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. Competing from 1996 to 2017, he boasts an undefeated record and secured 15 major world championships across five weight classes. His accolades include Ring magazine titles in three weight classes and lineal championships in four. As an amateur, he earned a bronze medal at the 1996 Olympics. Since retiring from professional boxing, he has participated in exhibition boxing matches.
1993: Golden Gloves Championship
In 1993, Mayweather won a national Golden Gloves championship at 106 lb.
1994: Golden Gloves Championship
In 1994, Mayweather won a national Golden Gloves championship at 114 lb.
October 11, 1996: First Professional Bout
On October 11, 1996, Mayweather won his first professional bout, knocking out Roberto Apodaca in Round 2.
1996: Olympic Bronze Medal
At the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Mayweather won a bronze medal in the featherweight division.
1996: 1996 Olympics and Professional Debut
In 1996, Mayweather won a bronze medal at the Olympics. He also began his professional boxing career that year.
1996: Golden Gloves Championship
In 1996, Mayweather won a national Golden Gloves championship at 125 lb.
1996: First U.S. Olympian to Win World Title
Mayweather became the first 1996 U.S. Olympian to win a world title in 1996.
1998: Winning Most Fights by Knockout
From 1996 to early 1998, Mayweather won most of his fights by knockout or TKO.
1998: First World Title Victory
In 1998, Mayweather won his first world title, the WBC super featherweight championship, with a TKO victory over Genaro Hernández.
1999: Super Featherweight Title Defenses
In 1999, Mayweather defended his super featherweight title three times, including a unanimous decision against Carlos Rios.
1999: Title Defenses and Recognition
In 1999, Mayweather defended his title against Justin Juuko and Carlos Gerena, earning him recognition as a top boxer.
2000: Fired Father as Manager and Trainer
In early 2000, Mayweather fired his father as his manager and trainer, replacing him with James Prince. He later won a near-shutout over "Goyo" Vargas.
May 26, 2001: Unanimous Decision over Carlos Hernandez
On May 26, 2001, Mayweather won a 12-round unanimous decision over Carlos Hernández to retain his WBC super-featherweight title, despite suffering injuries.
2001: Future Plans
In 2001, Mayweather expressed interest in fighting Kostya Tszyu but never got the chance. By the end of the year, he was still ranked as a top boxer.
December 7, 2002: Rematch with Jose Luis Castillo
On December 7, 2002, Mayweather had a rematch with José Luis Castillo. Mayweather reiterated that he had torn his left rotator cuff two days before the first fight and could not throw a jab or a left hook.
April 19, 2003: Victory over Victoriano Sosa
On April 19, 2003, Mayweather defended his WBC lightweight title with a unanimous decision over Victoriano Sosa.
2003: Domination in the Ring
By the end of 2003, Mayweather was still The Ring's lightweight champion and a top-ranked pound-for-pound boxer.
January 22, 2005: Victory over Henry Bruseles
On January 22, 2005, Mayweather defeated Henry Bruseles, becoming the mandatory challenger for Gatti's WBC light welterweight championship.
June 25, 2005: Mayweather vs. Gatti Fight
On June 25, 2005, Floyd Mayweather Jr. fought Arturo Gatti in Atlantic City, winning his third world title after Gatti's corner stopped the fight after round six.
November 19, 2005: Mayweather vs. Mitchell Non-Title Bout
On November 19, 2005, Floyd Mayweather Jr. fought Sharmba Mitchell in a non-title welterweight bout. Mayweather knocked Mitchell down twice, ending the fight in the sixth round.
January 7, 2006: Judah Loses Welterweight Titles to Baldomir
On January 7, 2006, Zab Judah lost the WBA, WBC, and The Ring Welterweight titles to Carlos Baldomir, jeopardizing plans for a fight with Mayweather, though the fight was reworked and went on.
April 8, 2006: Mayweather Defeats Judah for IBF Welterweight Title
On April 8, 2006, Floyd Mayweather Jr. defeated Zab Judah via unanimous decision for the IBF welterweight title, in a fight marred by late-round controversy when Judah hit Mayweather with illegal blows and a brawl ensued.
November 4, 2006: Mayweather vs. Baldomir
On November 4, 2006, Mayweather was scheduled to face WBC and The Ring welterweight champion Carlos Baldomir in Las Vegas.
2006: Founded Mayweather Promotions
In 2006, Floyd Mayweather founded his own boxing promotional firm, Mayweather Promotions.
May 5, 2007: Mayweather vs. De La Hoya Fight
On May 5, 2007, Mayweather fought Oscar De La Hoya for the WBC light-middleweight title. The bout set a record for PPV buys and generated significant revenue.
July 28, 2007: Mayweather to fight Ricky Hatton
On July 28, 2007, it was announced that Mayweather would come out of his brief retirement to fight The Ring light welterweight champion Ricky Hatton on December 8, 2007.
October 16, 2007: Eliminated from Dancing with the Stars
On October 16, 2007, Mayweather and his partner Karina Smirnoff were eliminated from the fifth season of Dancing with the Stars, finishing in ninth place.
2007: De La Hoya Postpones Decision
In 2007, Oscar De la Hoya postponed his decision, leaving Mayweather to obtain Mayweather Promotions and choose his next opponent.
February 17, 2008: WWE No Way Out Appearance
On February 17, 2008, Mayweather appeared at WWE's No Way Out, involving himself in a storyline altercation with Big Show to aid Rey Mysterio, resulting in Big Show suffering a broken nose.
May 2, 2009: Mayweather Announces Comeback Fight
On May 2, 2009, Floyd Mayweather Jr. confirmed his return from retirement to fight Juan Manuel Márquez on July 18, later postponed to September 19 due to injury.
December 5, 2009: ESPN Reports Mayweather-Pacquiao Deal
On December 5, 2009, ESPN reported that Manny Pacquiao had signed a contract to fight Floyd Mayweather on March 13, 2010, though Pacquiao denied it.
December 11, 2009: Contract Sent for Mayweather-Pacquiao Fight
On December 11, 2009, Golden Boy Promotions sent Top Rank an eight-page contract proposing a 50–50 financial split for a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight on March 13, 2010.
January 7, 2010: Mediation Begins for Mayweather-Pacquiao Fight
On January 7, 2010, both sides of the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight entered mediation with retired federal judge Daniel Weinstein.
May 1, 2010: Mayweather vs. Mosley Agreed
On May 1, 2010, Mayweather fought against Shane Mosley for Mosley's WBA super-welterweight title.
June 7, 2011: Mayweather Announces Fight with Ortiz
On June 7, 2011, Mayweather announced via Twitter that he was set to fight Victor Ortiz on September 17.
November 2, 2011: Mayweather Announces Return to the Ring
On November 2, 2011, Leonard Ellerbe announced that Mayweather would return to the ring on May 5, 2012.
February 1, 2012: Mayweather to Fight Miguel Cotto
On February 1, 2012, it was confirmed that Mayweather would move up in weight to fight Miguel Cotto.
May 5, 2012: Mayweather Set to Fight on May 5, 2012
May 5, 2012, was the date Mayweather was set to return to the ring, but he instead fought Miguel Cotto.
2012: Toughest Fight
In a 2012 interview, Mayweather named his fight against Emanuel Augustus as the toughest of his career.
May 4, 2013: Mayweather vs. Guerrero Fight
On May 4, 2013, Mayweather fought Robert Guerrero, marking his return to the ring after his release from jail and his first fight on Showtime PPV.
September 14, 2013: Mayweather Defeats Canelo Álvarez
On September 14, 2013, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Floyd Mayweather Jr. defeated Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez by majority decision in a twelve-round championship bout with a catchweight of 152 pounds. Mayweather earned a record $41.5 million for the fight.
December 2013: Maidana wins WBA title
In December 2013, Marcos Maidana won the WBA title against Adrien Broner, who was a friend of Mayweather.
May 3, 2014: Mayweather to fight Marcos Maidana
On May 3, 2014, Mayweather fought Marcos Maidana in a unification bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, with Mayweather's WBC and The Ring welterweight titles at stake, as well as Maidana's WBA welterweight title.
July 10, 2014: Mayweather Announces Rematch with Maidana
On July 10, 2014, Mayweather announced a rematch with Marcos Maidana, scheduled for September 13, 2014, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, with multiple titles at stake.
September 13, 2014: Mayweather vs Maidana Rematch
On September 13, 2014, Mayweather had a rematch with Marcos Maidana at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for Mayweather's WBA (Super), WBC and The Ring welterweight titles as well as Mayweather's WBC light middleweight title.
May 2, 2015: Mayweather Defeats Pacquiao
On May 2, 2015, Mayweather defeated Manny Pacquiao via unanimous decision at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
May 9, 2015: Mayweather changes mind on Pacquiao rematch
On May 9, 2015, Mayweather stated he changed his mind about a rematch with Pacquiao, calling him a "sore loser and a coward."
September 12, 2015: Mayweather to defend titles against Berto
On September 12, 2015, Mayweather defended his WBC, WBA (Super), and The Ring welterweight titles against Andre Berto at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
November 2015: Mayweather's titles declared vacant
In November 2015, the WBC declared Mayweather's welterweight and super welterweight titles vacant following his retirement.
2015: Mayweather vs Pacquiao gate gross
In 2015, Mayweather's fight against Pacquiao grossed just over $72 million.
April 2016: Comeback rumors float around
In April 2016, rumors of a Mayweather comeback began circulating as Mayweather Promotions filed trademarks for "TBE 50" and "TMT 50."
May 7, 2016: Mayweather confirms McGregor fight rumors
On May 7, 2016, Mayweather confirmed that he started the rumors regarding a potential crossover fight with MMA star Conor McGregor.
May 2016: Rumors of crossover fight with Conor McGregor
Around May 2016, rumors began circulating about a potential crossover fight between Mayweather and MMA star Conor McGregor.
January 13, 2017: White continues stance against Mayweather-McGregor fight
On January 13, 2017, Dana White continued his stance against a Mayweather-McGregor boxing matchup, offering Mayweather $25 million to box McGregor in the UFC.
March 7, 2017: Mayweather urges McGregor to sign the contract
On March 7, 2017, Mayweather urged McGregor to sign the contract, hinting that a fight was really in the works.
March 10, 2017: Mayweather states only McGregor fight will make him come out of 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 fighting McGregor
On March 16, 2017, Dana White backpedaled on his stance against Mayweather fighting McGregor and said that he would not deprive McGregor of making a massive payday.
May 18, 2017: McGregor agrees to Mayweather's terms
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 and transitioned to exhibition boxing.
August 24, 2017: Mayweather and McGregor to face off for WBC Money Belt
On August 24, 2017, it was announced that Mayweather and McGregor would be facing off for the WBC Money Belt.
September 2018: Mayweather and Pacquiao encounter at Ultra Japan
In September 2018, Mayweather and Pacquiao posted videos of encounters at the Ultra Japan festival, implicating the possibility of a rematch.
September 19, 2018: Mayweather plans fight in Japan
On September 19, 2018, Mayweather stated that he planned to hold a fight in Japan before any possible rematch with Pacquiao.
October 18, 2018: Pacquiao rumors Mayweather rematch
On October 18, 2018, Pacquiao told the Daily Mirror that a rumored rematch with Mayweather would occur in 2019.
November 5, 2018: Mayweather announces fight with Tenshin Nasukawa
On November 5, 2018, the Japanese MMA promotion Rizin Fighting Federation announced that Mayweather would face Tenshin Nasukawa at Rizin 14 on December 31, 2018.
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.
December 31, 2018: Mayweather to face Nasukawa at Rizin 14
On December 31, 2018, Mayweather faced Tenshin Nasukawa at Rizin 14 under unspecified rules.
2019: Rumored rematch with Pacquiao
In 2019, a rematch with Pacquiao was rumored to occur.
December 6, 2020: Mayweather to face Logan Paul
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: Mayweather vs Paul Postponed
The exhibition bout with Logan Paul announced on December 6, 2020 for February 20, 2021 was postponed.
May 6, 2021: Mayweather brawl with Jake Paul
On May 6, 2021, Mayweather and Logan Paul met for the first time at a press conference where Jake Paul instigated a brawl with Mayweather.
June 6, 2021: Mayweather fights Logan Paul
On June 6, 2021, Mayweather fought Logan Paul in an exhibition bout at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
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.
June 13, 2022: Mayweather announces return for another exhibition bout
On June 13, 2022, Mayweather announced he would be returning for another exhibition bout at the Rizin event scheduled on September 25, 2022.
September 25, 2022: Mayweather vs. Mikuru Asakura
On September 25, 2022, Mayweather fought Japanese mixed martial artist Mikuru Asakura at the Rizin event and won by TKO in the 2nd round.
January 2023: Mayweather to fight Aaron Chalmers
In January 2023, it was announced that Mayweather would be fighting Aaron Chalmers in an exhibition bout.
February 25, 2023: Mayweather vs. Aaron Chalmers
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 announces fight with John Gotti III
On April 26, 2023, it was announced that Mayweather would be facing John Gotti III in an exhibition boxing match on June 11, 2023.
June 11, 2023: Mayweather vs. John Gotti III
On June 11, 2023, Mayweather faced John Gotti III in an exhibition boxing match. The bout was stopped by the referee in the sixth round, prompting a ring invasion and fights in the crowd.
June 21, 2024: Mayweather vs. Gotti Rematch Confirmed
On June 21, 2024, the 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 Rematch
On August 24, 2024, Mayweather and John Gotti III had their rematch at Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico. The bout went the full eight rounds and no winner was declared.
