Floyd Mayweather left the sport of boxing on a high, retiring as one of the few champions to have never tasted defeat.
After ‘Pretty Boy’ started his career with a knockout, Mayweather had a huge money fight with Conor McGregor in his final career outing, where he also earned a stoppage.
Although Mayweather is better known for his elite defensive talents, he did accumulate 27 stoppages throughout his career.
Among the modern great’s finishes include beating a knockout artist at his own game in 2003.
Floyd Mayweather defended world title against Phillip N’dou in 2003
After becoming a world lightweight champion in April 2002, Mayweather defended his new title twice in 12 months, extending his record to 30-0.
For his third title defense, and his 31st fight, Mayweather welcomed a dangerous challenge from knockout artist Phillip N’dou. The pair fought in November 2003 in Michigan.
Hailing from South Africa, N’dou held a professional record of 31-1 going into his title challenge. However, only one of his wins came via decision, as he stopped 30 opponents in his career.
Despite these impressive statistics, Mayweather would not only be able to evade N’dou’s power, but deliver his own stoppage.
Having clearly been ahead in the fight, a 26-year-old Mayweather would end the fight in the seventh round. Catching N’dou with a right hand, Mayweather would aggressively continue to throw punches until the South African went down.
Hitting the canvas, N’dou attempted to return to his feet. However, still dazed, the referee called off the fight.
The win was Mayweather’s third lightweight title defense, as he moved weight class in his next outing.
Floyd Mayweather became a super lightweight champion in 2005
Moving on from the lightweight division, wins over DeMarcus Corley and Henry Bruseles would set Mayweather up for a world super lightweight title challenge.
In his bid to become champion, he would face WBC title holder Arturo Gatti. Fighting in New Jersey, Gatti would suffer the seventh loss of his career.
After scoring a knockdown in round one, Mayweather would close the dominant showing after six completed rounds. Not answering the call for the seventh round, Mayweather won the bout via retirement.
The win made Mayweather a three-division world champion, aged 28.