Around seven years ago, the boxing world witnessed the end of an extraordinary era. With his fiftieth bout against Conor McGregor ending in a tenth-round knockout victory, Floyd Mayweather Jr. finally bid his farewell to the sport he had dominated for over two decades. But, ever the sportsman, Mayweather Jr., after a break, embarked on a unique exhibition journey. The venture took him across the globe, participating in non-scoring, mostly for-fun bouts, all while his popularity and financial gains continued to rise.

But the move has also put him at the fore of certain posers. What’s the need for such a move when he has all that a common boxer can only dream of? The questions gained considerable traction, especially after last year’s controversial fight with John Gotti III. Following months of speculation, Mayweather Jr. and Gotti III finally got back together for another round. Though the fight on August 24 this year ended in the most innocuous manner, it had its moments nonetheless. However, Hollywood legend and martial artist Michael Jai White feels perhaps such incidents shouldn’t be overanalyzed, as Mayweather Jr. still remains one of the best in the business.

Floyd Mayweather Jr.: In a class of his own

A few months after the first part of the interview with Michael Jai White appeared, DJ Vlad shared the details of the second part. The conversation naturally shifted to boxing and the memorable Mayweather Jr.-Victor Ortiz fight. Five days from now, the fight will celebrate its 13th anniversary. “Okay, well, let’s get into what’s happening these days in the world. Floyd Mayweather had a rematch with John Gotti III; you watched it?” The host asked. Michael Jai White didn’t sound too sure whether he saw the fight. So DJ Vlad referred to the particular incident from the rematch, where Mayweather Jr. reportedly asked the referee to leave the ring.

Jai White insisted that he didn’t give much weight to the incident. Any which way, he never felt the fight would be a demanding one on ‘The Money’. Then, highlighting the chaotic ending of the first Mayweather Jr. vs. Gotti III bout, the interviewer asked, “I don’t know if I’m really feeling this direction that Floyd is going into these days; it’s like, why fight guys like this?”

“Money, maybe I don’t know,” Michael Jai White pitched in. However, he stressed, irrespective of reasons, Floyd Mayweather Jr. ‘could beat a lot of champions right now’. DJ Vlad couldn’t have disagreed. The actor continued. If it gives Mayweather Jr. happiness and motivates him to keep going, then that’s his choice. Such issues never really bothered Jai White.

However, if Mayweather Jr. were to lose a fight, then it would have definitely been a cause for concern. For, the Olympic bronze medalist remains far superior to other boxers. “He’s so many leagues ahead of everybody out there that, um, I don’t know, I mean, I just think he’s just doing what pleases him,” stressed Michael Jai White.

A Legacy Beyond Ring

Many fans would agree with the Hollywood star’s take. Beyond his unparalleled boxing legacy, Floyd Mayweather Jr. remains the richest boxer ever. So, in all probability, following the exhibition circuit could be his way to stay in touch with the sport that he gave him so much. Then explore the other side of the argument. For the lesser-known fighters, getting a chance to go toe-to-toe with a globally recognized figure like Mayweather Jr. can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Not to forget the frequent comparisons and hypothetical matchups so often pitch him against some of the contemporary greats. Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Terence Crawford must ring a bell in many minds by now.

What is your take on Michael Jai White’s thoughts on Floyd Mayweather Jr.? Do you agree that he could have beaten many current-day champions?