Boxing Hall of Famer Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s undefeated career was questioned by one of the biggest names in the sport’s history.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. amassed a 50-0 boxing record in his career, taking down some of the top names in the sport’s history and displaying defensive wizardry and intellect. Despite retiring from professional boxing following a win over UFC superstar Conor McGregor, Mayweather remains active in exhibition bouts.
The debate surrounding Mayweather’s standing in the boxing GOAT conversation rages on years after his professional retirement. He dismantled many top names during his career, but because of delayed matchups with the likes of Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao, some believe his record deserves an asterisk.
Roy Jones Jr., another all-time great boxer, believes Mayweather’s abrupt end to his career impacted his GOAT case.
Roy Jones Jr. shares issues he has with Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s legacy
In a recent interview, Jones was asked how he views Mayweather’s undefeated boxing career.
“You got to respect anything a person does to stay undefeated that long, I respect it to a degree,” Jones said of Mayweather. “Do I think ‘Oh he’s the greatest fighter of all time’? No. [Julio César] Chavez went 80-0 at one point. He could’ve retired at 80-0, will you ever top that? No. He just didn’t stop.
“You got to [50-0] and stopped because of Rocky Marciano. If Rocky died, he probably would’ve kept going too. And then at the end, you fight a guy that’s 0-0, for 50? How can I respect it?”
As of this writing, Mayweather hasn’t responded to Jones’s comments. He most recently fought John Gotti III in an exhibition rematch last year.
Roy Jones Jr. unimpressed by Floyd Mayweather Jr. surpassing Rocky Marciano
Mayweather defeated many top contenders during his career and held belts in multiple weight classes. His 2017 victory over McGregor led to him surpassing Rocky Marciano’s prestigious 49-0 undefeated record.
Jones began his legendary career 34-0 before a disqualification loss to Montell Griffin in 1997. He went on to defeat the likes of Antonio Tarver, Felix Trinidad, and James Toney during his boxing tenure.
While Jones respects Mayweather’s efforts in the ring, he believes the fellow Hall of Famer could’ve done more to separate himself from the all-time greats.
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