A second tragedy hit Floyd Mayweather a week after learning of the death of his uncle and long-time trainer, Roger Mayweather.
After learning of the passing of his ex-girlfriend and mother of three of his children, Josie Harris, just a few days ago, Mayweather was floored by the news.
Roger, a former three-weight world champion, had 72 pro bouts and was nicknamed ‘Black Mamba.’
Roger Mayweather
Mayweather fought Mexican legend Julio Cesar Chavez twice, once in 1985, when losing in two rounds. The second time in 1989, the contest lasted ten rounds.
Pound for pound king of his day, Pernell Whitaker and Kostya Tszyu also inflicted losses on Roger’s record.
But his victories outweighed those defeats.
In 1983 he won his first world title at super-featherweight, the same weight Floyd won his first strap in 1998. Four years after his first, Roger claimed the super-lightweight belt when stopping Rene Arrendondo in Los Angeles.
The orthodox puncher made four successful defenses, including a win over Vinny Pazienza. After dropping the title to Chavez, Mayweather picked up the IBO version before moving to his nephew’s famous welterweight mark.
Another IBO championship followed before Mayweather began to wind down his career during the mid-1990s. Roger stayed around until Floyd made it to the paid ranks in 1996.
On a special night for the Mayweather family, Floyd, Roger, and Jeff Mayweather shared a bill in their Grand Rapids, Michigan home.
It happened on March 12, 1997. The Mayweather trio triumphed at the Stadium Arena, with Roger picking up the lowly-regarded IBA title at 147. He halted Carlos Miranda in the very last round.
Two years and two wins later, Roger retired in 1999.
Boxing Knowledge
Eventually, Roger would be an integral part of Floyd’s team during the most significant part of his career and was highly respected for his boxing knowledge.
But Roger suffered from severe ailments during his time in the sport and reportedly had signs of brain injury due to being hit in the head.
This was never made official, although Floyd had previously confirmed memory problems.
WBN would like to offer our condolences to the Mayweather Family at this sad time.
Rest easy, Black Mamba.
