From his conservative, rather bland but effective approach to boxing, to his brashness and bravado, to his run-ins with the law, no sporting great is probably more hated than Floyd Mayweather Jr. His undefeated pro career warrants respect (49-0), but never has a fighter have this many people wishing he gets beaten.
Time and again, though, he has overcome challenge after challenge. In fact, “overcome” is even an understatement in certain fights, as he has dominated a number of would-be Hall-of-Famers despite having the odds stacked against him.
Let’s now take a quick look at some of those big-time performances. Read on!
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10. Zab Judah – April 8, 2006
Won Judah’s IBO and IBF welterweight title
Judah being considered as a big threat to Mayweather, who was in his ultimate prime at that point in time, says a lot about Judah’s skill set. He fought south paw, had dangerous knockout power, and quickness that can rival anyone in the division, all of which was greatly seen in the bout.
Like most fast-paced fighters, however, Judah gassed out towards the second-half of the fight. It then resulted in the always well-conditioned Mayweather taking over and frustrating his opponent, so much so that he was kicked in the groin and a riot ensued.
9. Canelo Alvarez – September 14, 2013
Won vacant lineal light middleweight title and Alvarez’s WBC and The Ring titles
Everything was on the then-undefeated Canelo’s side – speed, power, youth, momentum, right training, and support from fans – but it still wasn’t enough.
Floyd, at 36 years of age, came in and showcased one of the finest defensive performances of his career. He controlled the pace with ease and left the Mexican boxing great looking clueless for most of the fight.
8. Carlos Hernandez – May 26, 2001
This was the young Mayweather – the one that had a certain aggression to his game. His defense was noticeably in the developing stage, but his power and hand quickness was racing into its peak.
What made this a memorable bout was Floyd’s focus and ability to adjust. He, for the first and still the only time to-date, got counted for a knockdown in the sixth round after he hurt his hand and allegedly touched the canvas before turning away in pain.
He just switched into a south paw stance and continued to punish Hernandez with a flurry of attacks, en route to an easy unanimous decision win.
7. Oscar De La Hoya – May 5, 2007 Won De La Hoya’s WBC light weight title
At a time where the sport was getting less and less popular by the minute, Mayweather and co-boxing superstar Oscar De La Hoya arranged a clash for the ages. It was, as you may remember, billed as “the fight to save boxing.” Although it didn’t live up to the hype in the long run, it was still an entertaining back-and-forth.
The early rounds saw De La Hoya show aggressiveness, seemingly eager to overwhelm his foe. But just like what Floyd had always done against such opponents, he remained patient and focused on being an effective counter puncher. He again displayed a knack for being even better late in the fight, which eventually earned him an escape split decision victory.
6. Jose Luis Castillo (the rematch) – December 7, 2002
Their first fight eight months prior left a whole lot of question, with Mayweather winning and taking three titles away from Castillo despite landing fewer punches (203 to 157). So, as expected, a rematch was set.
Instead of getting exposed, though, Floyd bamboozled Castillo right from the bell. His offensive barrage bloodied the challenger’s nose by the fourth round and he never looked back. It was another easy UD victory in his resume.
5. Juan Manuel Marquez – September 19, 2009
It may be hyped as a battle between two great counter punchers, but it can be easily argued as something else. The fight could have been just way to toy at Manny Pacquiao, since Marquez was Pac’s toughest rival and it was arranged during a time where a Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao superfight first got floated around.
Nevertheless, Floyd, who missed weight to probably show how minimal respect he has for Marquez, cruised to a dominating win, and even dropped him in the second round. His efficient offense and masterful defense left Marquez looking uncharacteristically.
4. Ricky Hatton – December 8, 2007
The fight had a textbook storyline that could entice anyone, as Ricky Hatton, a relentless fighter with great KO tendencies, also came in undefeated (43-0). It was his overwhelming offense versus Mayweather’s elusive defense.
Floyd’s arsenal ultimately proved to be way better. He brought defense and offense to the fight, as opposed to Hatton’s seemingly one-sided game plan.
The Brit’s usual peppering of punches came, but Floyd survived every single attack without being significantly hit. That, along with his efficient attacks, which, at one point, snapped Hatton’s head back, allowed him to take control and eventually earn a 10th-round TKO win.
3. Angel Manfredy – December 19, 1998
Floyd breezed through 1998 in flying colors. Prior to his match with Manfredy, he was already 2-0, which included his memorable TKO victory over boxing legend Arturo Gatti.
This Manfredy beating, however, is still considered to be the main highlight of his signature year. He was shaky for some moments of the first round, but then went on to quickly redeem himself. The switch to a southpaw stance in round 2 unleashed an animal, as he blasted the Puerto Rican with an array of fists on his way to another TKO win.
2. Miguel Cotto – May 5, 2012 Won Cotto’s WBA super light middleweight title
It’s regarded that the first Castillo fight was Floyd’s closest thing to a loss… until this Cotto fight.
Cotto, though well-respected in the sport, surprisingly became a tougher challenger than expected. His game plan was the game plan that many had hoped to have against the savvy Mayweather. With great patience and balanced offense and defense, he had May on the ropes a handful of instances, and convincingly won at least four of the first six rounds. He also looked to be conditioned to go the full distance with plenty of gas still left in his tank.
In the middle of all of that, though, Floyd never appeared to be rattled or get left behind. The numerous cornering did have its effects, but at the same time, his top-notch defense was also showing, as he bobbed and weaved flawlessly to several punches.
Further, Floyd also had patience, while also being able to unload his own barrage efficiently, allowing him to outperform Cotto and get a tight UD victory.
1. Diego Corrales (1977-2007) – January 20, 2001
The two both possess speed, quickness, power, aggression, and just about everything that will make a matchup must-see TV. Corrales, more notably, was at the height of his reign of terror, as entered 33-0, 27 of which were TKO/KOs.
What ensued, instead, was a one-sided affair.
It became Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s pièce de résistance – his Mona Lisa and Symphony no. 40… combined.
It was like Floyd saw the punches coming from miles away, as he simply parried the attacks. His offense was also just as good, particularly in the seventh round, where he resoundingly outscored Corrales in punches landed (39 to 3).
“Pretty Boy Floyd” knocked Corrales five times before the towel was thrown in the 10th round.
