“The Face of Boxing”: Floyd Mayweather Claims His Spot Above the Likes of Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson and Sugar Ray Leonard

Published 02/21/2024, 7:22 AM +07

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Floyd Mayweather Jr. undoubtedly remains one of the greatest defensive boxers of all time. It’s difficult to find a parallel to his genius. But does his brilliance match that of some of the acknowledged greats in boxing history?

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An excellent amateur career saw him win a bronze medal at the Olympics. Later, Mayweather Jr. embarked on a professional journey that lasted nearly two decades. He retired with an unblemished record of 50 wins against nil losses. Besides several championships across five divisions, more significantly, he fought some of the biggest names of the era. Undoubtedly, these are credentials worthy of a great boxer. But has he achieved enough to warrant a place that is even on par with legends whose records tell an all-together different story?

Unmatched: Floyd Mayweather Jr.

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So really, I’m really still the face of boxing,” said Floyd Mayweather Jr. when Channing Crowder asked him whether he was content after being done with all the fighting. ‘The Pivot’s host had initially asked, “How do you like the the normal life? You ain’t fighting no more…do you do you enjoy do you enjoy the business side?”

‘The Money’ replied that he found himself rather engaged since he still wanted to grow. Now in a happier space since he could spend more time with his children, the undefeated former champion described how he pushed them to find their own legacies.

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But the whole thing about staying completely out of fights couldn’t have been so simple, a still doubtful Crowder quizzed. Smiling, Mayweather Jr. replied, “I promise.” Then he emphasized that he may no longer be fighting. But the fact remains that he is still talked about by most, especially whenever some big fight takes place.

Despite all that naysayers say, he is, in many ways, still ‘the face of boxing’. One good instance could be how some of the boxers still copy his shoulder roll technique.

Then he added, “I want to come on record and say I’m appreciative for guys like Sugar Robinson and Muhammad Ali, and Sugar Ray Leonard—so many guys that pave the way for me, but there’s only one Floyd Mayweather; these fighters are not better than me.

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Then he cited one of the most frequent comparisons he has to contend with. Many share how Canelo Alvarez might have beaten more world champions than Mayweather Jr. So the latter stressed, that may be correct, but they also need to look at how many fights he won to achieve these milestones! On the other hand, he has defeated more world champions than any other boxer in the sport’s history. Though his record reads 50 and ‘O’, half of those were world title fights.

For sure, the latest quip from the undefeated former champion will set in motion a fresh round of discussions and chats across social media.

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Do you agree with Mayweather Jr.’s contention? Please share your views with us in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Five Times Floyd Mayweather Almost Lost in the Ring

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Written by:

Jaideep R Unnithan

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