“Combination of Superior Genetics and Two Generations of Perfecting Boxing”: Fans Nostalgic After Rare Photo of Floyd Mayweather from His Amateur Days Resurfaces on the Internet

Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s name bears a mention in the list of boxing stalwarts. His legendary boxing journey spans two decades. And his career has been dissected heavily in public forums. From the start of his career, till he retired, he exhibited sheer resilience to weather it out in the rough and tumble world of boxing. Today, we still speak of the legacy he left behind as a professional boxer. However, one thing which is overlooked is Mayweather’s achievements during his amateur boxing career.

Mayweather first won the Golden Gloves competition in 1993 by beating Willie Senn. Further, he won the championship in 1994 and 1996 by defeating Juan Anzures and Martin O’Malley consecutively.

Unlike his professional career, Floyd had his fair share of losses during his amateur career. He lost six fights between 1994 and 1996. He first lost to Martin Castillo in 1994. In 1995, he lost three matches to Carlos Navarro, Juan Carlos, and Noureddine Medjihoud. Moreover, the year 1996 was also a busy year for him, as he fought about 17 matches, and he won most of them. That year, he was defeated by Augie Sanchez at the Olympic trials, and Serafim Todorov gave him the final defeat of his amateur career.  ‘Money’ holds an amateur record of 84-6.

From his amateur days, he was fondly addressed as ‘Pretty Boy’,  for coming out unscathed without  any scars on his youthful face. And even today, when we speak of ‘Pretty Boy’, his amateur days bring a tinge of nostalgia amongst his fans.

Invoking Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s achievements among other things

Boxing History, an acclaimed page on Facebook, that discusses all things boxing shared a photo of  Mayweather from his amateur days.

Read More: “Effortless”: Fans Awestruck as Floyd Mayweather Jr Jumps Rope With “Blitzkrieg Speed” in a Resurfaced Video

Fans were quick to jump in mentioning the memorable moments from his amateur career that stuck with them.

One of the users, Ronnie Andrews spoke about Mayweather winning the Golden Gloves at the mere age of 15. He said, “He was a great amateur. If I remember right. Floyd won the Golden Gloves at 15.” He competed against Eric Morel in 1993 at the National Golden Gloves Tournament. 

Donny Lynch spoke about Mayweather Jr. having a 50-0 record. He said, “Floyd Mayweather great fighter never lost a fight he went 50-0 in his career.” 

Speaking of the 1996 Olympics, Tommie F Rawlings believes that Floyd cheated at it. He says, “Floyd was not only a great pro. He was a great amateur also. Definitely cheated in the 96 Olympics.”

Iain White did not seem that impressed with Floyd. He commented, “Before he became the undisputed biggest knobhead in boxing history.”

Commenting on Floyd’s family history and its imprint on his boxing acumen,  Dan King said, “Floyd is a combination of superior genetics and two generations of perfecting boxing style and technique.” 

Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s name will go down in history as being one of the biggest and most talented boxers of all time. However, life story is that of struggle, resilience, and hard work. As we analyze his amateur days, we can’t miss the start he has had in his career. It is not comparable to any other fighter in history. What are your key highlights from Floyd Mayweather’s boxing career?