Floyd Mayweather was fast approaching the one-year mark from a significant date when the American was no longer recognized as the world’s best fighter.
World Boxing News was ready to move on from a year-long show of respect to Mayweather. The defensive genius hadn’t fought since hanging up his gloves.
His last competitive action being a victory over Andre Berto in September 2015.
Mayweather was afforded the top spot in WBN’s Pound for Pound Top 50 for twelve months in the first move of its kind. WBN decided after he announced his retirement. And solely due to the amazing achievements ‘Money’ secured in the ring.
On September 10, 2016, Roman Gonzalez was handed the scepter. Nicaraguan took over as boxing’s number fighter, albeit for a short-lived tenure.
Winning eight world titles in five weight divisions. And boasting a standout record of 49-0. Mayweather is widely regarded as the best fighter of his generation.
Floyd Jr. put together a stellar nineteen-year career taking on the best around.
Victories over ex-world champions Genaro Hernandez, Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo and Arturo Gatti. Plus Zab Judah, Carlos Baldomir, Ricky Hatton, and Oscar De La Hoya, Juan Manuel Marquez, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, Saul Alvarez, Marcos Maidana, and Manny Pacquiao. These hoisted Mayweather to the summit of boxing and earned him nine figures.
Thus far, those measures are unsurpassed by anyone.
Pay-per-view records tumbled time and again when Mayweather fought. Fans tuned in not only to see the dazzling skills he possessed – but towards the end of his career, to see if any fighter had the ability to match him, let alone beat him.
It proved not to be the case. And despite being linked to a return constantly, Mayweather has so far resisted calls for a comeback to face any of today’s top boxers.
Mayweather reached the twentieth anniversary of his professional debut in October 2016. Talk of a cross-codes battle with UFC champion Conor McGregor has begun filling column inches, and the rest, as they say….is history.
Take a look at the Pound for Pound ratings as they stood back in September 2016:
FLOYD MAYWEATHER 50-0
WBN will not recognize a win for Mayweather over McGregor on August 26 in the Pound for Pound rankings.
Mayweather will move to 50-0 if successful at the T-Mobile Arena. But will make no impact in the rating list following previous special dispensation.
