Legendary promoter Bob Arum once put the credentials of Floyd Mayweather firmly into place in the overall history of the sport.
‘Money’ Mayweather is often regarded as being one of the greatest fighters to have ever laced up the gloves. He has made no secret that he believes himself to be number one. On paper it is hard to argue: throughout the course of his 21-year professional career, the Michigan native won multiple world titles across no less than five weight divisions, retiring undefeated.
He boasts victories over a number of generational greats, including the likes of Canelo Alvarez, Miguel Cotto, Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao, defeating the latter in what was described as ‘The Fight Of The Century’ back in 2015.
Despite Mayweather’s considerable success and outstanding legacy, Top Rank’s Bob Arum once served him a reality check.
In an interview with Sky Sports Boxing ahead of the Pacquiao fight, Arum gave plaudits to Mayweather at first before he claims that ranking him ahead of three other legendary fighters in particular is a ‘joke’.
“Floyd Mayweather is an excellent, excellent fighter, a great technician but to compare him to Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson or to [Sugar] Ray Leonard is a joke. Floyd has megalomania, he believes that because of his accomplishments he rules everything he surveys and do what he pleases.”
Sugar Ray Robinson, widely regarded as the greatest pound-for-pound boxer in history, dazzled fans with his unmatched combination of speed, power, and skill, compiling an astonishing 173 wins in his career.
Muhammad Ali, known as “The Greatest,” revolutionized heavyweight boxing with his quick footwork, sharp wit, and fearless activism, capturing the world’s attention both inside and outside the ring.
Sugar Ray Leonard carried the torch into the modern era, blending Robinson’s finesse and Ali’s charisma, earning world titles in five weight divisions and becoming one of the most celebrated fighters of the 1980s.