At What Age did Floyd Mayweather Start Boxing?

By Arslan Saleem April 02, 2024 12:52

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

Floyd Mayweather Jr. began his remarkable journey in the sport at a very young age, marking the inception of a career that would solidify his status as one of the greatest boxers of his era.

Early Beginnings

Floyd Mayweather Jr. was born on February 24, 1977, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to a family deeply rooted in boxing.

His father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., was a welterweight contender, while his uncle Jeff Mayweather is a former IBO super featherweight champion, and another uncle, Roger Mayweather, is a former WBA super featherweight and WBC super lightweight champion.

Given this familial background, it is no surprise that Mayweather's introduction to the gym happened at a very tender age.

His father, Floyd Sr., introduced him to boxing when he was just a toddler, and he was fitted for his first pair of boxing gloves at the age of 7.

Mayweather quickly became a regular at his neighborhood gym, showcasing his natural talent and dedication to the sport.

Despite the complexities in his family life, Mayweather's passion for boxing continued to flourish. His father, who also served as his manager and trainer, played a pivotal role in honing his skills.

Early Success and Transition to Professional Boxing

Mayweather's success as a boxer began to materialize at an early age. He won the national Golden Gloves in 1993, 1994, and 1996, showcasing his exceptional boxing abilities.

His amateur career culminated with a bronze medal at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, where he competed in the featherweight division.

Despite the bitter setback at the Olympics, Mayweather's transition to professional boxing marked the beginning of a meteoric rise in the sport.

Professional Career

Floyd Mayweather Jr. turned professional on October 11, 1996, at the age of 19. His professional career witnessed a series of victories and championship triumphs, solidifying his reputation as an extraordinary boxer.

He won his first world title, the WBC super featherweight championship, in 1998, which laid the foundation for a career marked by multiple world championships in different weight divisions.

Unprecedented Achievements

In the subsequent years, Mayweather's career trajectory soared as he moved up in weight class, securing titles in various divisions.

His exceptional defensive ability, combined with his speed and precision, contributed to his undefeated record and established him as one of the most complete boxers of his era.

His career was punctuated by numerous accolades, including the WBC super lightweight world champion in 2005 and the WBC lightweight champion in 2002, among others.

Legacy and Retirement

Mayweather's illustrious career reached its pinnacle with his unprecedented 50–0 career record.

His last professional bout, which took place on August 26, 2017, against mixed martial arts champion Conor McGregor, culminated in a 10th-round technical knockout, solidifying his status as one of the greatest boxers of all time.

Following this bout, Mayweather announced his retirement from boxing, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire aspiring boxers worldwide.

To sum things up, Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s boxing journey commenced at a very young age, guided by a family deeply entrenched in the sport.

His unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and relentless pursuit of greatness propelled him to unparalleled heights in the world of boxing.