Floyd Mayweather 2020: The 3 Most Memorable Mayweather Fights
Floyd Mayweather Jr. recently announced his comeback for 2020. According to reports, he is in talks with UFC president Dana White for his upcoming fight.
Possible contenders include Khabib Nurmagomedov, Manny Pacquiao, Conor McGregor or Canelo Alvarez.
Mayweather retired in 2017 with a spotless record of 50-0 with 27 knockouts. His next win will make him tied with Ricardo Lopez's 51-0 undefeated streak.
View this post on InstagramComing out of retirement in 2020 A post shared by Floyd Mayweather (@floydmayweather) on Nov 21, 2019 at 7:54pm PST
However, more than his record and a nine-figure paycheck, could the 42-year-old give us a fight to remember? Here is a look back on three fights that almost one-upped the 12 world title-holder.
Mayweather vs. Miguel Cotto (May 5, 2012)
This was the fight that had Money bringing more to the table than he expected. While it was his fight with De La Hoya in 2007 that raked in more views and money, Cotto gave him a fight better than expected -- even with Cotto no longer in his prime.
It was the Puerto Rican who bloodied his nose with flush shots. Mayweather came out humbled after winning the fight via unanimous decision. He was quoted in the ring saying Cotto was "a hell of a champion" and the toughest he has ever fought.
#MayweatherMoment pic.twitter.com/bFGSVN9C8V — Scott (@sledskillz) August 8, 2015
Cotto started out seemingly having the upperhand in the first few rounds, fighting Mayweather from the ropes and landing serious body shots by mid-round.
Mayweather continued to outclass Cotto despite being trapped. He controlled the later rounds from the center of the ring and hurt Cotto with a stunning uppercut. The fight ended with Mayweather landing 128 power punches vs. 75 power punches from Cotto.
Mayweather vs. Diego Corrales (January 20, 2001)
This was the fight that ended the perception Mayweather was an underdog, for good.
Corrales was taller and the top super featherweight contender. He was at his prime and a threat to Floyd with 29 knockouts of his 33 wins. Money came in with 24-0, with 16 knockouts.
The then 23-year-old Mayweather knocked down Corrales three times in Round 7 and twice in Round 10, ending the fight with a TKO.
Money credited his dad Floyd Sr. for the defense techniques he manifested on the ring. Unforgettable was this statement from Mayweather after the win: "I just wanted to show who is the best in the world."
#MayweatherMoment @FloydMayweather vs the late Diego Corrales, which ended in Floyd earning a TKO over Corrales. pic.twitter.com/BDWnnJpEqx — Mayweather Promotions (@MayweatherPromo) August 5, 2016
Mayweather vs. José Luis Castillo (2002)
First fight: April 20, 2002
This was a fight Mayweather almost lost. It was his entrance into the lightweight division, coming in as a challenger.
The fight ended in dispute. Mayweather won by unanimous decision, but the crowds were booing him.
Castillo was barely damaged and applied constant pressure on Floyd with strong body shots. He outlanded his challenger with 203 vs. 157 punches. Nevertheless, Floyd landed the cleaner jabs despite coming in with a left shoulder injury.
In case anyone forgot but Jose Luis Castillo beat Floyd Mayweather Jr #FloydMayweather #HBOBoxing #JoseLuisCastillo pic.twitter.com/6ktXzJCzR3 — Proud Gerbil Lover (@metalhead684) August 27, 2017
Second Fight: December 7, 2002
The debacle ended with a much stronger and faster Mayweather in the rematch. He was still suffering from a sore shoulder in his previous match with Castillo, but he boosted his footwork and jabs.
Mayweather left Castillo with a bloody nose in the fourth round. He silenced doubters and critics from his first fight with Castillo laboring throughout the fight.
