Lasting Legacy of Floyd Mayweather Jr.: A Look at the Influence on History
A closer look at the lasting mark left by Floyd Mayweather Jr.—a timeline of influence.
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.
1998: Recognition as Top Boxer
By the end of 1998, Mayweather was ranked as a top pound-for-pound boxer and received The Ring's Fighter of the Year award at a young age.
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.
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.
2012: Forbes and Sports Illustrated Lists
In 2012, Floyd Mayweather topped the Forbes and Sports Illustrated lists of the 50 highest-paid athletes.
2013: Forbes and Sports Illustrated Lists
In 2013, Floyd Mayweather topped the Forbes and Sports Illustrated lists of the 50 highest-paid athletes.
2014: Forbes List
In 2014, Floyd Mayweather topped the Forbes list as the highest-paid athlete in the world.
2015: Forbes List
In 2015, Floyd Mayweather topped the Forbes list as the highest-paid athlete in the world.
2016: ESPN Ranks Mayweather Greatest Boxer
In 2016, ESPN ranked Floyd Mayweather Jr. as the greatest boxer, pound for pound, of the last 25 years.
2018: Highest-Paid Athlete
In 2018, Floyd Mayweather was the highest-paid athlete in the world, with total earnings, including endorsements, of $285 million.
2021: Induction into International Boxing Hall of Fame
In 2021, Floyd Mayweather Jr. was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
2021: Sportico's All-Time Athlete Earnings List
In November 2021, Sportico released an all-time athlete earnings list, in which Mayweather ranked no. 6 of all time, totaling an inflation-adjusted $1.2 billion in his career.
May 2023: BoxRec Ranking
As of May 2023, BoxRec ranks Floyd Mayweather Jr. as the second greatest boxer of all time, pound for pound.
