Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather is a fighter unlike any boxing fans may ever see again.
Although the likes of Shakur Stevenson have been compared to Mayweather, the former multi-weight champion is a true icon of the sport.
Retiring with a remarkable 50-0 record, Mayweather ended his career with one of the biggest fights of all time. Mayweather took on Conor McGregor in a huge money fight, as the boxer was able to stop the former UFC champion.
Although this is one of the more notable moments of Mayweather’s career, it may not be the most impressive. Looking back at the great’s career, his year in 1998 is one of the most impressive periods in boxing history.
Floyd Mayweather had an incredible year in 1998
Mayweather made his debut in 1996. However, it would take him just two years to really announce himself to the boxing world.
In 1998, Mayweather would start the year as a 12-0 20-year-old. However, he would end it with a record of 19-0.
Seven wins in the calendar year is an impressive feat in itself, even without considering the quality of opposition Mayweather faced. Not only was the American racking up wins, but he was taking out quality opponents.
After winning five fights in the first six months of the year, with wins over Tony Pep (38-6) and Gustavo Fabian Cuello (20-7), Mayweather would get a world title opportunity in October.
| Date | Opponent | Record | Mayweather’s method of victory |
| January 9th, 1998 | Hector Arroyo | 16-4-2 | R5 TKO |
| February 28th, 1998 | Sam Girard | 17-4-1 | R2 TKO |
| March 23rd, 1998 | Miguel Melo | 8-1 | R3 TKO |
| April 18th, 1998 | Gustavo Fabian Cuello | 20-7 | Unanimous Decision |
| June 14th, 1998 | Tony Pep | 38-6 | Unanimous Decision |
| October 3rd, 1998 | Genaro Hernandez | 38-1-1 | R8 Retirement (Claimed WBC World Super Featherweight title) |
| December 19th, 1998 | 2 | 25-2-1 | R2 TKO (Retained WBC World Super Featherweight title) |
Taking on WBC World Super Featherweight champion Genaro Hernandez (38-1-1), Mayweather would earn a retirement victory after eight rounds. Not only would winning the title after six wins be an impressive feat, but he would defend his new title before the year ended.
In December of 1998, Mayweather would welcome a challenge from Angel Manfredy (25-2-1). ‘Money’ would be able to dispatch his opponent in the second round, retaining his title.
The impressive seven-fight streak would earn Mayweather the Ring Magazine ‘Fighter of the Year’ award for 1998.
- READ MORE: Floyd Mayweather made an incredible amount of money for his super fight with Miguel Cotto
Floyd Mayweather would win ‘Fighter of the Year’ again in 2007
1998 would not be the only time Mayweather’s impressive calendar win was awarded. Nine years later, Ring Magazine would once again give ‘Money’ the accolade.
Although there were significantly fewer fights for the then-champion, Mayweather had two of his most impressive wins in his career.
In May 2007, Mayweather would fight Oscar De La Hoya in a hugely profitable fight. Winning via split decision, Mayweather dethroned De La Hoya as WBC World Super Welterweight champion.
Mayweather would then move back down to defend his WBC World Welterweight belt against Ricky Hatton in December of that year. He would win the bout via 10th-round TKO.