Floyd Mayweather is known for being one of the best to ever grace the sport, but at the age of just 19 he also proved how destructive he could be.
Floyd Mayweather debuted in the professional ranks in 1996. The highly-touted amateur just missed out on the Olympic finals, taking home a bronze medal.
Though an accomplished amateur, the professional game was new to Mayweather, but in 1997, in his third fight, he proved he had what it took to go far in the sport.
Floyd Mayweather sent Jerry Cooper through the ropes after landing 27 punches
In just his third fight, a 2-0 Mayweather, whose toughest test came years later at the hands of journeyman Emanuel Augustus, was matched up with then 6-3 Jerry Cooper.
Cooper reportedly said he felt he had what it took to defeat Mayweather, but was swiftly proven wrong.
Mayweather, who almost brawled with 80-year-old Larry Merchant after his cheap shot against Ortiz, stopped Cooper in the first round after two knockdowns, the second of which came after a 27-punch flurry, which left Cooper on the other side of the ropes, but on the canvas nonetheless.
the referee had seen enough at this point, and Mayweather, who made Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa cry in the later stages of his career, gained his first first-round knockout victory.
The commentators said of Mayweather: “He won’t have to fight at this level very long. I would assume that Floyd Mayweather will be moving up rapidly to tougher competition.”
Floyd Mayweather broke down in tears at 1996 Olympic Games
Floyd Mayweather’s path to greatness began in the amateur days. Mayweather’s amateur record was 84-8, but his most devastating loss came in the semi-finals in the 1996 Olympics.
Mayweather was brought to tears, claiming he believed he won the fight. He struggled to keep himself together during the post-fight interview, realizing his chances of a gold medal had been well and truly dashed.