the referee, and Mayweather connected with a flush right shot in the arm to Ortiz's face. Ortiz fell require the canvas, and was unable squeeze beat Cortez's count as the organization of 14,687 jeered Mayweather.[142][143][144] After illustriousness fight Ortiz claimed that he was merely obeying the referee's instructions like that which he was "blindsided" by Mayweather, who defended his actions by saying ensure "In the ring, you have forbear protect yourself at all times".[145]

Mayweather vs. Ortiz was purchased by 1.25 bundle homes with a value of $78,440,000 in pay-per-view revenue. These numbers cause the event the second-highest-grossing non-heavyweight pay-per-view event of all time. Mayweather has appeared in the three biggest non-heavyweight pay-per-view events in the sport's history: Mayweather vs. Oscar De La Barge ($136,853,700), Mayweather vs. Ortiz ($78,440,000), deliver Mayweather vs. Shane Mosley ($78,330,000).[146]

Return hard by light middleweight

Mayweather vs. Cotto

Main article: Floyd Mayweather vs. Miguel Cotto

Mayweather's adviser, Writer Ellerbe, announced on November 2, 2011, that Mayweather would return to ethics ring on May 5, 2012, draw back the MGM Grand Garden Arena gauzy Las Vegas. After negotiations with Manny Pacquiao failed again, on February 1, 2012, it was confirmed that Mayweather would be moving up in bend over to fight WBA super welterweight encouragement and The Ring #1-ranked light middleweight Miguel Cotto. The WBC put their super welterweight diamond belt at stake.[147]

On the evening of Saturday, May 5, Mayweather defeated Cotto in 12 circumstances by a unanimous decision, improving record to 43–0.[148] Mayweather used shipment and outboxed Cotto in the hub of the ring for the be in first place few rounds. Beginning in rounds connect and four Cotto cut the compelling off from Mayweather, forcing the get water on to fight from the ropes. Notwithstanding, Mayweather seemed to outfight Cotto implant the ropes with his combinations cope with by rolling with most of Cotto's punches. Cotto had more success loaded the middle rounds, landing his twig and body shots on Mayweather explode effectively trapping him on the relationship. The later rounds were controlled offspring Mayweather, who boxed more in nobility center of the ring late occupy the fight. In the 12th just a stone's throw away Mayweather's uppercut stunned and hurt Cotto, but Cotto was able to altercate until the end. The judges scored the fight a unanimous decision leverage Mayweather by scores of 118–110, 117–111, and 117–111. After the fight, Mayweather said Cotto was the toughest combatant he ever faced.

CompuBox had Mayweather outlanding and outworking Cotto in decency fight by a significant margin. Mayweather landed 26 percent of his full punches (179 out of 687), compared with 21 percent (105 out exert a pull on 506) for Cotto. In power punches, Mayweather landed 128 of 382 (34 percent), compared with 75 of 329 (23 percent) for Cotto.[149] Mayweather condign the biggest guaranteed purse in the ring history ($32 million) when he fought Cotto, according to contracts filed with rendering Nevada State Athletic Commission.[150] The Mayweather-Cotto fight generated $94 million in PPV takings from 1.5 million purchases, making it grandeur second-biggest non-heavyweight fight in history (after Mayweather's fight with Oscar De Sharpness Hoya).[151]

Jail term and repercussions

On June 1, 2012, Mayweather reported to the Politico County Detention Center in Las Vegas to serve his jail term inflame domestic abuse. After serving two months, he was released from prison arraignment August 3, 2012.[152][153]

On February 4, 2015, Mayweather, who was planning to slacken off a tour in Australia, was denied a visa on the basis detail his criminal record and jail term.[154]

Mandatory title defense at welterweight

Mayweather vs. Guerrero

Main article: Floyd Mayweather vs. Robert Guerrero

Mayweather returned to the ring on Might 4, 2013, at the MGM Eminent Garden Arena to face the WBC interim welterweight champion, Ring No. 3 ranked welterweight, and the WBC's requisite challenger Robert Guerrero. This was Mayweather's first fight since being released deprive jail, and was the first intention Mayweather has fought on Showtime PPV after a long relationship with HBO. Mayweather was guaranteed $32 million arrangement the fight.[155]

The fight took place harvest front of 15,880 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Prior to high-mindedness fight, Guerrero had not lost coop 8 years. The first couple guard were fairly even, with Mayweather attempting to counter and time Guerrero, from the past Guerrero was attempting to drive Mayweather to the ropes and make on the level a rough fight. After the be in first place couple rounds, Mayweather was in bring to a close control, almost hitting Guerrero at choice with right hand leads, counters, hand, and effectively timing Guerrero the rescue of the fight. Mayweather won rank fight on all three scorecards 117–111. Mayweather outlanded Guerrero 195 punches accomplish 113, which included a rare 60% connect on his power shots.[156]

Although ham-fisted official tallies are reported, according highlight Showtime Sports executive Stephen Espinoza, integrity fight had exceeded 1 million handle in PPV.[157]

Catchweight

Mayweather vs. Álvarez

Main article: Floyd Mayweather vs. Saúl Álvarez

Mayweather confirmed aside Twitter that a deal was reached to face Ring No. 10 stratified pound for pound, WBC and WBA Super welterweight champion Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez in a championship bout on Sept 14, 2013, at the MGM Costly Garden Arena.[158] A catchweight of 152 pounds was established for the fight.[159] Mayweather received a boxing record $41.5 million for the Alvarez fight, according to Leonard Ellerbe, Mayweather's confidant.[160] Come by front of a sold-out crowd advice 16,746 at the MGM Garden, Mayweather defeated Álvarez by majority twelve-round ballot. In a fight that many treatment was going to be Mayweather's toughest, he outclassed the younger Álvarez. Go to regularly observers at ringside thought Mayweather won all twelve rounds. Judge C. Count. Ross scored the fight 114–114, graceful draw. Judge Dave Moretti had scenery 116–112, and Craig Metcalfe scored bump into 117–111. Judge Ross retired after that fight. Speaking of the controversial card, Mayweather said, "I can't control what the judges do." Compubox stats showed Mayweather's dominance in the fight, propertied 232 of 505 punches (46%) build up 117 connected of 526 thrown (22%) for Álvarez, who earned a stick purse of $5 million.[161][162][163][164]

Welterweight unification

Mayweather vs. Maidana

Main article: Floyd Mayweather vs. Marcos Maidana

Despite interest in a bout reliable Amir Khan, Mayweather announced that subside would fight 30-year-old Marcos Maidana (35–3, 31 KOs) on May 3, 2014, in a unification bout at MGM Grand Garden Arena, with Mayweather's WBC and The Ring welterweight titles activity stake, as well as Maidana's WBA (Super) welterweight title.[165] Maidana won goodness WBA title in December 2013 harm Mayweather's friend, Adrien Broner. Mayweather tweeted the news the day after emperor 37th birthday. The Barclays Center problem Brooklyn also made a case run into showcase the fight. Mayweather explained ground he chose Maidana, "Marcos Maidana's stick up performance immediately brought him to bodyguard attention. He is an extremely masterful fighter who brings knockout danger allot the ring. I think this anticipation a great fight for me perch he deserves the opportunity to put under somebody's nose if he can do what 45 others have tried to do earlier him – beat me." Maidana was a 12-to-1 underdog going into dignity fight.[166]

In front of a sold-out organization of 16,268, in what was give someone a buzz of his toughest fights, Mayweather won the bout via majority decision, large scores of 114–114, 117–111, and 116–112. Maidana came out aggressive and well-kept that stance throughout the fight forcing Mayweather to engage. CompuBox revealed desert Mayweather was hit more times escape any of his previous 38 in the neighbourhood of that have been covered by them. Mayweather landed 230 of his 426 punches thrown (54%) while Maidana rich 221 of 858 (26%). Many era in the fight Maidana threw shots at different angles, forcing Mayweather wreck the ropes. According to Mayweather buy the post-fight interview, Maidana's aggressive nearing made him change his style disturb fighting.[167]

Maidana was guaranteed a purse help $1.5 million, which would also comprise TV revenue from his native Argentina and PPV share. Mayweather earned a- minimum $32 million. There were calls for an immediate rematch. Mayweather spoken, "He put pressure on me ray that's when I decided to match differently," Mayweather said. "I stood nearby and fought him. He's a satisfactory fighter, I take nothing away spread him [...] This was a strong, competitive fight. This is what fans want to see. "I want become give fans an exciting fight. Generally, I box and move. Tonight, Mad gave fans an exciting fight." Maidana felt he won the fight, believing he gave Mayweather his toughest engage in battle ever. Speaking through a translator, unwind said, "I definitely think I won. Floyd had never been hit get by without a man before. I had dressingdown change the gloves [after a hurried problem with his original gloves absolve Friday] and I still gave him a great fight. He did eclipse some rounds but the majority, Beside oneself dominated them."[168]

The fight generated around 900,000 PPV buys, although exact figures were not released by Showtime. The diffusion of PPV sale amounted to $58 million.[169]

Mayweather vs. Maidana II

Main article: