With each bout, Floyd Mayweather Jr. showcased not just his exceptional talent but also his indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to his craft.
February 24 marks the birthday of one of boxing's most electrifying and controversial figures, Floyd "Money" Mayweather. With an undefeated record of 50-0 and a career spanning across five weight classes, his legacy is undeniable.
Beyond the flashy persona and astronomical paydays, Mayweather's journey is paved with moments of brilliance that cemented his place among the greats. Today, we delve into his top 5 fights, revisiting the clashes that defined his career and solidified his status as a boxing legend.
Diego Corrales: Defying the odds (January 20, 2001)
The young Mayweather, still undefeated but unproven, faced a fearsome challenge in the form of Diego Corrales. A relentless puncher with a reputation for ferocity, Corrales was expected to test Mayweather's composure. What ensued was a masterclass in defence and counterpunching.
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Mayweather neutralised Corrales' aggression, picking him apart with precise jabs and lightning-fast combinations. The culmination came in the 10th round, when a perfectly placed left hook sent Corrales crashing down, silencing the doubters and showcasing Mayweather's potential for greatness.
Oscar De La Hoya: The changing of the guard (May 5, 2007)
This fight transcended the ring, becoming a battle of personalities and generations. The established Golden Boy, De La Hoya, sought to reclaim his glory against the brash and unbeaten Mayweather.
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Mayweather, however, proved he was the future, dismantling De La Hoya with his elusive style and pinpoint accuracy. The fight cemented Mayweather's status as a superstar and marked the symbolic passing of the torch, establishing him as the new pound-for-pound king.
Ricky Hatton: The hitman conquered (December 8, 2007)
Hatton, known for his relentless pressure and devastating punching power, aimed to dethrone the seemingly invincible Mayweather. However, Mayweather's strategic brilliance shone through.
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He patiently weathered Hatton's early storms, gradually breaking him down with his trademark footwork and sharp counters. The 10th-round KO with a perfectly placed check hook became iconic, silencing the pro-Hatton crowd and solidifying Mayweather's dominance.
Canelo Alvarez: Age is just a number (September 14, 2013)
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Many questioned whether the ageing Mayweather still had the magic when facing a young and hungry Canelo Alvarez. He silenced them all. Despite the 13-year age gap, Mayweather showcased his timeless skills, outboxing and outsmarting the powerful Alvarez. His agility, defensive prowess, and tactical mastery defied expectations, proving that experience and ring IQ could triumph over youthful vigour.
Manny Pacquiao: Fight of the century (May 2, 2015)
Finally, the most anticipated fight in boxing history lived up to the hype. The clash between Mayweather, the defensive mastermind, and Pacquiao, the aggressive whirlwind, promised fireworks.
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A tactical chess match unfolded, with Mayweather outfoxing Pacquiao with superior movement and calculated punches. Despite criticism for lacking explosiveness, the fight solidified Mayweather's legacy as an all-time great, achieving the ultimate victory against his fiercest rival.
Happy birthday, Floyd Mayweather!
Mayweather's journey is far from over, even in retirement. As a promoter and influencer, he continues to shape the boxing landscape. But his legacy is etched in stone: 50 wins, 26 knockouts, and unmatched defensive brilliance.
This birthday, we celebrate his achievements, remembering the fights that defined him and cemented his place in boxing history. Here's to "Money" May, a fighter who may have courted controversy but undoubtedly entertained and captivated audiences worldwide.
