In the heat of the moment, even the most composed athletes can find themselves grappling with their emotions. Such instances are not uncommon, and boxing legend Floyd Mayweather experienced his own unforgettable clash during an interview 14 years ago. The incident reveals that the world of combat sports is not just about physical battles; verbal sparring can be equally intense.

Back in May 2009, as Mayweather was gearing up for a championship fight with Juan Manuel Marquez, he appeared on ESPN for a live interview with Brian Kenny. What followed was a fiery exchange that captured the attention of fans and media alike. Kenny’s seemingly innocuous reference to Mayweather as the “former” No. 1 pound-for-pound king ignited the former champion’s fury.

Revisiting the infamous interview that changed fan perspective on Floyd Mayweather after 14 years

Mayweather, renowned for his brash persona, wasted no time in launching a verbal assault on Kenny. The ESPN reporter’s failure to acknowledge him as the preeminent fighter triggered an outburst from Mayweather. In response to Kenny’s probing, Mayweather retorted with a barrage of pointed words: “I forgot, I’m talking to Brian Kenny, a guy who’s never laced up gloves a day in his life, who don’t know nothing about boxing.” he said.

The interview took a tumultuous turn as Kenny brought up Manny Pacquiao and questioned Mayweather’s pay-per-view draw compared to that of Oscar De La Hoya. The conversation then shifted to ‘Money’s’ upcoming opponent, Marquez, who was moving up two weight divisions to face the American champion. However, it was the mention of Pacquiao that truly ignited Mayweather’s ire, as rumors of a super-fight between the two had already set the boxing world abuzz. Fast forward 14 years, and the resurfaced video has once again thrust Mayweather’s fiery exchange into the limelight.

A user stated that Mayweather acted in a very unprofessional manner. “Floyd looked a clown this interview,” he said.

Another user was not sure why the former champion was behaving in this manner. “Why is he being so difficult what an ego,” he wrote.

Moreover, a user even declared that ‘Money’ was the best in ducking fights. “The best in running…” he wrote.

A fan even branded him as arrogant and confident but gave the interviewer a ‘rough time’. “Floyd looks good without beards. Very mouthy though, corky arrogant, and confident. He really gave this interviewer a rough time.” he wrote.

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However, a user still thought that Mayweather was the ‘best of all time’ despite his persona. “May is the best of all time and ain’t nobody going to get that ninja off his game NOBODY” he wrote.

This is not the first time things have gotten rough between interviewers and fighters. However, the clip’s revival proves how past actions can shape public perception, with viewers offering a mix of opinions.

Since that memorable interview, ‘TBE’  continued to make headlines, amassing an impressive record of 11-0 and retiring with an unbeaten record. As this vintage exchange resurfaces, it’s a reminder that the allure of combat sports extends beyond punches, encompassing the emotions and words exchanged both inside and outside the ring.

What did you think about this iconic resurfaced interview? Let us know in the comments.

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