Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Floyd Mayweather Jr.
How Floyd Mayweather Jr. built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a retired American professional boxer and current boxing promoter. He competed from 1996 to 2017, retiring undefeated with 15 major world championships across five weight classes. He also won the Ring magazine title in three weight classes. As an amateur, Mayweather earned a bronze medal at the 1996 Olympics and multiple U.S. Golden Gloves and national championships. After retiring from professional boxing, he transitioned to exhibition bouts.
1976: U.S. Olympic boxing team captured five gold medals
The last time the U.S. boxer team won against a Cuban boxer was in 1976 Summer Olympics. They captured five gold medals; among the recipients was Sugar Ray Leonard.
1993: National Golden Gloves championship
In 1993, Floyd Mayweather Jr. won a national Golden Gloves championship (at 106 lb).
1994: National Golden Gloves championship
In 1994, Floyd Mayweather Jr. won a national Golden Gloves championship (at 114 lb).
October 11, 1996: First professional bout
On October 11, 1996, Floyd Mayweather Jr. won his first professional bout, knocking out Roberto Apodaca in Round 2. His uncle, Roger Mayweather, was his trainer at the time.
1996: Bronze Medal at the 1996 Olympics
At the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Floyd Mayweather Jr. won a bronze medal by reaching the semi-finals of the featherweight (57-kg) division.
1996: First 1996 U.S. Olympian to win a world title
In 1996 Mayweather became the first U.S. Olympian to win a world title. Bob Arum said that "Floyd Mayweather is the successor in a line that starts with Ray Robinson, goes to Muhammad Ali, then Sugar Ray Leonard".
1996: 1996 Olympics and Start of Professional Career
In 1996, Floyd Mayweather Jr. won a bronze medal at the Olympics and started his professional boxing career.
1996: National Golden Gloves championship
In 1996, Floyd Mayweather Jr. won a national Golden Gloves championship (at 125 lb).
1998: Ranked #8 Pound-for-Pound and Fighter of the Year
By the end of 1998, Floyd Mayweather Jr. was ranked by The Ring as the #8-ranked pound-for-pound best boxer in the world, and became one of the youngest recipients of The Ring's Fighter of the Year award at age 21.
1998: Early Professional Career Success
From 1996 to early 1998, Floyd Mayweather Jr. won most of his fights by knockout or TKO.
1998: First World Title Victory
In 1998, Floyd Mayweather Jr. decisively won his first world title (the WBC super featherweight (130 lb) championship) with an eighth-round technical knockout of Genaro Hernández.
1999: Continued Domination of Super Featherweight Division
In 1999, Floyd Mayweather Jr. continued his domination of the super featherweight division by defending his title three more times, including a unanimous decision against Carlos Rios.
1999: Title Defenses and Rankings in 1999
In 1999, Mayweather continued defending his title, including wins against Justin Juuko and Carlos Gerena. By the end of 1999, he was ranked The Ring's #2 pound-for-pound best boxer in the world, behind Roy Jones Jr.
1999: Reference to De La Hoya vs. Trinidad
In 1999, Oscar De La Hoya met Félix Trinidad, which was referenced as a major welterweight showdown leading up to the Mayweather vs. Hatton fight.
2000: Fired Father as Manager and Trainer
In early 2000, before his fifth title defense, Floyd Mayweather Jr. fired his father as his manager and replaced him with James Prince. He later fired his father as his trainer and won against Vargas.
May 26, 2001: Retained WBC super-featherweight title
On May 26, 2001, fighting in his hometown of Grand Rapids, Mayweather beat Carlos Hernández by unanimous decision, despite suffering hand injuries.
2001: Desire to Fight Kostya Tszyu
In 2001, Floyd Mayweather Jr. expressed his desire to fight Kostya Tszyu, but this fight never materialized, though Mayweather later fought Ricky Hatton, who had defeated Tszyu.
December 7, 2002: Rematch with José Luis Castillo
On December 7, 2002, Mayweather had a rematch with José Luis Castillo due to the closeness of their first bout, reiterating his injury before the fight and healing after the surgery.
April 19, 2003: WBC Lightweight Title Defense
On April 19, 2003, Floyd Mayweather Jr. defended his WBC lightweight title in a unanimous decision over Victoriano Sosa.
2003: End of 2003 Rankings
By the end of 2003, Floyd Mayweather was still The Ring's lightweight champion and the #5-ranked best pound-for-pound boxer in the world.
January 22, 2005: Victory over Henry Bruseles
On January 22, 2005, Floyd Mayweather Jr. fought Henry Bruseles, winning by TKO in the eighth round, becoming the mandatory challenger for Gatti's WBC light welterweight championship.
June 25, 2005: Mayweather vs. Gatti
On June 25, 2005, Floyd Mayweather Jr. fought Arturo Gatti in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Mayweather dominated the fight, leading to Gatti's corner stopping the fight after round six, awarding Mayweather his third world title.
November 19, 2005: Mayweather vs. Mitchell
On November 19, 2005, Floyd Mayweather Jr. fought Sharmba Mitchell in a non-title welterweight bout. Mayweather won by TKO after knocking Mitchell down twice, once in round three and again in round six.
January 7, 2006: Judah Loses Titles to Baldomir
On January 7, 2006, Zab Judah lost the WBA, WBC, and The Ring Welterweight titles to Carlos Baldomir. This loss initially jeopardized the planned fight between Mayweather and Judah, but the camps reworked the contract to allow the fight to proceed.
April 8, 2006: Mayweather Defeats Judah for IBF Welterweight Title
On April 8, 2006, Floyd Mayweather Jr. defeated Zab Judah in a unanimous decision to win the IBF welterweight title. The fight was marred by a late-round foul by Judah and a subsequent melee involving their corners. Mayweather dominated after the fifth round, securing the victory despite the earlier controversy.
April 17, 2006: IBF Orders Rematch Between Mayweather and Judah
On April 17, 2006, the IBF ordered a rematch between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Zab Judah following their controversial fight. However, the rematch never occurred as Judah was suspended and Mayweather vacated the title.
November 4, 2006: Mayweather vs. Baldomir
On November 4, 2006, Floyd Mayweather Jr. was set to face WBC and The Ring welterweight champion Carlos Baldomir in Las Vegas after considering fighting Cory Spinks.
2006: Founded Mayweather Promotions
In 2006, Floyd Mayweather Jr. founded his own boxing promotional firm, Mayweather Promotions, after leaving Bob Arum's Top Rank.
May 5, 2007: Mayweather vs. De La Hoya
On May 5, 2007, Floyd Mayweather Jr. fought Oscar De La Hoya for De La Hoya's WBC light-middleweight title. Mayweather moved up in weight for the fight, which set records for PPV buys (2.4 million) and revenue ($120 million). De La Hoya earned $58 million, and Mayweather earned about $25 million.
July 28, 2007: Mayweather to Fight Ricky Hatton
On July 28, 2007, it was announced that Floyd Mayweather Jr. would come out of retirement to fight Ricky Hatton, The Ring light welterweight champion. The fight was promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions.
2007: De La Hoya Postpones Decision
In 2007, Oscar De La Hoya postponed his decision until 2007, allowing Mayweather to obtain Mayweather Promotions and choose his next opponent.
February 17, 2008: WWE No Way Out Appearance
On February 17, 2008, Floyd Mayweather appeared at WWE's No Way Out pay-per-view event, engaging in a storyline altercation with Big Show by attacking him to help Rey Mysterio, resulting in Big Show's broken nose.
2008: Recorded rap song "Yep"
In 2008, Floyd Mayweather recorded a rap song titled "Yep" that he used for his entrance on WrestleMania XXIV in his match against Big Show.
May 2, 2009: Mayweather Announces Fight with Marquez
On May 2, 2009, Floyd Mayweather Jr. announced he was coming out of retirement to fight Juan Manuel Márquez on July 18 at a catch weight of 144 lb. The fight was later postponed to September 19 due to a Mayweather injury.
August 24, 2009: Guest Host for Raw
On August 24, 2009, Floyd Mayweather was a guest host for Raw in Las Vegas, interfering in a tag-team match and helping MVP and Mark Henry win, later participating in a backstage segment with Vince McMahon and others.
December 5, 2009: Report of Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Agreement
On December 5, 2009, ESPN reported that Manny Pacquiao had allegedly signed a contract to fight Floyd Mayweather on March 13, 2010, though Pacquiao denied it, stating that negotiations were still ongoing.
December 11, 2009: Contract Sent for Mayweather-Pacquiao Fight
On December 11, 2009, Golden Boy Promotions sent an eight-page contract to Top Rank, proposing a 50–50 financial split for a fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao on March 13, 2010. The contract detailed various aspects, including drug testing and ring entrances.
December 13, 2009: Pacquiao's Adviser Dismisses Drug Testing Request
On December 13, 2009, Michael Koncz, Manny Pacquiao's adviser, dismissed Floyd Mayweather's request for Olympic-style drug testing as inconsequential, stating that Pacquiao does not take any illegal drugs.
December 22, 2009: Pacquiao Unwilling to Comply with Drug Testing
On December 22, 2009, Golden Boy Promotions released a press release stating that Manny Pacquiao was unwilling to comply with the Olympic-style drug testing requested by Team Mayweather, leading to the fight being called off.
January 7, 2010: Mayweather and Pacquiao Enter Mediation
On January 7, 2010, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao entered mediation with retired federal judge Daniel Weinstein to resolve the dispute over drug testing.
March 13, 2010: Proposed Fight Date with Pacquiao
March 13, 2010 was the proposed date for a fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, but negotiations were ongoing and Pacquiao denied signing a contract.
May 1, 2010: Mayweather vs. Mosley
On May 1, 2010, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Shane Mosley agreed to fight for Mosley's WBA super-welterweight title, with both fighters agreeing to Olympic-style drug testing.
June 7, 2011: Mayweather to Fight Ortiz
On June 7, 2011, Floyd Mayweather Jr. announced via Twitter that he would fight Victor Ortiz on September 17 for the WBC welterweight title. Ortiz was Mayweather's first challenger in 16 months.
November 2, 2011: Mayweather Announces Return to the Ring
On November 2, 2011, Leonard Ellerbe announced that Floyd Mayweather Jr. would return to the ring on May 5, 2012, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
2011: Paid for Genaro Hernandez's Funeral
In 2011, Floyd Mayweather paid for the funeral of former super lightweight world champion and opponent Genaro Hernandez, who died of cancer.
February 1, 2012: Mayweather to Fight Cotto
On February 1, 2012, it was confirmed that Floyd Mayweather Jr. would move up in weight to fight Miguel Cotto, with the WBC super welterweight diamond belt at stake, after negotiations with Manny Pacquiao failed.
May 5, 2012: Upcoming fight against Miguel Cotto
On May 5, 2012, Floyd Mayweather Jr. was scheduled to fight Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
2012: Highest-Paid Athlete of 2012
In 2012, Floyd Mayweather Jr. topped the Forbes and Sports Illustrated lists of the 50 highest-paid athletes.
2012: Assessment of Toughest Career Fight
In a 2012 interview, Floyd Mayweather Jr. named his fight against Emanuel Augustus as the toughest of his career.
May 4, 2013: Mayweather vs. Guerrero
On May 4, 2013, Floyd Mayweather Jr. fought Robert Guerrero at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, marking his first fight since being released from jail and his first on Showtime PPV. He was guaranteed $32 million for the fight.
September 14, 2013: Mayweather vs. Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez Championship Bout
On September 14, 2013, Floyd Mayweather Jr. defeated Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez by majority decision at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the WBC and WBA Super welterweight titles. Mayweather received a record $41.5 million. The fight had a catchweight of 152 pounds. One judge controversially scored the fight a draw, while the other two favored Mayweather.
December 2013: Maidana Wins WBA Title
In December 2013, Marcos Maidana won the WBA welterweight title against Adrien Broner, who was a friend of Floyd Mayweather Jr.
2013: Highest-Paid Athlete of 2013
In 2013, Floyd Mayweather Jr. topped the Forbes and Sports Illustrated lists of the 50 highest-paid athletes.
May 3, 2014: Mayweather vs. Maidana Unification Bout Announcement
On May 3, 2014, Mayweather fought Marcos Maidana in a unification bout at MGM Grand Garden Arena, with Mayweather's WBC and The Ring welterweight titles at stake, as well as Maidana's WBA welterweight title. Mayweather announced the fight the day after his 37th birthday.
July 10, 2014: Mayweather vs. Maidana Rematch Announcement
On July 10, 2014, Mayweather announced a rematch with Marcos Maidana. The fight was scheduled for September 13, 2014, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for Mayweather's WBA (Super), WBC, The Ring welterweight titles, and Mayweather's WBC light middleweight title.
September 13, 2014: Mayweather vs Maidana II
On September 13, 2014, the rematch between Mayweather and Maidana took place.
2014: Forbes Highest-Paid Athlete of 2014
In 2014, Floyd Mayweather Jr. topped the Forbes list as the highest-paid athlete in the world.
May 2, 2015: Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Fight
On May 2, 2015, Mayweather fought Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, winning via unanimous decision. The fight failed to live up to expectations for many observers.
May 9, 2015: Mayweather Changes Mind on Pacquiao Rematch
On May 9, 2015, Mayweather stated he changed his mind about a potential rematch with Manny Pacquiao, calling him a "sore loser and he's a coward."
July 6, 2015: Mayweather Stripped of WBO Welterweight Title
On July 6, 2015, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) stripped Mayweather of his welterweight championship because he was not permitted to hold titles in multiple weight classes and failed to pay a sanctioning fee.
September 12, 2015: Mayweather vs. Berto Fight
On September 12, 2015, Mayweather defended his WBC, WBA (Super), and The Ring welterweight titles against Andre Berto at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The announcement received backlash as many felt Berto wasn't a credible opponent.
November 2015: WBC Declares Mayweather's Titles Vacant
In November 2015, the WBC declared Mayweather's welterweight and super welterweight titles vacant following his retirement announcement.
2015: Forbes Highest-Paid Athlete of 2015
In 2015, Floyd Mayweather Jr. topped the Forbes list as the highest-paid athlete in the world.
2015: Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Gate
In 2015, the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight grossed just over $72 million from a paid attendance of 16,219.
April 2016: Rumors of Mayweather Comeback
Around April 2016, the idea of a Mayweather comeback surfaced as Mayweather Promotions filed for trademarks of "TBE 50" and "TMT 50", hinting at a possible 50th win target.
May 7, 2016: Mayweather Confirms McGregor Fight Rumors
On May 7, 2016, Mayweather confirmed that he started the rumors regarding a potential fight with MMA star Conor McGregor.
May 2016: Rumors of Mayweather vs. McGregor Crossover Fight
Around May 2016, a rumor began about a crossover fight between Mayweather and MMA star Conor McGregor.
January 13, 2017: White Against Mayweather-McGregor Fight
On January 13, 2017, Dana White insisted that a Mayweather-McGregor boxing match would never happen due to McGregor's contract with the UFC and offered Mayweather $25 million to box McGregor in the UFC.
March 7, 2017: Mayweather Urges McGregor to Sign Contract
On March 7, 2017, Mayweather urged McGregor to sign the contract, hinting that a fight was in the works.
March 10, 2017: Mayweather States Only McGregor Fight Will End Retirement
On March 10, 2017, Mayweather stated that only a fight with McGregor would make him come out of retirement.
March 16, 2017: White Backpedals on Stance Against Mayweather-McGregor Fight
On March 16, 2017, Dana White backpedaled on his stance against Mayweather fighting McGregor, saying he would not deprive McGregor of a massive payday.
May 18, 2017: McGregor Agrees to Terms and Signs Contract
On May 18, 2017, McGregor reportedly agreed to all of Mayweather's updated terms and signed the contract.
August 2017: Retirement from professional boxing
In August 2017, Floyd Mayweather Jr. retired from professional boxing with an undefeated record and transitioned to exhibition boxing.
August 24, 2017: WBC Money Belt Introduction
On August 24, 2017, Mayweather and McGregor would face off for the WBC Money Belt, specifically made for the fight. Mayweather was guaranteed $100 million and McGregor was guaranteed $30 million.
August 26, 2017: Mayweather vs McGregor Fight
On August 26, 2017, Mayweather fought against McGregor at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
September 2018: Mayweather and Pacquiao Encounter at Ultra Japan
In September 2018, Mayweather and Pacquiao posted videos of encounters at the Ultra Japan electronic music festival, hinting at a possible rematch.
September 19, 2018: Mayweather Planned Fight in Japan
On September 19, 2018, Mayweather stated in an interview that he planned to hold a fight in Japan before any possible rematch with Pacquiao.
October 18, 2018: Pacquiao Announced Rematch with Mayweather
On October 18, 2018, Pacquiao told the Daily Mirror that a rumoured rematch with Mayweather would occur in 2019, as Mayweather was planning to fight an unnamed opponent on December 31, 2018.
November 5, 2018: Mayweather vs. Nasukawa Announced
On November 5, 2018, the Rizin Fighting Federation announced that Mayweather would face kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa at Rizin 14 on December 31, 2018, under unspecified rules.
November 16, 2018: Mayweather Confirms Exhibition Match Against Nasukawa
On November 16, 2018, Mayweather confirmed that a three-round exhibition boxing match against Nasukawa would happen after the initial misunderstanding had been resolved.
2018: Highest-Paid Athlete in the World
In 2018, Floyd Mayweather Jr. was the highest-paid athlete in the world, with total earnings, including endorsements, of $285 million, according to Forbes.
December 31, 2018: Mayweather vs. Nasukawa at Rizin 14
On December 31, 2018, Mayweather was scheduled to face undefeated kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa at Rizin 14, under unspecified rules.
2019: Rumored Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Rematch
In 2019, a rematch was rumoured to occur between Mayweather and Pacquiao.
December 6, 2020: Mayweather vs. Logan Paul Exhibition Bout Announcement
On December 6, 2020, it was announced that Mayweather would face internet personality Logan Paul in an exhibition bout on February 20, 2021.
February 20, 2021: Postponement of Mayweather vs. Logan Paul Bout
The Mayweather vs. Logan Paul exhibition bout, originally scheduled for February 20, 2021, was postponed.
May 6, 2021: Mayweather and Paul Press Conference Brawl
On May 6, 2021, Mayweather and Paul met at a press conference at Hard Rock Stadium, where Jake Paul became involved in an angry brawl with Mayweather.
June 6, 2021: Mayweather vs. Logan Paul Exhibition Bout
On June 6, 2021, Mayweather faced Logan Paul in an exhibition bout at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
2021: Sportico All-Time Athlete Earnings List
In November 2021, Sportico released an all-time athlete earnings list, in which Floyd Mayweather Jr. ranked no. 6 all time, totaling an inflation-adjusted $1.2 billion in his career.
May 21, 2022: Mayweather vs. Don Moore Exhibition Bout
On May 21, 2022, Mayweather fought an eight-round exhibition boxing bout with Don Moore in Abu Dhabi, resulting in no official verdict.
June 13, 2022: Mayweather Announces Return for Exhibition Bout
On June 13, 2022, Mayweather announced he would return for another exhibition bout scheduled on September 25, 2022, at the Rizin event at the Saitama Super Arena.
September 25, 2022: Mayweather vs. Mikuru Asakura
On September 25, 2022, Mayweather fought against Mikuru Asakura in an exhibition at the Rizin event held at the Saitama Super Arena. Mayweather won the fight by TKO in the 2nd round.
January 2023: Announcement of Mayweather vs. Aaron Chalmers Exhibition Bout
In January 2023, it was announced that Mayweather would be fighting an exhibition bout against Aaron Chalmers after Liam Harrison pulled out due to injury.
February 25, 2023: Mayweather vs. Aaron Chalmers Exhibition Bout
On February 25, 2023, Mayweather fought Aaron Chalmers in an exhibition bout at The O2 Arena in London, England. The bout went the full 8 rounds with no official verdict.
April 26, 2023: Mayweather vs. John Gotti III Exhibition Match Announced
On April 26, 2023, it was announced that Floyd Mayweather would face John Gotti III in an exhibition boxing match scheduled for June 11, 2023.
June 11, 2023: Exhibition Match Against John Gotti III Stopped
On June 11, 2023, Floyd Mayweather's exhibition boxing match against John Gotti III at the FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida, was stopped in the sixth round by the referee, leading to a ring invasion and subsequent fights.
June 21, 2024: Rematch Confirmed
On June 21, 2024, a rematch between Floyd Mayweather Jr and John Gotti III was confirmed for August 24, 2024 at Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico.
August 24, 2024: Mayweather vs. Gotti III Rematch
On August 24, 2024, the rematch between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and John Gotti III took place at Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico, lasting the full eight rounds without a declared winner.
September 4, 2025: Exhibition Bout Agreed With Mike Tyson
On September 4, 2025, it was announced that Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson had agreed to fight each other in an exhibition bout sometime in Spring 2026.
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